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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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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Security

Security advice for beauty businesses

By Guest Writer | 7 September 2019

Liz McKeon, beauty business expert at www.lizmckeon.com shares some tips on how to keep your business and finances safe… A secure setup ” I would suggest investing in a quality alarm system and place security cameras throughout your premises. Review this annually, always mindful of changes in the area. “Ensure…

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Nhf staff performance

How to manage staff performance effectively

By Scratch Staff | 5 September 2019

Hilary Hall, chief executive of the National Hairdressers’ Federation & National Beauty Federation, serves up support and advice for beauty business owners wishing to effectively manage their staff members… Performance management is a vital skill for business owners, particularly in the highly competitive world of nail salons and spas. Supporting…

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Allergy katie barnes

What to do when you suspect a nail product allergy

By Katie Barnes | 3 September 2019

Itching; redness; swelling; nail separation; burning; peeling or blistering are all ways that your body is telling you that something is wrong. While recognising an allergy is important, it is equally essential that you know what to do afterwards. However minor the symptoms may appear, if client or tech begins…

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Nbf franchising

Thinking of franchising?

By Kat Hill | 3 September 2019

There’s more than one way to run a beauty business – and maybe franchising could be the way forward for you, explains NBF chief executive, Hilary Hall… Depending on your situation, you can consider becoming a franchisee or a franchisor. Either way, make sure you do your homework and understand…

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Jessica Nails educator, Georgina Walker.

Analysing the natural nail

By Kat Hill | 31 August 2019

“It is important to carry out a thorough analysis at the beginning of each treatment to make sure you provide the correct solution to achieve the best results,” says Jessica Nails educator, Georgina Walker. “Assess each nail individually, as nails on the same hand can have different needs. This will…

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Why regular training is so important in the beauty industry

By Scratch Staff | 30 August 2019

Dave Horton of ABT Insurance outlines why continued professional development is so important in the beauty industry… The start of another academic year represents, to me, the opportunity to start a new training course or improve a skill set. Of course, we can undertake training at any time throughout the…

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