EXPERT ADVICE

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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Nail salon client

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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Nails and file

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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Sinead Bulley on perfecting a home salon setup

By Sophie Nutt | 24 October 2019

It can be tricky to get the balance right between homely and professional when working from a home-based salon. One of your unique selling point may be offering a welcoming space in which clients can fully relax, rather than a busy salon environment. However, it is important to still present…

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Cold hands

How to help clients take care of hands & nails this winter

By Scratch Staff | 23 October 2019

Sharon Sandhu, category manager for nails at Salon Services UK & Ireland, reveals why it’s important to encourage clients to take care of  their hands & nails in between appointments… Winter can be harsh on hands and nails. If neglected, the cold weather, freezing rain and drying central heating – and…

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Happy halloween

How to promote Halloween nail art

By Sophie Nutt | 21 October 2019

In case we haven’t mentioned it enough, Halloween is right around the corner, which means client requests of all that is spooky will start rolling in – if they haven’t already. But how do your existing clients, and potential new ones, know that you’re offering seasonal nail art to meet…

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Katie barnes competing

6 reasons why nail competitions can help your salon work

By Katie Barnes | 15 October 2019

Sometimes, it really is the taking part that counts. If you do not win a nail competition, there is always something to learn. Setting aside the element of placing, competing in nail competitions -whether live or portfolio based – can be hugely beneficial to your salon work. While the significance…

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Therapist

How to effectively handle client complaints

By Scratch Staff | 12 October 2019

Caroline Larissey, the NBF’s director of quality & standards, offers up advice for handling client complaints… When you’re in the business of making your clients feel good about the way they look, it can be particularly difficult if you’re faced with a complaint. The secret is to be prepared so…

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Money

When to offer a treatment upsell

By Kat Hill | 5 October 2019

Simply put, upselling is great for beauty businesses – it increases profit and shows your clients that you have a wealth of experience in the hair and beauty arena. Not only do add-on retail products have the ability to increase your bottom line dramatically, but enticing clients to try something…

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