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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Hygiene advice for keeping tools clean

By Sophie Nutt | 29 August 2019

All nail tools and implements must be properly cleaned and disinfected before coming into direct contact with a client, both for their health and the credibility of your business. “There is absolutely no argument that tools must be disinfected in between every client,” says Nigel Rouse of Mundo Professional. “Total…

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Tamm k social media

How to make the most of an Instagram story

By Scratch Staff | 28 August 2019

Tammy Koslowski, owner of Glasgow’s award-winning NAF! Salon (and winner of the Scratch Stars Best Use of Social Media award 2017 & 2018) shares her social media tips & tricks… Remember when Instagram stories used to only last 24 hours? Now you can get old story posts from your archive…

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Emma mackey

Robbie Tomkins on working with celebrities

By Sophie Nutt | 22 August 2019

When I tell people I am a session manicurist and explain what the job entails, one of the first questions they ask is, ‘which celebrities have you worked with?‘ or my pet hate, ‘who is the best/worst celebrity that you’ve worked with?‘. I always find these questions rather uncomfortable and…

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Money piggy bank

Financial points to consider when buying a space for your beauty business

By Scratch Staff | 21 August 2019

Finance expert, Gary Hemming of ABC Finance, serves up some insight on funding options available to nail salon businesses… During the life of a business, there will naturally be times when additional funding is required. This can be for a number of reasons and is a crucial point in the…

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Katie barnes tools

How to keep your nail tools in tip-top condition

By Katie Barnes | 20 August 2019

Are you experiencing premature tool breakdown? This can be a common issue among nail techs but there is a simple solution to help keep your tools in top class condition. Follow the manufacturer guidelines Following the manufacturer’s guidelines is essential for success and longevity with your tools. These precise instructions…

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Elise Scholes-Pilkington

Elise Scholes-Pilkington on nailing your consultation process

By Kat Hill | 20 August 2019

Polish up your professional image and nail your consultation process with help from Elise Scholes-Pilkington, Scratch Stars Awards Ultimate Natural Nail Specialist…   I believe client consultation is paramount in how to maintain and gain a regular client base. It always begins with your phone manner; it helps to smile…

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