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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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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Tinting

NHF/NBF on the importance of patch testing

By Kat Hill | 23 July 2019

Caroline Larissey is the NHF/NBF’s director of quality & standards, reveals the importance of patch testing within any beauty business… “Allergy alert and sensitivity testing are vital to protect your clients, your reputation and your salon business. “Having an approved and reliable patch testing system in place when providing lash…

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Marketing lash services to clients

By Kat Hill | 20 July 2019

Helena Linsky, co-director of salon chain, Q61, shares her advice for marketing lash services successfully in your salon… “As a first step in promoting your new lash services, you could let your newly trained lash technicians practice their skills on your nail technicians. Sitting up close all day with clients,…

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What to consider when starting out as a mobile nail tech

By Sophie Nutt | 18 July 2019

Does working for yourself and tending to clients in the comfort of their own home tickle your fancy? If so, there are a number of steps to consider before you jump head first into the world of mobile tekking. Firstly, you need to begin deciding what services you will offer…

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Lisa stone wax salon system

Tips for a comfortable wax service this summer

By Scratch Staff | 16 July 2019

Salon System educator & wax specialist, Lisa Stone, serves up her top tips for a comfortable wax service this summer… 1. Ensure you prep correctly Skin can become a little drier in the summer so encourage your clients to exfoliate 24hrs before waxing and pay particular attention to knees, toes,…

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Shoot Out Ivana Prokic

The Great Scratch Shoot Out: Hear from Ivana Prokic

By Kat Hill | 15 July 2019

Last year, Ivana Prokic’s scooped first place with her striking image. The shoot was a collaboration with Ilona van Barschot Teunissen, of Ilona Teunissen Fotografie, and saw a winning combination. “Winning still feels like a dream,” smiles Ivana. “It’s fantastic, overwhelming, unreal and I feel so happy. I’m so proud…

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Katie barnes c curve

Why c-curve’s are imperative to a great final nail shape

By Katie Barnes | 9 July 2019

While the c-curve on a nail enhancement has the important role of creating an attractive enhancement and providing strength, it is also responsible for a considerable part of the desired finished free edge shape. The nail’s c-curve isn’t just found at the natural free edge point; it starts where the…

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