BUSINESS

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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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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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To pinch or not? Katie Barnes on nail enhancements

By Helena Biggs | 23 June 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals how and when to use pinching tools… There is often a debate within the industry about whether or not you should pinch L&P and gel enhancements. I think there are situations where it is necessary and others where it is…

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How to take care of your nail tools

By Katie Barnes | 24 May 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals how to take care of your tekking essentials; your tools. From scissors and cuticle pushers to tweezers and nippers, the sharp implements you use as a professional nail technician must be properly maintained. To perform safe and professional nail treatments, it…

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How to maximising the social media offerings of your beauty business

By Guest Writer | 21 May 2017

Tom Ferris, owner of Blackwell Ferris Marketing, reveals how to make the most of your social media platforms and posts… “Read all about it!” used to be called on the streets – as that was how we used to be enticed to buy a newspaper and find out about the…

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Racefit

Consultants unveil beauty business analysing programme

By Kat Hill | 15 May 2017

Are you keen to give your business an edge? Beauty industry consultant, The Red Tree, has launched a 360-degree review to help beauty brands identify their key areas of weakness, gain valuable industry insight and expertise, and discover how to succeed in the challenging beauty industry. The signature RaceFit programme…

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An insight into Bio Sculpture’s business development workshop

By Scratch Staff | 9 May 2017

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to join Bio Sculpture and some of its nail technicians for a unique workshop on how to attract and retain clients. Claire Aggarwal, head of business development at Bio Sculpture, led the workshop and had plenty of tips to share, owing to her former role…

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South East named UK hair and beauty capital

By Kat Hill | 20 April 2017

New research from Direct Line for Business has revealed that nearly one in three hair beauty and nail businesses operate in the South East of England. The small business insurer found that there are nearly 29,000 of these businesses based in the South East – seeing one salon for every…

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