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 blog usual filing view

Nail enhancements: How to check angles to ensure perfect results

By Katie Barnes | 16 May 2018

Educator and award-winning nail technician, Katie Barnes, offers tips on looking at angles to ensure a great nail enhancement result Do you ever spend a long time creating a beautiful set of nails, only to realise that they don’t look quite right once you’ve finished, but you can’t work out…

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2 katie barnes thickness

How to decide the right thickness for your nail enhancements

By Katie Barnes | 1 May 2018

Educator and award-winning nail technician, Katie Barnes, serves up tips on deciding on the appropriate thickness for nail enhancements… While nail enhancements are an enhancement of the natural nail and often extensions, the aim is still to create these to be as thin and natural-looking as possible while still ensuring…

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Katie barnes hairline crack 2

How to identify the cause of a nail break

By Katie Barnes | 17 April 2018

Educator and award-winning nail technician, Katie Barnes, offers reasons why enhancements can break – and how to identify them The most common reason for the breaking of nail enhancements is due to wear and tear or trauma by the wearer, but a break can also be caused by unsuitable lengths…

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Kissed by mii tanning kit

How to work the transitional tan

By Guest Writer | 1 April 2018

Kissed by Mii tanning expert, Shelley Henderson, reveals how to take your clients from winter to spring with a transitional tan. Don’t let potential tanning clients hibernate away until summer – here’s how to entice them to tan RIGHT NOW. Not just for balmy days, tanning offers an instant pick-me-up,…

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Katie barnes blog nails

How to rebuild damaged toenails

By Katie Barnes | 20 March 2018

Educator and award-winning nail technician, Katie Barnes, reveals how to rebuild toenails to get them looking tip-top in time for the summer months – with a step-by-step photo guide and nail knowledge to boot Damaged, broken or bitten toenails can be an extremely common concern, but it is something your client…

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Kissed by mii exfoliating gloves

How to apply tanning products perfectly

By Guest Writer | 16 March 2018

Kissed by Mii tanning expert, Shelley Henderson, explains why it’s all in the prep step when it comes to the perfect tan… Whether you’re delivering a smooth, streak-free tan in the tanning booth or teaching your clients techniques to guarantee great results at home – it’s important to prep the…

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