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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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Onycholysis image

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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wellbeing

7 top tips to promote wellbeing in the beauty workplace

By Rebecca Hitchon | 29 June 2024

How often do you feel stressed? Research shows that the average UK adult feels stressed for around eight days per month. Being a beauty professional may be what earns you money, but it is also your passion and should have a positive impact on your wellbeing. So how can wellness…

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Want to start a home or mobile nail business? Here’s what you need to know

By Marie-Louise Coster | 21 June 2024

Session nail stylist, salon owner & educator, Marie-Louise Coster, shares her experiences working from home and on a mobile basis… We are in a cost of living crisis: everything is more expensive than it was and people aren’t spending as much money. So is now a good time to start…

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Greenwashing

A guide to greenwashing & what to do if you spot it in the beauty industry

By Rebecca Hitchon | 19 June 2024

While public interest in and understanding of eco purchasing choices has increased dramatically in recent years, buying a product that is sustainable isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. “Consumers expect sustainability and corporate responsibility to be a given, not a differentiating factor. However, I think this is a key…

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Loneliness

How to tackle loneliness & self-doubt in the nail industry

By Scratch Staff | 14 June 2024

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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Nail Appointment Lamp

What you need to know about mixing brands at the nail desk

By Dani Bailey | 10 June 2024

Dani Bailey, nail educator & Scratch Stars finalist for The Shooting Star Award 2024, 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 and after completing the NailKnowledge…

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Natural Nail And Onycholysis Lucy Price Marshall

Here’s how to treat common nail conditions – including pseudomonas & onycholysis

By Guest Writer | 8 June 2024

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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