BUSINESS

Studex multi piercing

Multiple ear piercing: the beauty trend for 2025 & how to offer in the salon

By Guest Writer | 2 May 2025

Piercing equipment and training provider, Studex, shares information about three multi piercing techniques… “With multiple ear piercings becoming one of the biggest beauty trends of 2025, Studex is offering guidance on new piercing techniques, exclusive to Studex Piercing Partners,” says a spokesperson for the brand. “Not only are multi piercings…

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Ctpa allergy guidance

Artificial nails: 7 steps to reduce the risk of allergy

By Guest Writer | 29 April 2025

Caroline Rainsford, director of science at the Cosmetics, Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA), shares practical ways to reduce allergy in the nail space… Acrylate monomers, which are the starting materials in liquid & powder (L&P) and UV/LED gel nail systems, can sometimes cause allergic reactions if they touch the skin.…

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Social media user

How to build your social media: 5 simple steps from a beauty business expert

By Hannah Beth Clayton | 27 April 2025

Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year finalist for 2024 and 2025 & online columnist, Hannah Beth Clayton, shares her social media tips… Growing your social media doesn’t need to be hard, confusing or a full-time job. I talk to so many beauty pros who feel overwhelmed by the…

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Hema gloves gel polish

HEMA: What is it, why is it used in nail products & is it to blame for allergies?

By Katie Barnes | 5 November 2024

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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Katie barnes half moon nail header

What it means to have half moons on your nails

By Katie Barnes | 2 November 2024

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…

By Guest Writer | 31 October 2024

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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Menopause Nails

How menopause affects nails & ways to manage symptoms

By Rebecca Hitchon | 30 October 2024

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

By Lilly Delmage | 29 October 2024

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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Adhd

ADHD: How to accommodate employees & clients in the nail space

By Scratch Staff | 28 October 2024

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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