EXPERT ADVICE

Studex multi piercing

Multiple ear piercing: the beauty trend for 2025 & how to offer in the salon

By Guest Writer | 2 May 2025

Piercing equipment and training provider, Studex, shares information about three multi piercing techniques… “With multiple ear piercings becoming one of the biggest beauty trends of 2025, Studex is offering guidance on new piercing techniques, exclusive to Studex Piercing Partners,” says a spokesperson for the brand. “Not only are multi piercings…

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Ctpa allergy guidance

Artificial nails: 7 steps to reduce the risk of allergy

By Guest Writer | 29 April 2025

Caroline Rainsford, director of science at the Cosmetics, Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA), shares practical ways to reduce allergy in the nail space… Acrylate monomers, which are the starting materials in liquid & powder (L&P) and UV/LED gel nail systems, can sometimes cause allergic reactions if they touch the skin.…

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Social media user

How to build your social media: 5 simple steps from a beauty business expert

By Hannah Beth Clayton | 27 April 2025

Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year finalist for 2024 and 2025 & online columnist, Hannah Beth Clayton, shares her social media tips… Growing your social media doesn’t need to be hard, confusing or a full-time job. I talk to so many beauty pros who feel overwhelmed by the…

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Feb25 Low Res Cover Scratch For Web

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Katy pottle wsna training

6 top tips for creating great nail content – from The World’s Star Nail Artist

By Katy Pottle | 12 October 2023

Being a nail technician is more than just creating nail art, with many techs learning to create content for self-promotion. Katy Pottle, winner of the first World’s Star Nail Artist (WSNA) competition, shares her six top tips for creating great nail content… 1. Banish the blur Before taking photos and…

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Katie barnes e file bit clogged

Here’s why your E-file bits get clogged – & what to do about it

By Katie Barnes | 3 October 2023

Often, when E-file bits get clogged, it is likely the product it becomes clogged with is uncured. This could be gel, acrygel, gel polish or even acrylic. When product is fully cured it presents as pure dust which will sit in the teeth of your bit and still needs removing…

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Cost of living

Struggling with the cost of living? Check out these 5 tips for beauty businesses

By Guest Writer | 27 September 2023

Financial expert at Money.co.uk Business Insurance, Cam Jaques, provides advice on how beauty business owners impacted by the cost of living crisis can save money… 1. Be creative with marketing You can advertise your business and spread awareness for next to nothing. Word of mouth is still a great way…

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Clare woodcock retail

7 retail tips for mobile nail techs

By Guest Writer | 25 September 2023

Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year 2022 & 2023, Clare Woodcock of The Nail Club, shares her seven top tips for retailing as a nail pro on the move… As mobile techs, we bring the convenience of professional nail treatments directly to clients’ doorsteps. However, providing an excellent service…

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Sustainable suppliers

3 steps to choose a sustainable supplier for your beauty business

By Guest Writer | 13 September 2023

Charlotte Scallon, head of sustainability & regulation at waste management company, Biffa, offers a three-step strategy to help businesses understand how to choose a sustainable supplier… Choosing a sustainable supplier that helps you meet your goals can be challenging, but the process should be energising, not daunting. Our three-step strategy…

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Nail tools general pic

Here’s why you shouldn’t let your nail & beauty tools air dry after cleaning

By Katie Barnes | 11 September 2023

Most nail tools and e-file bits are made from steel and iron. Rust occurs on nail tools, E-file bits, and other metal items when water (or moisture including humidity) and oxygen come into contact with iron or steel for a certain amount of time. This is a naturally occurring chemical…

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