I’m a fully booked nail tech. What do I do next?
One of the most baffling things I see happening in the nail and beauty industry is independent pros boasting of fully booked diaries – but then closing them to new clients out of fear. This fear is of overwhelm, losing it all and of what others might think of them,…
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Salon in the Spotlight: Elrose Beauty, Ilkeston, Derbyshire
Nail and brow pro, Ellie Aldred, gives a glimpse into her ‘happy place’: her home salon, Elrose Beauty… Ellie Aldred describes her taste in décor as ‘simple and minimalistic – with a bit of an edge’. Her nail studio is located at the bottom of her garden, accessible via the…
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Nail talk: Hollystic Nails, Lancashire, on alternative bridal nail styles
Holly Morris-Last, owner of Hollystic Nails, Rawtenstall, chats to Scratch about offering alternative bridal nail designs… “I offer a bespoke nail design service which enables clients to use their wedding nails as an extension of their personality,” Holly reveals. “My service starts with a consultation, where I understand what the…
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WINNER ANNOUNCED: Scratch Snap May 2024
The winner of Scratch’s monthly nail art challenge for May has been announced as Gemma Dawson. In a showcase of talent, techs created nail designs to fit theme, Phoenix Fingernails, inspired by Nailympia Competitions’ phoenix-themed branding, in the bid to win free entry in up to three Nailympia London 2024 online categories. Entries were judged by Scratch senior news &…
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How to create long nails with ease using Crystal Nails Fusion Tips & Acrylgel
International nail educator for Crystal Nails, Jurgita Bickevic, is passionate about seeing the joy on her clients’ faces following a nail transformation. She is ‘obsessed’ with Xtreme Fusion AcrylGel and Reverse Tips from Crystal Nails, crediting them for helping her to create speedy, flawless nail enhancements. The owner of J&J…
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How to navigate accessibility needs in the nail salon
With research from P&G finding that only 4% of beauty and personal care companies worldwide cater for physical disabilities, Abi Hassan, owner of Canterbury-based salon, Hot Wheels Nails, explores ways nail businesses can effectively meet the accessibility needs of staff and clients. I have personally faced many challenges relating to my…
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Beauty pros, here’s 6 tips to support a more positive mindset
Sarah Hartley, social media coach at Blossom Tree Social & creator of Time To Blossom wellbeing products, shares her advice… Running a business and making time for yourself can feel like a juggle. It can also feel lonely, but you’re not alone – we all have bad days. Staying positive…
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Are you aware of the dangers of sprays & aerosols around electrical nail equipment?
When it comes to ensuring a safe and efficient nail salon environment, it’s essential to be aware of the potential dangers that certain products can pose. Here, I explore why sprays and aerosols can be hazardous when stored and used around electrical nail equipment, such as e-files and gel lamps.…
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Salon in the Spotlight: Nails With Kails, Andover, Hampshire
Kayleigh Watkins shares the story behind her home salon business, Nails With Kails: a space infused with personality and creativity… While facing redundancy from her full-time job in 2019, Kayleigh undertook some nail courses with Magpie Beauty. “I wanted to find a creative and therapeutic outlet, as well as future-proof…
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8 ways to encourage clients to upgrade to nail art
One of the most common things I hear from other nail techs is, ‘I don’t get the chance to do nail art as my clients don’t want to have any.’ This is such a shame, because as artists we naturally want to challenge ourselves and our skills and show off…
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Bridal nail styles: 2024 trend predictions & promotional tactics
A wedding is one of the most important events of a person’s life, with many couples dedicating months or even years to planning their perfect day. Hair, make-up, the dress, venue and décor are all important factors to consider, but who wants to show off their wedding ring with unmanicured nails?…
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5 ways to boost your beauty salon team’s morale
Do you and your team members need a morale boost? Scratch gathers expert tips to support positivity in the workspace… 1. Lead by example “Salon owners can establish a cohesive team by leading by example,” advises Lisa Stone, educator at professional beauty brand, Salon System. “You cannot expect your team…
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Why are client consultations so important in the beauty industry?
A client consultation should be completed by every client before they receive a nail or beauty treatment. This consultation should be regularly reviewed to ensure that nothing has changed medically or personally. Often, I hear nail techs saying that they don’t do consultations, and this isn’t always because they are…
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Salon in the Spotlight: Nail Angel Studley, Warwickshire
Bringing a creative flair to her West Midlands home salon, Anni Watson shares how she’s incorporated her artistic background and love for upcycling into Nail Angel Studley… “While starting a family over 20 years ago, I decided to qualify in nails. I always wanted to use my artistic talents, as…
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What’s the difference between the nail plate & the nail bed?
The terminology can be confusing, but it’s crucial to understand the different parts of the nail structure, including the nail plate and the nail bed. In this post, I explore the distinct characteristics of these two components and their roles. THE NAIL PLATE: what you need to know The nail…
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