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Social media engagement: Why it matters & how to increase it

By Guest Writer | 28 December 2023

Alicia Humphreys is owner of Pink Fox Salon Socials, which works with UK hair and beauty salon owners to grow their social media presences and help them attract new clients. The company offers bespoke services in social media management, strategy and training. Here, Alicia shares social media engagement advice… Social…

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Nail techs: Here’s how you can overcome creative burnout

By Callie Iley | 26 December 2023

Are your nail art ideas waning and are you feeling run-down? Scratch explores the causes and impacts of creative burnout and how to overcome them… What does creative burnout look like? Creative burnout can manifest in a number of ways and will vary from person to person, but there are…

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5 ways to increase your success as a nail pro in 2024

By Scratch Staff | 24 December 2023

Stepping into 2024 provides a chance to evaluate your business to support your career growth. From goals to finances, marketing and competition hopes, Scratch explores how nail technicians can plan and prepare for the year ahead… 1. Reflect on your business & set new goals Before getting caught up in…

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Here’s what you really need in your nail tech starter kit & why you shouldn’t buy from just anywhere

By Michelle Brookes | 20 December 2023

There are generally two types of students I see starting out in the nail industry; those who buy everything possible, and those who are on a tight budget and buy inferior products. Sometimes, I look at the kits of my students and see that they have more stock than me!…

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Community spirit: How Yorkshire nail techs are promoting positive mental wellbeing for fellow pros

By Callie Iley | 17 December 2023

Following her transition from a role in the NHS to the nail industry, Natasha Katoro of By Natasha Katoro shares how she and her local support group are tackling high feelings of isolation amongst industry pros… Hoping to foster a sense of community to promote positive mental wellbeing for nail…

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Cosmetics ingredients information is at your fingertips with this mobile app

By Rebecca Hitchon | 5 December 2023

On average, European consumers use over seven different cosmetics daily, but do you know about their ingredients? European personal care association, Cosmetics Europe, is on a mission to drive transparency and improve cosmetics ingredients knowledge, with the launch of the COSMILE Europe app. Allowing users to scan an ingredients list…

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How to choose the right nail course for your needs

By Michelle Brookes | 4 December 2023

When starting out as a nail technician, you may find choosing a course overwhelming. Often, you may be so eager to start your journey that you don’t consider all the options available for the best beginning to your career.   There are three main course options when starting out: 1.An…

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E-file bits: Understanding types of bits, their uses & how to keep them clean

By Callie Iley | 1 December 2023

E-file bits come in a range of materials and grits, with a variety of different uses. Some types of E-file bits include: Diamond bits – not for use on the natural nail. Used for exfoliating or polishing skin and pushing back the proximal nail fold. Carbide & ceramic bits –…

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Salon in the Spotlight: Halo Nails, Maidstone

By Carter Rogers | 30 November 2023

Despite falling in love with nails and qualifying as a nail tech in 2007, Chantelle Wicks had to return to her office job in 2008 after becoming a single mum to her young daughter. It was during the pandemic that she rethought her career and thus, in 2022, nails becoming…

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This year’s best advent calendars for nail enthusiasts

By Callie Iley | 26 November 2023

We’ve rounded up the best advent calendars for nail pros and enthusiasts, with each including a seasonal surprise behind each door… HONA Advent Calendar HONA’s 12-day advent calendar features 14 new products and surprise goodies for nail techs to unwrap in the run-up to Christmas, with two products in each…

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5 ways nail salon owners can support employee wellbeing

By Scratch Staff | 26 November 2023

Scratch explores ways that salon owners can look after their employees’ physical and mental wellbeing… 1. Promote healthy eating & hydration Here are a few tips: Provide a fruit bowl/healthy snacks in the staff area for employees to help themselves to. Encourage regular food and drink breaks, with water stations…

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E-files: Understanding use, RPM, torque & more

By Callie Iley | 25 November 2023

Get to grips with E-files as Scratch explores use, key features, care tips and more… The use of an E-file in a nail service can significantly speed up the shaping and filing process, as well as reduce the physically demanding and repetitive use of hand files. “Some nail technicians are…

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Should I offer nail service discounts? Marie-Louise Coster explores

By Marie-Louise Coster | 24 November 2023

In this column, session nail stylist, salon owner & educator, Marie-Louise Coster, talks discounts, their effects and knowing the worth of your services… Christmas is around the corner and your columns, if not already full, will be filling up fast. The festive season may be slower getting started for you…

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Salon in the Spotlight: Kelly’s Beauty Box

By Carter Rogers | 23 November 2023

Completing her training as a beauty therapist in 2009 and qualifying as a nail technician the following year, Kelly opted to open her own salon after six years of salon experience in 2016.  She kept her salon home-based for the first five years after branching out on her own, but…

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How to create elegant, elongated lashes that still look natural

By Guest Writer | 23 November 2023

Salon System lash expert & educator, Ruth Atkins, shares advice on creating elegant, elongated lashes… You can achieve elegant, elongated and natural-looking lashes using many different types of Salon System lashes. The biggest decision you need to make is how long you want them to last, as different lengths of…

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