TECHNIQUE

Michelle brookes waxing

Doncaster nail & beauty salon owner: Offering waxing has elevated my business & filled my diary

By Michelle Brookes | 11 June 2025

Scratch Stars Educator of the Year 2022 & 2025 finalist, Michelle Brookes, shares how introducing waxing services has benefitted her salon… What do waxing treatments bring to a beauty business, and how do they complement nail offerings? Adding waxing treatments to a beauty business helps fill diary gaps. Most waxing…

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The history of nail colour & design: everything you need to know

By Lilly Delmage | 1 June 2025

Nail colour and design have become one of the most popular outlets for creativity and self-expression within the beauty industry. But where did it all begin, and how has it evolved over time? Here’s Scratch‘s deep dive into the history of the industry… 1920s & 1930s According to research revealed…

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Studex multi piercing

Multiple ear piercing: the beauty trend for 2025 & how to offer in the salon

By Guest Writer | 2 May 2025

Piercing equipment and training provider, Studex, shares information about three multi piercing techniques… “With multiple ear piercings becoming one of the biggest beauty trends of 2025, Studex is offering guidance on new piercing techniques, exclusive to Studex Piercing Partners,” says a spokesperson for the brand. “Not only are multi piercings…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Checking lengths

How to achieve consistent lengths with your nail enhancements

By Katie Barnes | 27 July 2018

Educator and award-winning nail technician, Katie Barnes, serves u advice on achieving consistent nail lengths… Did you know that each nail is naturally a different length and grows at different rates, meaning it is unlikely that they will be exactly the same length at any time? Have you ever experienced…

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Katie barnes bojana

Here’s why you shouldn’t neglect the one colour manicure

By Katie Barnes | 12 June 2018

Educator and award-winning nail technician, Katie Barnes, reveals why its important to realise your one colour polishing skills – as well as extravagant nail artistry… Seeing outrageous and eccentric nail creations posted across social media can have positive effects on the industry. It showcases the skill and imagination of techs…

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Katie barnes brushes

How to choose the right brush for your L&P nail needs

By Katie Barnes | 29 May 2018

Educator and award-winning nail technician, Katie Barnes, offers advice on choosing the right brush for L&P acrylic needs… Alongside your technical skills, your brush is an important element for achieving good results with L&P. Sometimes, the only way to tell the quality of a brush is in its performance and…

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