EXPERT ADVICE

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Onycholysis: what is it & how can it be treated?

By Jess Watts | 31 July 2025

Let’s talk the causes of onycholysis, aka nail separation, how to prevent and what to do when it’s presented at the nail desk… Picture this: you scrape your knee and pop a plaster over the top to help it heal. Three days later, that plaster has started to lift. At…

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How to elevate your beauty business by seeing it through clients’ eyes

By Marie-Louise Coster | 30 July 2025

Session nail stylist, salon owner & educator, Marie-Louise Coster, discusses the importance of understanding clients’ perspective… When was the last time you walked through your business as if you were an existing or new client? We all need to walk through our businesses, whether physically or virtually, on a regular basis…

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The nail hyponychium: what is it & why does it need protecting?

By Jess Watts | 25 July 2025

Not all heroes wear capes… but sometimes they deserve a little appreciation. Here are some key facts about the hyponychium – your underappreciated nail protector. Akin to how we fill the cracks in between shower tiles, the crevices of our nails also need sealing to protect the nail bed and…

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How to tailor tanning treatments to clients

By Sophie Nutt | 17 May 2018

There is no ‘one tan fits all’ and the days of simply choosing between light, medium and dark shades have now passed. Inclusivity is key – and you may soon, if you haven’t already, start seeing clients seeking bespoke tanning services. After all, it’s unlikely you’d use the same treatment…

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Nail enhancements: How to check angles to ensure perfect results

By Katie Barnes | 16 May 2018

Educator and award-winning nail technician, Katie Barnes, offers tips on looking at angles to ensure a great nail enhancement result Do you ever spend a long time creating a beautiful set of nails, only to realise that they don’t look quite right once you’ve finished, but you can’t work out…

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Buttercups uniforms

Importance of appearance at work evaluated by uniform expert

By Scratch Staff | 15 May 2018

Lana Gormley of Buttercups Uniforms, workwear supplied for the beauty and health industries, explains the importance of a professional appearance at work – and top tips on choosing a uniform… “When you work in a professional beauty and aesthetic industry, your appearance, and that of your staff, is of vital…

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Foot issues heighten in summer due to poor-fitting shoes

By Helena Biggs | 14 May 2018

Foot experts have revealed why there may be a an increase in women suffering with blisters in the summer months; they wear the wrong size shoes. Summer shoes should be at least half a size bigger than winter shoes to allow for swelling, yet 94% of British women surveyed on…

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Money

Nail that sale!

By Kat Hill | 8 May 2018

Are you shy when it comes to retail sales in your salon or upsetting a service? Tom O’Brien, director of Baroque Hair, reveal his top tips… Upselling is great for business – it increases profit, and shows your clients that you have a wealth of experience in the hair and beauty…

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Your gel polish questions: answered!

By Sophie Nutt | 3 May 2018

Hone your gel polish technique with advice from industry experts about the popular system, as they answer your pressing questions. “How can you tell when a polish is cured correctly and what does over curing mean for the service?” Charlotte Lowe, Jessica educator, says, “Over curing can occur more with…

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