EXPERT ADVICE
How to tackle loneliness & self-doubt in the nail industry
Your role sees you care for the nail needs of others, but are you looking after your own wellbeing? In an industry with a large portion of solo workers, there’s never been a better excuse to stay connected. “Feeling lonely isn’t in itself a mental health problem, but the two…
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Pedicures: How to treat nail clients with diabetes
To mark Diabetes Awareness Week, Scratch explores what to consider when carrying out pedicure services on diabetic clients… How can diabetes affect feet? Diabetic clients are at much greater risk of developing foot problems. This is because their increased blood sugar levels can damage the sensations in their feet. Diabetes…
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How nail pros can support diabetic clients
According to charity, Diabetes UK, approximately 6% of the UK population suffer from diabetes. Learning about the condition and how to take extra care with clients who have it is key to making diabetic clients feel safe and able to enjoy their salon experience. Diabetes Awareness Week is marked annually,…
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What you need to know about mixing brands at the nail desk
Dani Bailey, Scratch Stars finalist for The Shooting Star Award 2024 & NailKnowledge guest expert & representative for Brazil, begins her online article series by sharing her career story and exploring concerns around mixing nail brands. I’ve always been a self-confessed nail nerd. I’ve devoured nail scientist, Doug Schoon’s work…
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Here’s how to treat common nail conditions – including pseudomonas & onycholysis
OPI educator, Lucy Price-Marshall who is a Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year finalist for 2024 and took the title in 2023, shares troubleshooting pointers for common nail conditions. Identifying and treating common nail conditions and service concerns are valuable skills that will support your career. Knowledge of…
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How to minimise waste in your nail salon
Green Salon Collective was founded in 2020 by environmental experts, campaigners and beauty professionals, with an aim to help member salons in the UK and Ireland to responsibly dispose of their waste. For this blog, the Collective offers an insight into waste solutions. Your salon probably disposes of a lot…
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How to accommodate nail clients with multiple sclerosis (MS)
Nail techs share advice for catering to clients with multiple sclerosis (MS)… What is MS? On its website, the NHS states: “Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord. It’s a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause serious disability, although it can occasionally be…
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How to master character nail art
If you or your clients are film fans, cosplay crazy, Disney holiday-goers or simply love sentimental or seasonal nail art, bring your favourite characters to life on nails with expert advice… Beginner level “Simple colour palette characters, like Mickey Mouse or Betty Boop, are great for beginners to create,” notes…
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CIDESCO, the world standard for beauty and spa therapy, has announced ‘Health & Safety month’ to help raise standards in the industry and improve your wellbeing while working. “While there are laws and requirements that help us maintain health & safety standards, going above and beyond these will be noticed by…
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There were some recent changes made to the postal system that you need to know if you’re putting nail products through the post. Whether you’re posting out retail sales to clients or a just lacquer lover, failing to comply with the guidelines could even see your parcel disposed of. Save…
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Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, offers advice on making the most of your nail snaps… Taking good photographs of your nail work can increase your chances of being featured in publications and grow your clients and social media following. The quality of your photographs can show the difference between an amateur and professional nail technician. You don’t need…
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New research from the Soil Association’s Organic Beauty and Wellbeing Market Report has revealed that the sales of certified organic and natural beauty products saw an increase. The report also noted key trends to keep an eye on, including the hot trend of beauty products containing extracts from unusual food…
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Renowned scientist and nail expert, Doug Schoon, has been speaking about the release of his latest book, Face-to-Face with Doug Schoon Vol 1. In a recent interview with Scratch, Doug revealed that volumes 1 & 2, which is due for release in March, have been printed in a Q&A format,…
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Award-winning tech, Hazel Dixon, recently hosted a three-day photographic event to polish participants’ photographic competition skills. Designed to answer questions the top tech is often asked, Hazel created the course to share her experience with the style of competition. The event saw the participants work with a theme – Alice in…
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