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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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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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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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Self-employment help for nail techs: interior design, safety & more considerations

By Lilly Delmage | 2 March 2025

As a self-employed tech, you can take control over your nail environment: from interior design and décor to cleaning schedules and product inventories. Here’s everything you need to know about tailoring your business to you… Interior design If working solo from a home salon or rented space, your aesthetic allows…

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Ingrown nails & greenies: how to manage them as a nail tech

By Lilly Delmage | 23 February 2025

Have clients presented you with conditions like ingrown nails or greenies, but you’ve felt unsure about whether you should continue their appointments? Read on to freshen up your initial training and note the natural nail conditions that require medical intervention. While nail professionals should refrain from making medical diagnoses, it’s…

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Buying an E-file & bits? Nail techs: here’s what to consider

By Rebecca Hitchon | 21 February 2025

Nail experts share what to know before buying an E-file and bits… Choose the company carefully “Purchase from a reputable professional brand that also provides high-quality training for its E-file range, as undertaking this training is the best way to ensure the tools are being used correctly,” says Giorgia Cappella,…

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No-shows & cancellations: how to prevent & handle them in your beauty business

By Marie-Louise Coster | 20 February 2025

Session nail stylist, salon owner & educator, Marie-Louise Coster, shares advice for client no-shows and cancellations… Every beauty business, at some point, has a client that doesn’t turn up for their appointment. You will have blocked out time and potentially turned other clients away, but are left with an empty appointment…

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Nail & beauty apprenticeships: salons share benefits, their experiences & advice

By Rebecca Hitchon | 16 February 2025

In a February 2025 poll on Scratch’s Instagram, almost 80% of respondents shared that they’re considering taking on apprentices. Here, two UK salons share how they’ve reaped the rewards of the apprenticeship process… Nailspa, West Yorkshire “As a business owner, I believe that when it comes to employees, you cannot…

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Nail techs: This is why thorough client consultations are so important

By Lilly Delmage | 16 February 2025

Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year finalist 2024, Tanya Jeskins, shares why thorough client consultations are the key to effective and safe nail services that keep clients returning. So, what exactly is a client consultation? Tanya explains: “It’s a professional conversation that takes place before every appointment, to…

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