BUSINESS

What is the nail matrix?

What is the nail matrix?

By Jess Watts | 17 August 2025

If you’ve ever heard the term ‘nail matrix’ and pictured Keanu Reeves in black sunglasses and a trench coat, it may be time to brush up your knowledge of this important part of the nail… Have you played on a coin pusher at an arcade? The game where a platform…

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Scarlett Senter Embellishments

7 tips for working with nail embellishments

By Scratch Staff | 16 August 2025

Adorning nails with 3D embellishments adds dimension to designs, allowing you to transform plain styles into striking looks. 7 nail stylists offer adhesion and application advice… Lead nail tips by Scarlett Senter (@scarlett_senternailartist). 1. “Practice wearing embellished designs on your own nails, as this will help you to learn a…

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December christmas calendar

Nail pros, here’s why opening your Christmas diary too early can cost you

By Hannah Beth Clayton | 15 August 2025

Nail business mentor, Hannah Clayton, shares lessons learned from Christmas diary chaos… Every year, as the summer sun is still shining, clients start asking the same thing: ‘When are you opening your Christmas diary?‘ For years, I used to cave at the pressure of releasing appointments, thinking I was clever.…

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Redhead brows

Customising brow treatments

By Kat Hill | 24 September 2019

“A professional well-constructed brow will frame your client’s face, open and lift the eyes, and define and balance features,” enthuses brow expert & Salon System educator, Lisa Stone. “In my opinion, to achieve all of this, a full brow service should include: A full consultation Tinting services with understanding of…

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Robbie Tomkins on how to build & maintain a positive reputation

By Sophie Nutt | 19 September 2019

One of the most frequently asked questions in the session world is without a doubt, ‘have you been busy?‘, and the truth is, the workload can vary massively from artist to artist. As anyone who knows me will confirm, I have worked in lots of different jobs in my time…

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Katie barnes training blog

Why it’s important to respect ‘the basics’ in your nail training

By Katie Barnes | 16 September 2019

As a successful and professional nail technician, ongoing training is essential for a long and prosperous career – and each skill must be mastered in stages for success. Prerequisites are certain areas that must be satisfactorily completed before you enrol on another, usually more advanced class, or before you are…

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Safety salon beauty

Safety first: why compliance is key to salon success

By Scratch Staff | 10 September 2019

Sharon Sandhu, category manager for nails at Salon Services UK & Ireland, reveals why it’s important to revise your health & safety beauty knowledge… As summer business quietens down, it’s the ideal time for salons to go ‘back to school’ and reassess health & safety knowledge. Here are pointers to…

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Security

Security advice for beauty businesses

By Guest Writer | 7 September 2019

Liz McKeon, beauty business expert at www.lizmckeon.com shares some tips on how to keep your business and finances safe… A secure setup ” I would suggest investing in a quality alarm system and place security cameras throughout your premises. Review this annually, always mindful of changes in the area. “Ensure…

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Nhf staff performance

How to manage staff performance effectively

By Scratch Staff | 5 September 2019

Hilary Hall, chief executive of the National Hairdressers’ Federation & National Beauty Federation, serves up support and advice for beauty business owners wishing to effectively manage their staff members… Performance management is a vital skill for business owners, particularly in the highly competitive world of nail salons and spas. Supporting…

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