BUSINESS

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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Runner feet

9 common nail & skin problems for runners & how to treat

By Scratch Staff | 26 April 2025

Discover the common nail and skin woes of runners and how to tackle them… “Runners can be prone to a lot of foot problems,” explains nail educator & brand adviser, Rachel Gribble. “A build-up of hard skin, ingrown and bruised toenails are some of the most prevalent. A regular pedicure…

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Katie barnes glitters for blog

Why you shouldn’t use craft glitter in your nail services

By Katie Barnes | 26 September 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals why you shouldn’t use craft shop glitter in your nail services. There are many techs using craft glitters in their nail services because they may have seen someone else do it, it is low cost and easy. You may think it’s…

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Damaged nails incorrect removal

How to deal with damaged nails

By Katie Barnes | 12 September 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals how to tackle common characteristics of damaged nails… One of the most challenging roles we play as nail technicians is the role of repair man or woman. We all have clients who come to us with weak, thin and damaged…

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Kb 3

How to prevent nail product overexposure

By Katie Barnes | 29 August 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals why the misuse of monomer can have nasty consequences… We are all responsible for bad work habits but some are more dangerous than others. It has become alarmingly more apparent through the likes of YouTube videos and live feeds on social media that too many techs are flooding…

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Tom ferris headshot

How to get in front of your nail audience without paying for ads

By Guest Writer | 28 August 2017

Tom Ferris, owner of Blackwell Ferris Marketing, reveals how to reach your social media audience at a limited cost. I’ve been asked by a few of my friends why I seem to have so much beauty and nail content on my personal Facebook and Instagram pages. Being around friends who typically are…

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Fade

Gel polish fading? Here’s how to prevent it

By Katie Barnes | 22 August 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals why gel polish can fade in the summer – and how to help prevent it Many techs are familiar with the issue of under-curing gel, but not so aware of the issues of over-curing gel. How many techs have been…

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Tanning mitt

Liverpool named fake tan capital of the UK

By Kat Hill | 17 August 2017

A new report has dubbed Liverpool as the fake tan capital of the UK. Online hair and beauty retailer Hairtrade.com  looked at which cities stocked up on tanning products. Check out the table of results below. Women from Yorkshire were found to be big fake tan fans with Huddersfield coming second…

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