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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The UK heatwave: Is it affecting your nail products?

By Katie Barnes | 19 July 2024

Educator & award-winning nail technician, Katie Clark, reveals why hot weather may impact your nail products and services… Most techs will have noticed a difference in their L&P and gel systems at varied times, especially different temperatures and seasons, with changes being particularly noticeable during periods of very warm weather.…

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Natural Nail And Onycholysis Lucy Price Marshall

Here’s how to treat common nail conditions – including pseudomonas & onycholysis

By Guest Writer | 8 June 2024

OPI educator, Lucy Price-Marshall who is a Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year finalist for 2024 and took the title in 2023, shares troubleshooting pointers for common nail conditions. Identifying and treating common nail conditions and service concerns are valuable skills that will support your career. Knowledge of…

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Leila Monroy Character Nail Art

How to master character nail art

By Rebecca Hitchon | 28 May 2024

If you or your clients are film fans, cosplay crazy, Disney holiday-goers or simply love sentimental or seasonal nail art, bring your favourite characters to life on nails with expert advice… Beginner level “Simple colour palette characters, like Mickey Mouse or Betty Boop, are great for beginners to create,” notes…

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Fusion Crystal Nails Jurgita Bickevic

How to create long nails with ease using Crystal Nails Fusion Tips & Acrylgel

By Guest Writer | 19 May 2024

International nail educator for Crystal Nails, Jurgita Bickevic, is passionate about seeing the joy on her clients’ faces following a nail transformation. She is ‘obsessed’ with Xtreme Fusion AcrylGel and Reverse Tips from Crystal Nails, crediting them for helping her to create speedy, flawless nail enhancements. The owner of J&J…

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Why gel polish shrinks & how to prevent it

By Katie Barnes | 7 April 2024

Gel polish is a popular choice for many due to its long-lasting finish and resistance to chipping and fading, compared to traditional nail polish. However, one of the most common and tedious problems encountered when working with gel polish is the issue of shrinkage. Gel polish shrinking during application can…

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Katy P Video Guide

An award-winning nail tech’s guide to creating great video content

By Katy Pottle | 24 March 2024

The World’s Star Nail Artist 2023, Katy Pottle, shares top tips for creating jaw-dropping video content to capture attention… Get inspired Firstly, seek inspiration from fellow nail artists. Watch their videos and ascertain what works and engages you. This can give you a good basis for your own unique video. If creating a…

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