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Master ‘nailfies’ as a nail tech with these expert photography tips

By Lilly Delmage | 2 April 2025

The ultimate guide to everything you need to know as a nail tech who wants to capture high-quality nail photos… First impressions matter. Blurry, dark or low-resolution photos can make it difficult for social media users to properly appreciate your nail creations, which could impact whether they decide to book…

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No More Week

NO MORE Week: How nail & beauty pros can support clients experiencing domestic abuse

By Scratch Staff | 4 March 2025

NO MORE Week is an annual, international campaign to raise awareness about and take a stand against domestic abuse and sexual violence. It provides resources for individuals and organisations to take action and make a difference, and you can too as a nail/beauty pro. The focus for 2025 is ‘NO…

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Scottish training centre launches spa traineeship programme to help combat employment crisis

By Helena Biggs | 21 February 2025

BABTAC & CIBTAC Training Centre of the Year 2022, 2023 and 2024, The Academy, Glasgow, has launched Scotland’s first spa traineeship programme, in partnership with the Crerar Hotel Group. The traineeship delivers CIBTAC Level 2 Facial Skincare and Level 3 Body Massage qualifications. “The traineeship combines immersive on-site training at…

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Nail & beauty apprenticeships: salons share benefits, their experiences & advice

By Rebecca Hitchon | 16 February 2025

In a recent poll on Scratch’s Instagram, almost 80% of respondents shared that they’re considering taking on apprentices. Here, two UK salons share how they’ve reaped the rewards of the apprenticeship process… Nailspa, West Yorkshire “As a business owner, I believe that when it comes to employees, you cannot beat…

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Nail techs: This is why thorough client consultations are so important

By Lilly Delmage | 16 February 2025

Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year finalist 2024, Tanya Jeskins, shares why thorough client consultations are the key to effective and safe nail services that keep clients returning. So, what exactly is a client consultation? Tanya explains: “It’s a professional conversation that takes place before every appointment, to…

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Zaara King 4 Figure Focus Beauty Membership

‘Four figure focus’ method seeks to help beauty pros boost earnings

By Helena Biggs | 22 January 2025

Beauty business and mindset coach, Zaara King, shares details of ‘The Four Figure Focus’, a membership programme to help beauty business owners earn four figures a week, while working part-time hours. “Ideal for professionals with visions of freedom, efficiency and creativity, the programme offers its members tailored support, plus community…

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Renowned nail artist launches The Nail Nexus online education platform

By Helena Biggs | 1 January 2025

Sara Cady, known among nail enthusiasts as ‘Glamourphile’, has launched The Nail Nexus: an online learning platform for industry enthusiasts who are keen to become nail professionals. The UK-based nail technician, artist & educator boasts over 10 years’ experience in the sector, and has worked in salons and from a…

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Willow Academy launches The E-file Society to connect nail techs & boost knowledge

By Rebecca Hitchon | 17 December 2024

Are you an E-file tech that wants to surround yourself with like-minded E-file users, while boosting your product understanding? Willow Academy Ltd has launched The E-file Society: a judgment-free community space to help pros do just that. “The Society allows Willow to share knowledge with our customers, and provides members…

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Hd Professional Nail Systems Brand Spotlight

Meet HD Professional Nail Systems: a brand dedicated to raising standards via award-winning education & products

By Rebecca Hitchon | 30 September 2024

What should pros look for in a nail brand? Products that help to elevate artistry, high-quality education and a passionate team behind-the-scenes are key qualities – and HD Professional Nail Systems ticks every box. Founder, Hazel Dixon’s career stems 18 years and she has an awe-inspiring collection of over 100…

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Sparkle Squad

Want to elevate your nail art? Award-winning pro unveils memberships for all skill levels

By Rebecca Hitchon | 22 September 2024

The World’s Star Nail Artist 2023, Katy Pottle, has announced the Sparkle Squad: a membership programme to empower nail artists. “Having worked as a nail tech for over 22 years, I know firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with mastering nail art, says Katy Pottle. “After winning The World’s…

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Melanie Lewedon

Finding the perfect nail course: a guide by Scratch Stars Educator of the Year 2024

By Lilly Delmage | 28 August 2024

Scratch Stars Educator of the Year 2024, Melanie Lewendon, shares her top tips for finding the best nail courses to extend your skills.. Continual professional development is critical in any industry, the expert educator explains: “Techniques and products are constantly evolving, and it’s essential to stay updated. This not only…

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Looking for a job as a nail technician? Here are 5 tips for nailing the application process

By Michelle Brookes | 5 August 2024

Have you finished your nail course, and are looking for your first job in the professional sector? While many colleges and academies help with employability pointers, here are my top tips to nail your first application: 1. Create your CV. Your CV needs to be up-to-date, and feature information that…

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Considering employing a nail/beauty apprentice? Here’s what you need to know

By Rebecca Hitchon | 27 May 2024

The UK government’s Spring Budget at the start of March prompted dismay from industry bodies for its silence on support for apprentices. However, positive news came later in the month when the government announced plans to fully fund the cost of apprenticeships for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). So, why…

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Mlc Skin Cancer Blog

How I spotted a sign of skin cancer on my salon client’s nail

By Marie-Louise Coster | 24 May 2024

Session nail stylist, salon owner & educator, Marie-Louise Coster, reveals how undertaking skin cancer awareness training benefitted a client… As nail techs, we provide a very personal service. The level of touch brings responsibility, because clients often share deeply personal things. We need to listen, and if asked, support clients…

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Why are client consultations so important in the beauty industry?

By Michelle Brookes | 3 May 2024

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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