Bridal nails

Aftercare advice for bridal clients

By Kat Hill | 23 February 2019

In order for your client to maintain their nail look past the big day, it is important to impart aftercare advice and your product recommendations for use at home. Not only does this present the perfect retail opportunity, the correct information also helps reduce the risk of service breakdown and…

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How & why you should retail beauty products

By Scratch Staff | 21 February 2019

Esteemed salon & spa business consultant, Susan Routledge, serves up advice on how & why you should make the most of retail opportunities.. Q: Why is it so important for a nail business to offer retail products? Retailing is such an integral and important part of any nail business. It…

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Maria Cientanni shares Lecenté glitter application tips

By Sophie Nutt | 21 February 2019

It’s no secret that glitter is a key component – and, for some, a healthy obsession – in a nail tech’s life. Glitter is a great way to personalise a manicure and make it unique to the client, as more women are seeking to express themselves through their nail choices,…

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Robbie session work

Robbie Tomkins reveals his journey into session nail styling

By Scratch Staff | 14 February 2019

There isn’t a clear cut or methodical way to becoming a session technician. Everyone has a different experience and story of how they came to be on their hands and knees, painting a model’s toes through a pair of strappy stilettos in a disused warehouse in East London at 7am…

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Tammy naf

Top tips for making your nail business stand out

By Scratch Staff | 13 February 2019

Tammy Koslowski, founder of award-winning NAF! Salon in Glasgow, reveals her advice for making your business stand out from the rest… In any given town, you can bet that there will be multiple beauty salons or mobile technicians, so how can you ensure that you stand out and get a…

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Top tips for nailing it backstage at Fashion Week

By Scratch Staff | 12 February 2019

Fashion Week is nearly upon us, and if your skills will see you secure a stint backstage as a nail stylist, follow these words of wisdom from fellow pros… KNOW YOUR LEAD “While assisting at Fashion Week, you are there on behalf of the lead session stylist and your work…

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How to handle negative comments about your business

By Sophie Nutt | 7 February 2019

As in any career, you’ll experience some bad amongst a lot of good – including negative reviews or poor feedback in person or on social media. However, negative comments don’t always have to be the marketing nightmare that many assume them to be. When handled well, they can even become…

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Jenny harris

How to strike a balance between work & home life

By Scratch Staff | 6 February 2019

Make it easy to manage the separation between work and home life with advice from nail artist and educator, JENNY HARRIS… I entered the nail industry shortly after my daughter was born, as I sought work that would be flexible so I could look after her. I completed a diploma…

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Causes of bubbles in L&P & Gel nail enhancements

By Katie Barnes | 5 February 2019

Award-winning nail tech and educator, Katie Barnes, reveals reasons for pocket lifting… ‘Pocket lifting’ is a term used to describe when an enhancement gets a ‘bubble’ in the middle of the nail plate but the area around it is still sealed down. There are several causes for this kind of…

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Attracting bridal nail clients through social media

By Scratch Staff | 5 February 2019

Are you using social media effectively to attract potential bridal clients? Helena Linsky, co-director of salon chain, Q61, shares her top tips… “When it comes to attracting the attention of new bridal clients, social media is a very powerful tool,” states Helena Linsky. “Remember that brides-to-be often rely heavily on social…

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Points to consider when pedicuring cancer patients

By Sophie Nutt | 2 February 2019

While hands are almost always on show and manicures can often be seen to take priority, it’s imperative to remind your clients of the importance of regular foot care. However, while many professionals already know what makes for a classic or luxurious pedicure, occasionally a client may visit your salon…

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Pregnancy

Women to be given more rights after maternity leave, says the NHF/NBF

By Kat Hill | 2 February 2019

Beauty and hair trade association, The NHF and NBF have revealed that the government has announced new plans to give more protection against redundancy for pregnant women and new parents when they return to work after having children. A consultation has been launched on proposals to extend the legal protection…

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Questions answered

Scratch Stars Awards: Your questions answered!

By Helena Biggs | 1 February 2019

Scratch editor & Scratch Stars Awards organiser, Helena Biggs, answers your questions about the Scratch Stars Awards 2019… Q: What is it and who should enter? The Scratch Stars Awards is run by Scratch magazine and recognises UK-based nail techs, bloggers, teams, salons and spas across 18 categories. There really…

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Natural nail

Nails & cancer: Your questions answered

By Scratch Staff | 1 February 2019

While everyone can appreciate the benefits of a pamper, indulging those fighting cancer truly can be a rewarding experience. Here, experts answer your questions about caring for clients with cancer… What insurance requirements are there? “Speaking from the perspective of ABT, we offer one of the widest insurance covers available on…

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Phone nails

Celebrity nail tech, Robbie Tomkins, on how to manage stress

By Scratch Staff | 31 January 2019

When you’re back-to-back with appointments and rushed off your feet in the salon or on the move, your work life can feel a little daunting. To help promote calmness in his tekking career, session nail stylist, Robbie Tomkins, recommends meditation. “I’ve been meditating for around three years. It allows me…

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