TECHNIQUE

Nail manicure filing

Nail expert: the importance of parallel sidewalls for a beautiful nail finish

By Katie Barnes | 21 July 2025

Award-winning nail technician & Katie Barnes Tool Range & Education founder, Katie Clark, offers insight… Parallel sidewalls start at the cuticle zone and end at the free edge. They mirror each other and help to give a nail enhancement a slim and slender appearance. The term, ‘parallel sidewalls’, is frequently…

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What are brush-on builder gel & BIAB™ nails?

By Lilly Delmage | 3 July 2025

Brush-on builder gel is an ever-popular request at the nail desk – but what is it, and when should it be used? Brush-on builder gel is a more convenient variation of traditional builder gels, which are housed in pots. Packaged in a bottle with an integrated brush, the product allows…

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Nail Biting Picking

How to stop nail biting & picking: experts share treatment plans to break the habit

By Rebecca Hitchon | 2 July 2025

Natural nail specialists share tips for nail biting and picking clients… Why do people bite and pick at their nails and skin? “Nail biting, also known as onychophagia, and skin picking and biting, named perionychophagia, are habits associated with stress, anxiety and compulsive disorders,” explains Lucy Price-Marshall, Scratch Stars Natural…

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Why are E-files & dust collectors so important to nail technicians?

By Katie Barnes | 16 September 2024

As a nail technician, ensuring the quality and safety of your nail services is paramount. Embracing nail tools such as E-files and dust collectors can significantly improve the efficiency and precision of your services, and the overall experience for both you and your clients. Here, I delve into the importance…

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Brush On Builder Gel Application

Brush-on builder gel: how to nail application & infill

By Rebecca Hitchon | 27 August 2024

Enhance your knowledge of brush-on builder gel with insight from pros… How to apply “Thorough prep is imperative, as with any nail service,” details Theresa Foddering, head of education at Lecenté. “Providing the natural nail is adequately prepared, builder gel will brush on effortlessly. “I recommend applying a thin first…

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Nail Tools Brushes

A guide to taking care of your nail tools & brushes

By Scratch Staff | 15 August 2024

They’re the most essential items in your kit bag, so refresh your knowledge on storing, cleaning and maintaining nail tools and brushes… “With all tools, the general rule should be that if you can feel a loss of efficacy or you’re having to change your technique, it’s time to replace…

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Male Nail Art Black Shirt Nail Artist Manicure

Males & their nails: the rise in colour choices & nail art

By Guest Writer | 11 August 2024

Following backlash team USA sprinter, Noah Lyles, received for sporting nail art in the Paris Olympics men’s 100m final, male manicures are a hot topic. Elaine Watson, global education director at Light Elegance, shares insight into how to tailor your treatments and support their nail needs… I was at the auto…

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4 ways to speed up nail services – without compromising on results

By Guest Writer | 7 August 2024

Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year 2024, Kamila Borowiec, shares her advice… Are you ready to take your work to the next level? Let me help you out. By implementing my time-saving tips, you can be more efficient, enhance the overall customer experience and fit in more clients.…

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Katy Pottle Nail Colour Wheel

Colour theory: How to create harmonious & eye-catching nail art

By Katy Pottle | 26 July 2024

The World’s Star Nail Artist 2023, Katy Pottle, explores how the magic of colour theory can elevate your nail art designs… No matter what stage you are at on your nail journey, understanding how to play with colours can take your nail styles to the next level. Do you remember learning…

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