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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What is an influencer? | The Beauty Bloggers

By Guest Writer | 13 January 2021

The Beauty Bloggers, aka Natalie Thompson & Rachel Jenkinson, evaluates the role of an influencer in the beauty sphere… Nat and Rach are ‘The Beauty Bloggers‘ and have over 21 years experience in the beauty sector between them. Their aim is to discuss real issues that beauty professionals face. Passionate…

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At home gel polish

Why you shouldn’t use an at-home gel polish kit

By Katie Barnes | 13 January 2021

Salon owner, educator and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, unveils concerns surrounding DIY gel polish kits… Gel polish seems like an easy to use, harmless product – surely, it’s just like painting on a nail polish, isn’t it? Well, this is the attitude that is causing problems amongst some non-professionals, as they…

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Millie d web feature

How I cope as a nail tech in a national lockdown

By Guest Writer | 12 January 2021

Scratch chats to Millie Donovan, brand ambassador for SNA Professional & owner of MBeauty, about how she’s navigating lockdowns… This year has been a rollercoaster for everyone, with both highs and lows. There have been more highs for some and more lows for others, but the main thing is how we all got…

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Risk assessments

How to perfect your nail treatment risk assessment

By Guest Writer | 12 January 2021

Hazel Dixon shares her expertise on risk assessments – what to consider, include and how to ensure your assessment is up to scratch. A risk assessment is the method used to identify hazards and risks that have the potential to cause harm, find ways to eliminate these or control them…

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Dream nails team blackwall reach royal wharf

How to motivate a nail & beauty team during lockdown

By Guest Writer | 11 January 2021

Thanh Vu, managing director of four Dream Nails salons, shares how she is keeping her staff members motivated & morale high during lockdown… Dream Nails employs 30 staff members across its salon network. It has always been my belief that the staff are the single most important reason behind the success…

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Layla Tourh

Why you need to approach your beauty business differently in 2021

By Guest Writer | 11 January 2021

Layla Tourh, MD of The Creative Beauty Group and founder of Beauty Boss HQ, an online platform dedicated to supporting beauty bosses in the running of their business, shares her top tips & words of wisdom… It’s time to switch up your ‘New Year, New Me’ approach The effects of lockdown may mean…

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