Foot sand summer

3 rules for keeping holiday nails in tip-top condition

By Scratch Staff | 16 August 2019

Sharon Sandhu, category manager for nails at Salon Services UK & Ireland, reveals three ways to ensure nail looks keep in the best shape while on holiday… At this time of year, many clients will be escaping for an annual summer break of sun, sea and carefree days on the…

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How to close a nail form correctly to ensure a great enhancement

By Katie Barnes | 5 August 2019

The perfect form fit is one of the most important elements when it comes to a well-structured sculpted nail enhancement. The correct placement of the nail form is essential but an often overlooked component of the form fit is the symmetrical closure of the wings. Without this, it will be…

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Your session styling questions: answered!

By Sophie Nutt | 1 August 2019

Session stylist and Scratch columnist, Robbie Tomkins, invited you to ask him any questions about the session world. Here, he answers those questions with the help of session techs Michelle Humphrey and Michelle Class. Kaycie Kyle asks: What career level do you need to be at to start session work? RT: I started…

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How to keep staff happy

By Sophie Nutt | 25 July 2019

Finding an ideal candidate and offering them the job is not the end of the salon recruitment process. Retaining staff is an ongoing responsibility and ensuring their happiness is key to the. There is no ‘one size fits all’ formula formula to retaining staff, so it might take some trial…

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Margaret Dabbs shares 10 ways to look after feet in the heat

By Sophie Nutt | 24 July 2019

Margaret Dabbs, foot expert and CEO of Margaret Dabbs London, shares her advice on how to take care of feet in this heatwave… How can heat negatively affect the heat? The warm weather can cause feet to swell as the veins dilate in an attempt to keep the body cool,…

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What it takes to become & remain a successful nail technician

By Katie Barnes | 23 July 2019

Becoming a nail technician is often a career choice that is snubbed and looked down upon. It is often perceived as ‘just painting nails’. Anyone that has ever tried to paint nails well, will appreciate that this is a skill in itself. This element is just the tip of the…

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NHF/NBF on the importance of patch testing

By Kat Hill | 23 July 2019

Caroline Larissey is the NHF/NBF’s director of quality & standards, reveals the importance of patch testing within any beauty business… “Allergy alert and sensitivity testing are vital to protect your clients, your reputation and your salon business. “Having an approved and reliable patch testing system in place when providing lash…

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Marketing lash services to clients

By Kat Hill | 20 July 2019

Helena Linsky, co-director of salon chain, Q61, shares her advice for marketing lash services successfully in your salon… “As a first step in promoting your new lash services, you could let your newly trained lash technicians practice their skills on your nail technicians. Sitting up close all day with clients,…

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What to consider when starting out as a mobile nail tech

By Sophie Nutt | 18 July 2019

Does working for yourself and tending to clients in the comfort of their own home tickle your fancy? If so, there are a number of steps to consider before you jump head first into the world of mobile tekking. Firstly, you need to begin deciding what services you will offer…

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Tips for a comfortable wax service this summer

By Scratch Staff | 16 July 2019

Salon System educator & wax specialist, Lisa Stone, serves up her top tips for a comfortable wax service this summer… 1. Ensure you prep correctly Skin can become a little drier in the summer so encourage your clients to exfoliate 24hrs before waxing and pay particular attention to knees, toes,…

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Shoot Out Ivana Prokic

The Great Scratch Shoot Out: Hear from Ivana Prokic

By Kat Hill | 15 July 2019

Last year, Ivana Prokic’s scooped first place with her striking image. The shoot was a collaboration with Ilona van Barschot Teunissen, of Ilona Teunissen Fotografie, and saw a winning combination. “Winning still feels like a dream,” smiles Ivana. “It’s fantastic, overwhelming, unreal and I feel so happy. I’m so proud…

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Why c-curve’s are imperative to a great final nail shape

By Katie Barnes | 9 July 2019

While the c-curve on a nail enhancement has the important role of creating an attractive enhancement and providing strength, it is also responsible for a considerable part of the desired finished free edge shape. The nail’s c-curve isn’t just found at the natural free edge point; it starts where the…

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Help your business rise to all occasions this summer

By Scratch Staff | 1 July 2019

Sharon Sandhu, category manager for nails at Salon Services UK & Ireland, serves up top tips to help clients prepare for summer events – while you boost your bottom line… Summer has finally arrived, and with it, so has occasion season. With so many weddings, parties and other notable events taking…

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How to raise your profile in the beauty & hair sectors

By Scratch Staff | 27 June 2019

Dave Horton, director of Associated Beauty Therapists (ABT), reveals how you can increase your impact in the wider industry & show off your skills successfully… When was the last time you shouted about how great you are? You have a loyal group of clients who, no doubt, love to recommend…

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Why you should add waxing to your treatment menu

By Sophie Nutt | 27 June 2019

Waxing is a treatment for which clients will seek out a recommended therapist with whom they feel comfortable, and is convenient for regular, repeat bookings all year round. It’s also a treatment that offers high profit margins. Whether you own a large or small salon or work as a mobile…

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