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Robbie Tomkins on how to build & maintain a positive reputation

By Sophie Nutt | 19 September 2019

One of the most frequently asked questions in the session world is without a doubt, ‘have you been busy?‘, and the truth is, the workload can vary massively from artist to artist. As anyone who knows me will confirm, I have worked in lots of different jobs in my time…

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Katie barnes training blog

Why it’s important to respect ‘the basics’ in your nail training

By Katie Barnes | 16 September 2019

As a successful and professional nail technician, ongoing training is essential for a long and prosperous career – and each skill must be mastered in stages for success. Prerequisites are certain areas that must be satisfactorily completed before you enrol on another, usually more advanced class, or before you are…

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Safety salon beauty

Safety first: why compliance is key to salon success

By Scratch Staff | 10 September 2019

Sharon Sandhu, category manager for nails at Salon Services UK & Ireland, reveals why it’s important to revise your health & safety beauty knowledge… As summer business quietens down, it’s the ideal time for salons to go ‘back to school’ and reassess health & safety knowledge. Here are pointers to…

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Security

Security advice for beauty businesses

By Guest Writer | 7 September 2019

Liz McKeon, beauty business expert at www.lizmckeon.com shares some tips on how to keep your business and finances safe… A secure setup ” I would suggest investing in a quality alarm system and place security cameras throughout your premises. Review this annually, always mindful of changes in the area. “Ensure…

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How to manage staff performance effectively

By Scratch Staff | 5 September 2019

Hilary Hall, chief executive of the National Hairdressers’ Federation & National Beauty Federation, serves up support and advice for beauty business owners wishing to effectively manage their staff members… Performance management is a vital skill for business owners, particularly in the highly competitive world of nail salons and spas. Supporting…

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What to do when you suspect a nail product allergy

By Katie Barnes | 3 September 2019

Itching; redness; swelling; nail separation; burning; peeling or blistering are all ways that your body is telling you that something is wrong. While recognising an allergy is important, it is equally essential that you know what to do afterwards. However minor the symptoms may appear, if client or tech begins…

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Thinking of franchising?

By Kat Hill | 3 September 2019

There’s more than one way to run a beauty business – and maybe franchising could be the way forward for you, explains NBF chief executive, Hilary Hall… Depending on your situation, you can consider becoming a franchisee or a franchisor. Either way, make sure you do your homework and understand…

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Jessica Nails educator, Georgina Walker.

Analysing the natural nail

By Kat Hill | 31 August 2019

“It is important to carry out a thorough analysis at the beginning of each treatment to make sure you provide the correct solution to achieve the best results,” says Jessica Nails educator, Georgina Walker. “Assess each nail individually, as nails on the same hand can have different needs. This will…

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Why regular training is so important in the beauty industry

By Scratch Staff | 30 August 2019

Dave Horton of ABT Insurance outlines why continued professional development is so important in the beauty industry… The start of another academic year represents, to me, the opportunity to start a new training course or improve a skill set. Of course, we can undertake training at any time throughout the…

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Hygiene advice for keeping tools clean

By Sophie Nutt | 29 August 2019

All nail tools and implements must be properly cleaned and disinfected before coming into direct contact with a client, both for their health and the credibility of your business. “There is absolutely no argument that tools must be disinfected in between every client,” says Nigel Rouse of Mundo Professional. “Total…

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How to make the most of an Instagram story

By Scratch Staff | 28 August 2019

Tammy Koslowski, owner of Glasgow’s award-winning NAF! Salon (and winner of the Scratch Stars Best Use of Social Media award 2017 & 2018) shares her social media tips & tricks… Remember when Instagram stories used to only last 24 hours? Now you can get old story posts from your archive…

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Robbie Tomkins on working with celebrities

By Sophie Nutt | 22 August 2019

When I tell people I am a session manicurist and explain what the job entails, one of the first questions they ask is, ‘which celebrities have you worked with?‘ or my pet hate, ‘who is the best/worst celebrity that you’ve worked with?‘. I always find these questions rather uncomfortable and…

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Financial points to consider when buying a space for your beauty business

By Scratch Staff | 21 August 2019

Finance expert, Gary Hemming of ABC Finance, serves up some insight on funding options available to nail salon businesses… During the life of a business, there will naturally be times when additional funding is required. This can be for a number of reasons and is a crucial point in the…

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Katie barnes tools

How to keep your nail tools in tip-top condition

By Katie Barnes | 20 August 2019

Are you experiencing premature tool breakdown? This can be a common issue among nail techs but there is a simple solution to help keep your tools in top class condition. Follow the manufacturer guidelines Following the manufacturer’s guidelines is essential for success and longevity with your tools. These precise instructions…

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Elise Scholes-Pilkington

Elise Scholes-Pilkington on nailing your consultation process

By Kat Hill | 20 August 2019

Polish up your professional image and nail your consultation process with help from Elise Scholes-Pilkington, Scratch Stars Awards Ultimate Natural Nail Specialist…   I believe client consultation is paramount in how to maintain and gain a regular client base. It always begins with your phone manner; it helps to smile…

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