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left handed nail tech katie barnes

Left-handed nail tech? Here’s how to adapt your tool kit

By Katie Barnes | 13 August 2025

It is assumed that when working left-handed, you just work the opposite way. But if you are leftie, you will know this is a myth. The majority of the population is right-handed, and so the majority of nail products and techniques are tailored to right-handed techs. Having to adapt to…

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Heatwave nail products

The UK heatwave: Is it affecting your nail products?

By Katie Barnes | 12 August 2025

Educator & award-winning nail pro, Katie Clark, reveals why hot weather may impact your nail products and services… Most techs will have noticed a difference in their L&P acrylic and gel systems during different temperatures and seasons, with changes being particularly noticeable during periods of very warm weather. Temperature and…

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Cutiecles lead

Inside the nailcare oasis in the centre of Huddersfield

By Jess Watts | 2 August 2025

Meet Rebecca, ‘toe wizard’ & owner of Cutiecles – a salon sanctuary that prides itself on comfort, care and calm. Recently refurbed, Cutiecles Nail Salon is a passion project for the nail technician, who boasts 10 years’ experience in the industry. After returning to work from maternity leave, Rebecca (and…

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15 things to know about Madelene Wolf – global champion of nails

By Alex Fox | 21 June 2021

 Get to Know a Nailympia Expert… NAME: Madelene Wolf Business name: Madelene Wolf Naildesign Location: Sweden Nationality: Swedish Who Trained You: So many… David Fowler & Najet Hamila Strand to name two that I’ve learned the most from. Years in Nails: 25 years Years Judging: 3 years Nail Brand You…

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Teaching manicure nails

Why you shouldn’t teach without a teaching qualification

By Katie Barnes | 15 June 2021

Teaching without a qualification to do so is unfortunately something we come across in the nail industry and it causes a lot of debate. Teaching without a proper qualification is no different to performing nail services without a qualification – we will always come across it and the lack of…

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Efile nail drill

E-files: Myth vs fact

By Scratch Staff | 10 June 2021

Awarding winning tech & educator, Paulina Zdrada of The Nail Lab, tackles common questions about e-files. E-files are one of the more versatile tools at your disposal in the sense that they can be used in a variety of ways for a range of reasons. Whether it be for prep…

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Tortie feature

How to perfect tortoiseshell nail art using The GelBottle Inc

By Guest Writer | 10 June 2021

The GelBottle Inc’s resident nail technician, Helena Marimon, shares how to create tortoiseshell nail art… I advise using a layering method, first coined by TGB brand ambassador, Amy Rickaby. Start your design off with strong nail prep, ensuring cuticles are removed from the nail to enable perfect polish application. Apply…

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E file stock image katie barnes

Are e-file manicure techniques safe?

By Katie Barnes | 1 June 2021

As nail technicians, there is already a lot of strain and stress put on our hands, wrists and shoulders. It is important that we make the necessary changes and follow safe working techniques to look after our hands while offering our clients the very best service. We all know that…

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Faith tiktok

How to create a TikTok for your nail designs

By Chloe Randall | 31 May 2021

Faith James of @faithjamesnails on TikTok, which boasts over 50,000 followers, shares how to create a TikTok for your nail designs… Step 1- Press the ‘+’ button at the bottom of the screen to get started. Step 2- Select the ‘60’ at the bottom of the screen if you would…

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