TECHNIQUE

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Why gel polish shrinks & how to prevent it

By Katie Barnes | 7 April 2024

Gel polish is a popular choice for many due to its long-lasting finish and resistance to chipping and fading, compared to traditional nail polish. However, one of the most common and tedious problems encountered when working with gel polish is the issue of shrinkage. Gel polish shrinking during application can…

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Katy P Video Guide

An award-winning nail tech’s guide to creating great video content

By Katy Pottle | 24 March 2024

The World’s Star Nail Artist 2023, Katy Pottle, shares top tips for creating jaw-dropping video content to capture attention… Get inspired Firstly, seek inspiration from fellow nail artists. Watch their videos and ascertain what works and engages you. This can give you a good basis for your own unique video. If creating a…

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Anna Sosina Dragon Nails Feature Header

Meet the nail tech soaring to new heights with her dragon-inspired extreme nail creation

By Callie Iley | 30 January 2024

In a meticulous process spanning two months, Anna Sosina’s dragon nail look was created to reflect her commitment to artistry and professionalism.  Detailing the process of creating the intricate nail look, Anna reveals how her hard work on the nails came to become a stunning poster image, with the help…

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Cheryl Ogden Nail Art Stamping

5 top tips to perfect your nail art stamping technique

By Guest Writer | 10 November 2023

Nail artist & MD of Moyra UK, Cheryl Ogden, became familiar with stamping at a trade show, and initially struggled to perfect a clean finish. When she became the exclusive distributor for Moyra in the UK, a brand renowned for its stamping products, she invested in education with Hungarian trainers, Alexandra…

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E File Stock Image Nails

E-files: Why is direction so important?

By Katie Barnes | 23 October 2023

Most professional E-files will come with two directions, forward and reverse. I always recommend investing in an E-file with both directions, to allow for enhanced performance and safe results. This type of E-file is sometimes mistakenly referred to as left and right-handed, but this is not always the direction that…

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Nail Tools General Pic

Here’s why you shouldn’t let your nail & beauty tools air dry after cleaning

By Katie Barnes | 11 September 2023

Most nail tools and e-file bits are made from steel and iron. Rust occurs on nail tools, E-file bits, and other metal items when water (or moisture including humidity) and oxygen come into contact with iron or steel for a certain amount of time. This is a naturally occurring chemical…

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E File Bits Katie Barnes

The difference between left and right-handed E-file bits

By Katie Barnes | 24 August 2023

Most E-files will come with two directions, most commonly called forward and reverse. The forward direction will rotate the E-file bits in the correct direction when working from right to left, or commonly for a right-handed tech. The reverse direction will rotate the bits in the correct direction for a…

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Camera Nails Hands

How to successfully edit your nail photos

By Katie Barnes | 17 July 2023

In a previous blog, I shared 5 top tips on improving your nail photos. In this post, I am going to share more about editing your nail photos. Editing images these days, including nail images is a controversial topic. Your nail images should show the quality and truth of your…

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Shutterstock Feet Beach Sand

The UK heatwave: Is it affecting your nail products?

By Katie Barnes | 12 June 2023

Educator & award-winning nail technician, Katie Barnes, reveals why hot weather may impact your nail products and services… Most techs will have noticed the difference in their L&P and gel systems at different times, especially different temperatures and seasons, with it being particularly noticeable during periods of very warm wearther.…

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Cuticle E File Stock Image

What is the cuticle & how much can be safely removed in a manicure?

By Katie Barnes | 6 June 2023

Possibly one of the most debated and controversial topics in the industry, following allergies right now, is the cuticle. What is it, what is living and non-living, and what and how much can safely be removed? It can be confusing to know the difference between the terminology you hear including…

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Nail Enhancements Canva

How to maintain your nail enhancements

By Katie Barnes | 21 February 2023

There are so many terms  regarding nail enhancement maintenance appointments, such as back-fills, fill, fill-in, touch-up and maintenance – and it can often seem quite complex to both nail techs to understand what the difference is. Most clients seem to be familiar with the term ‘infills’ but this isn’t always…

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Katie Barnes Nail Maintenance Infill

Nail enhancements: How, why & when to maintain them

By Katie Barnes | 10 August 2022

There are so many terms in the industry surrounding nail enhancement maintenance, such as back-fills, fill, fill-in, touch-up and maintenance, which can be confusing to nail techs and clients. Most clients seem to be familiar with the term ‘infill’s’ but this isn’t always the enhancement maintenance service that is best…

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Katie Barnes Nail Infill Feature

How to reduce your nail infill time

By Katie Barnes | 7 June 2022

Infill and maintenance services can be the bane of a tech’s life, taking a considerable amount of time, and often undercharging for the time spent.   However, a lot less time is required than you would think. I am going to share my top tips on infill and maintenance procedures…

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Nail Manicure Filing

Nail talk: The importance of parallel side walls

By Katie Barnes | 3 May 2022

Parallel side walls run from the side wall to the upper arch of the nail, starting at the cuticle zone and ending at the free edge. These sides help to give the nail enhancement a slim and slender appearance and they must mirror each other. It is a term heard…

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