HEMA: What is it, why is it used in nail products & is it to blame for allergies?
What is HEMA? HEMA, also known as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate or hydroxyethyl methacrylate, belongs to the monomer family and is used as an adhesive in nail products. Having an adhesive property in the product is important to prevent service breakdown. When alternative ingredients are used, using a coarser grit file can…
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What it means to have half moons on your nails
Fingernail half moons are the rounded, white shadows at the base of the nails. The industry term for this is lunula, which is Latin for ‘little moon’. The place where each nail begins growing is known as the matrix. This is where new cells are made that will make up…
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Want to successfully manage & motivate a nail team? Here’s how…
Explore strategies to successfully manage and motivate a nail team with business expert & CEO of PHAB Service Stars, Nergish Wadia-Austin. Leading a team of nail technicians can be both rewarding and challenging, with managers often facing awkward situations that test their skillsets. Understanding how to address these issues effectively…
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How a part-time job at a nail brand inspired an employee to become a nail tech
Ellie Toms’ part-time job at nail brand, Lecenté, inspired her career change to become a nail technician. Here’s her story… The now tech ‘fell in love’ with the brand’s products, so much so that it inspired her to become a nail tech so she was able to use them. The…
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How menopause affects nails & ways to manage symptoms
Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, and involves a decline in hormone levels – which affects various aspects of a woman’s health. But how does it affect natural nails? “Nail changes caused by the menopause are likely to be associated with low oestrogen levels and dry…
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Community chat: 4 networking groups for nail pros
Are you seeking some support from fellow nail techs? Do you want access to hundreds of tutorials to inspire your creativity? Do you have questions but you don’t know who to ask? The answer might lie within joining a nail networking group. Here’s four to have a look at… The…
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3D Halloween nail art: prepare to scare with these 15 designs…
The Halloween season is officially upon us, and the 3D nails trend is booming, so why not combine both? Create spook-tactic 3D Halloween manicures this season on clients to help elevate their fancy dress costumes – because we all know a good manicure is the staple accessory to any outfit!…
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ADHD: How to accommodate employees & clients in the nail space
According to the NHS, ADHD affects 3 to 4% of adults and is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in the UK. There are multiple variants of the condition, so diagnosing ADHD is difficult and can take years of assessments. For people with ADHD, everyday tasks can often be…
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10 Halloween-ready salons to give you inspiration
Halloween offers a perfect opportunity to have some fun in the nail space, so take inspiration from salons that have got clients in the spooky spirit with themed décor… 1. Beauty by Joan, Wisconsin, USA 2. Hope HQ, Manchester, UK 3. Hush Salon, Leeds, UK 4. Revel Salon, New York,…
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Halloween 2024: nail art to match the top 3 horror film character costumes
Still deciding on a Halloween outfit? Here’s the most popular horror character costumes for Halloween 2024 and accompanying nail art ideas. UK jewellery designer, Abbott Lyon, has analysed social media and Google data to detect the most popular horror movie character costumes for Halloween 2024. An important part of any…
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I visited TGB Spa in Brighton for a luxury pedicure – & here’s how it went
Nail brand, The GelBottle Inc, has opened its much-anticipated TGB Spa: a sanctuary for beauty treatments in the bustling city of Brighton. I was invited to explore the space and indulge in a Luxury TGB Gel Pedicure – and it didn’t disappoint. I arrived at Brighton train station and I tapped…
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You’re more than a price tag: how to shine in the crowded nail industry
When you’re a solo nail tech, it’s so easy to feel pressure every time you see another nail tech promoting their services online. You find yourself questioning your prices, wondering if you should lower them, or doubting whether you can keep up. With every tech that launches a business, a…
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WINNER ANNOUNCED: Scratch Snap October 2024
The winner of Scratch’s monthly nail art challenge for October has been announced as Katarzyna Korzeniak. In a showcase of talent, techs created nail designs to fit theme, Wicked film, in the bid to win a prize from OPI. Entries were judged by head of education for OPI UK&I education & capability manager, Belinda Price, and Scratch…
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Best Practice Guide shared by BABTAC to help beauty therapists support menopausal clients
A whopping 95% of women believe education and awareness of menopause needs to be improved*. Subsequently, the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) has released MENOPAUSE: A BABTAC Best Practice Guide. The 12-page guide serves to advise beauty professionals on how to treat menopausal clients effectively and comfortably.…
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10 ways to practice self-care as a nail tech
Scratch explores the importance of self-care and looks at 10 ways to ensure you prioritise your wellbeing as a nail pro… 1. Take regular breaks Schedule breaks during your working day to recharge; whether five minutes between clients or a full lunch break to refuel and take a walk, to…
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