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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Here’s why you shouldn’t let your nail & beauty tools air dry after cleaning

By Katie Barnes | 11 September 2023

Most nail tools and e-file bits are made from steel and iron. Rust occurs on nail tools, E-file bits, and other metal items when water (or moisture including humidity) and oxygen come into contact with iron or steel for a certain amount of time. This is a naturally occurring chemical…

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The difference between left and right-handed E-file bits

By Katie Barnes | 24 August 2023

Most E-files will come with two directions, most commonly called forward and reverse. The forward direction will rotate the E-file bits in the correct direction when working from right to left, or commonly for a right-handed tech. The reverse direction will rotate the bits in the correct direction for a…

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How to successfully edit your nail photos

By Katie Barnes | 17 July 2023

In a previous blog, I shared 5 top tips on improving your nail photos. In this post, I am going to share more about editing your nail photos. Editing images these days, including nail images is a controversial topic. Your nail images should show the quality and truth of your…

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Cuticle e file stock image

What is the cuticle & how much can be safely removed in a manicure?

By Katie Barnes | 6 June 2023

Possibly one of the most debated and controversial topics in the industry, following allergies right now, is the cuticle. What is it, what is living and non-living, and what and how much can safely be removed? It can be confusing to know the difference between the terminology you hear including…

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How to maintain your nail enhancements

By Katie Barnes | 21 February 2023

There are so many terms  regarding nail enhancement maintenance appointments, such as back-fills, fill, fill-in, touch-up and maintenance – and it can often seem quite complex to both nail techs to understand what the difference is. Most clients seem to be familiar with the term ‘infills’ but this isn’t always…

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Katie barnes nail maintenance infill

Nail enhancements: How, why & when to maintain them

By Katie Barnes | 10 August 2022

There are so many terms in the industry surrounding nail enhancement maintenance, such as back-fills, fill, fill-in, touch-up and maintenance, which can be confusing to nail techs and clients. Most clients seem to be familiar with the term ‘infill’s’ but this isn’t always the enhancement maintenance service that is best…

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