TECHNIQUE

French pedicure

How to nail the French tip pedicure

By Katie Barnes | 20 April 2025

Katie Clark, award-winning nail tech & founder of Katie Barnes Tool Range & Education, answers questions about perfecting the French pedi… How big should the French tips be? A French tip should mimic the natural free edge of the nail. Estimate how long the client will wait between appointments, plus…

Read More
Katie barnes chrome guide

Chrome pigments: a nail expert shares a troubleshooting guide

By Katie Barnes | 6 April 2025

Educator & award-winning nail pro, Katie Clark, offers advice for dealing with issues that can arise when using chrome pigments… The chrome nail trend is ever-popular, but are you applying chrome products correctly? Each brand may have slightly different instructions, so always follow these and get in touch with the…

Read More
L&p acrylic vs dip powder

L&P acrylic vs dip powder nails: what’s the difference?

By Lilly Delmage | 22 March 2025

The L&P acrylic and dip powder systems are both artificial nail offerings, and popular choices for a long-lasting, durable nail finish. However, they have distinct differences. Understanding the terminology and chemistry behind the products is essential for meeting your clients’ needs. Here’s what you need to know about each system……

Read More
Feb25 Low Res Cover Scratch For Web

Read the latest issue

Gel polish application

How to perfect nail product application by the cuticle

By Katie Barnes | 6 November 2018

Mastering cuticle application can be a tech’s nemesis, but it needn’t be. Of course, it takes practice but follow my top tips for perfecting your cuticle application with L&P and gel polish. Perfecting L&P cuticle application When working with L&P, ensuring the mix ratio is correct – especially around the…

Read More
Smile line client view (1)

How to perfect a smile line on nails

By Katie Barnes | 22 October 2018

A crisp, neat smile line that flatters the client’s nail and creates an elongated look can really set your work apart from other nail techs in both salon and competition work. However, achieving this perfect smile line can worry many techs and make them avoid offering this option altogether. The…

Read More
Ruth atkins scratch team salon system

Team Scratch gets lashed with Salon System mink styles

By Helena Biggs | 11 September 2018

Salon System educator, Ruth Atkins, paid a visit to Scratch HQ to offer the team lash and brow makeovers using new products from the range. Accompanied by Costi Passeri of Essence PR, the duo revealed the new Mink Style Individual Lashes; additions to the Naturalash Texture range available in Short…

Read More
Katie barnes allergy

Katie Barnes on…how to prevent allergies

By Katie Barnes | 4 September 2018

Concerns have been mounting over the number of tech allergies being reported from using nail products. It’s so important to address your working practice and products to prevent this from disrupting your career and causing further pain. An allergy builds up over time from overexposure of repetitive skin contact with…

Read More
Katie barnes straight sidewalls

Why lateral structure will help your nails go the distance

By Katie Barnes | 22 August 2018

Educator and award-winning nail technician, Katie Barnes, reveals why nail endurance is dependent on nail structure – and serves up advice on perfecting it… Beauty and endurance are two of the main qualities a client looks for when it comes to their enhancements. Both tech and client don’t want to…

Read More
Dipt 4

All about the Dipt Nails technique

By Kat Hill | 21 August 2018

Yesterday I hotfooted to the trendy Soho location of Sanctum Hotel for an exciting insight into a new dipping brand bursting on to the nail scene. Founded in Britain by Karisma Ahir, the Dipt system currently sees 60 coloured powders, as well as liquid counterparts. The brand utilises medical grade resins and a…

Read More