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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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How nail & beauty pros can use Pinterest to boost their business

By Chloe Randall | 5 September 2023

According to social media management site, Combin, 76% of Pinterest users are women, with females aged 25 to 34 dominating the platform. The Scratch Nail Industry Survey 2022 revealed that this age range makes up the majority of nail clients, so embrace your target audience by understanding the social media…

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Website

Nail techs, here’s why you need a business website

By Marie-Louise Coster | 27 August 2023

Session nail stylist, salon owner & educator, Marie-Louise Coster, begins her monthly column for Scratch by sharing the benefits of having a business website – and why social media is not an alternative… A website can be an expensive resource, and once built it requires work. So why do you…

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Manager

4 ways to nail being a first-time manager

By Rebecca Hitchon | 24 August 2023

Experiential learning company, Impact International, shares a guide to being a first-time manager… Managing a team can be an exciting experience but it can also pose challenges, particularly for first-time managers and those transitioning from a team member to a leader. Statistically, managers promoted from within are more likely to…

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Self assessment

HMRC: It’s time to check your Self Assessment registration status

By Guest Writer | 21 August 2023

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) answers common questions to help you understand whether you may need to register or deregister for Self Assessment this tax year, and why this matters… Time is running out for you to check if you need to submit a Self Assessment tax return for the…

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Fashion week

Want your nail work on the runway? Here’s how to boss backstage at Fashion Week

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 August 2023

Get your spring/summer 2024 mindset ready, as September marks the return of Fashion Weeks across the globe. If you’re striving to get involved in the session nail sphere, highly regarded regulars at Fashion Week share everything you need to know… How to get hired At Fashion Week, you’re not likely…

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Liz mckeon salon empowrement

Why it’s important to empower your beauty salon staff & how to do it

By Guest Writer | 13 August 2023

Beauty business expert & founder of the International Salon Business School, Liz McKeon, discusses staff empowerment and its importance for business success. Empowerment is the degree of autonomy and self-determination in people, communities and business. This enables them to represent their interests in a responsible and self-determined way, acting on…

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