Katie Barnes L&P

L&P: What is it?

By Katie Barnes | 29 October 2019

A question I hear at least once a day from techs, is ‘What is L&P’ or ‘What is liquid & powder’? It is alarming to be made aware of how many techs don’t understand what liquid & powder is. Understanding the terminology and chemistry behind the products we are working…

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Untitled design

Sinead Bulley on perfecting a home salon setup

By Sophie Nutt | 24 October 2019

It can be tricky to get the balance right between homely and professional when working from a home-based salon. One of your unique selling point may be offering a welcoming space in which clients can fully relax, rather than a busy salon environment. However, it is important to still present…

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Cold hands

How to help clients take care of hands & nails this winter

By Scratch Staff | 23 October 2019

Sharon Sandhu, category manager for nails at Salon Services UK & Ireland, reveals why it’s important to encourage clients to take care of  their hands & nails in between appointments… Winter can be harsh on hands and nails. If neglected, the cold weather, freezing rain and drying central heating – and…

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Happy Halloween

How to promote Halloween nail art

By Sophie Nutt | 21 October 2019

In case we haven’t mentioned it enough, Halloween is right around the corner, which means client requests of all that is spooky will start rolling in – if they haven’t already. But how do your existing clients, and potential new ones, know that you’re offering seasonal nail art to meet…

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Katie Barnes competing

6 reasons why nail competitions can help your salon work

By Katie Barnes | 15 October 2019

Sometimes, it really is the taking part that counts. If you do not win a nail competition, there is always something to learn. Setting aside the element of placing, competing in nail competitions -whether live or portfolio based – can be hugely beneficial to your salon work. While the significance…

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Therapist

How to effectively handle client complaints

By Scratch Staff | 12 October 2019

Caroline Larissey, the NBF’s director of quality & standards, offers up advice for handling client complaints… When you’re in the business of making your clients feel good about the way they look, it can be particularly difficult if you’re faced with a complaint. The secret is to be prepared so…

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Money

When to offer a treatment upsell

By Kat Hill | 5 October 2019

Simply put, upselling is great for beauty businesses – it increases profit and shows your clients that you have a wealth of experience in the hair and beauty arena. Not only do add-on retail products have the ability to increase your bottom line dramatically, but enticing clients to try something…

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Untitled design

Metta Francis on perfecting a mobile nail setup

By Sophie Nutt | 3 October 2019

As a mobile tech, just because you don’t have a physical, set space in which you offer your services, it doesn’t mean you have to skip on deciding interior objects and furniture. Inject your own personality into your mobile setup with branded towels, equipment and your uniform, and recreate the…

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Kate Nielen Photography 21 copy

Top tips for designing your salon interior

By Sophie Nutt | 26 September 2019

Your business interior provides a first and lasting impression for your clients. Décor can massively influence how a client – or potential client – perceives the quality of your treatments, customer service, professionalism and knowledge. It is important to reflect your business personality within its interior, as this way, clients…

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Redhead brows

Customising brow treatments

By Kat Hill | 24 September 2019

“A professional well-constructed brow will frame your client’s face, open and lift the eyes, and define and balance features,” enthuses brow expert & Salon System educator, Lisa Stone. “In my opinion, to achieve all of this, a full brow service should include: A full consultation Tinting services with understanding of…

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IMG

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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NHF staff performance

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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