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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How to fit a form to bitten nails

By Katie Barnes | 28 March 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, offers advice on tending to the nails of clients that like to nibble… Many clients and techs often believe because a nail is naturally very short, they are unable to extend the nail with a sculpted enhancement or are sometimes…

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How to take a great nail photo

By Katie Barnes | 14 March 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, offers advice on making the most of your nail snaps… Taking good photographs of your nail work can increase your chances of being featured in publications and grow your clients and social media following. The quality of your photographs can show the difference between an amateur and professional nail technician. You don’t need…

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An insight into the waterless manicure

By Katie Barnes | 14 February 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, susses out the waterless manicure… The traditional method of dipping your fingers into a bowl of water while getting a manicure has become somewhat dated, with many techs now offering a waterless ‘dry’ manicure service. Waterless manicures are becoming increasingly popular, particularly with…

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Katie barnes

This is why nail primer is so important

By Katie Barnes | 31 January 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, explores the two types of primer and their importance… Proper preparation of the nail plate – including the application of primer – can help eliminate service breakdown. Improper use of primer however, could cause skin and nail problems. Applying too much primer can also affect…

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Daily mail incorrect removal

How to remove enhancements without damaging nails

By Katie Barnes | 24 January 2017

Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals how to remove enhancements correctly – and what happens if you don’t. One of the biggest nail myths is that ‘nails need to breathe’. Nails are made up of several layers of dead, compacted cells and do not have the…

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Kissed by mii mid tan

Why you should train to offer tanning this year

By Guest Writer | 10 January 2017

In the first of her 2017 blog posts, Kissed by Mii tanning expert, Shelley Henderson, reveals why there’s no time like the present to add tanning to your service menu… I remember when I caught the tanning bug. I was studying fashion and business at college, regularly working with models. I…

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