Katie Barnes on why you don’t say ‘Chinese salons’
Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, addresses the issue of non-standard salons and incorrect terminology – with a helping hand from CND educator, Anna Lee Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Many technicians and clients are guilty of referring to non-standard salons as ‘Chinese salons’, ‘Viet…
WARWICK TECH reaches final 12 in worldwide nail competition
Scratch blogger, nail artist and educator, Katie Barnes, has been shortlisted as the only UK finalist in NAILS magazine‘s Next Top Nail Artist competition. Now in its fifth season, NAILS Next Top Nail Artist is open to techs all over the world and sees contestants undergo a rigorous screening process after…
How to prolong nail polish wear
Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, assesses the demand for traditional lacquer – and how to make the most of a nail polish service… With the popularity of gel polish, traditional polish may be viewed as outdated by many techs, so is there still a call for it? Client preference,…
How to store nail products correctly
Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, offers advice on storing your nail products to get the most out of your purchase… It’s important to understand how long nail products last last, how to store them for optimum usage and safety and how to dispose of them when necessary.…
An insight into the nail apex
Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, serves up advice on apex placement for different nail shapes What is the apex? The apex should be the highest part of an enhancement, located at the weakest point and created to give the nail balance and strength. It should be visible from every angle but is most noticeable from the side view. The…
Why you shouldn’t use craft glitter in your nail services
Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals why you shouldn’t use craft shop glitter in your nail services. There are many techs using craft glitters in their nail services because they may have seen someone else do it, it is low cost and easy. You may think it’s…
How to deal with damaged nails
Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals how to tackle common characteristics of damaged nails… One of the most challenging roles we play as nail technicians is the role of repair man or woman. We all have clients who come to us with weak, thin and damaged…
Gel polish fading? Here’s how to prevent it
Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals why gel polish can fade in the summer – and how to help prevent it Many techs are familiar with the issue of under-curing gel, but not so aware of the issues of over-curing gel. How many techs have been…
How to enhance nail colour opportunities with acrylic powders
Educator and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals how to create multiple colour opportunities via custom blending… The number of colour possibilities is endless with acrylic powders, as by combining these powders and glitters or pigments, you can created countless varieties of custom blends. While many techs are confident with customising and mixing glitters…
To pinch or not? Katie Barnes on nail enhancements
Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals how and when to use pinching tools… There is often a debate within the industry about whether or not you should pinch L&P and gel enhancements. I think there are situations where it is necessary and others where it is…
How to create different nail shapes
Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals how to create different nail shapes depending on your client’s request There are many different nail shapes that clients request and it is important to ensure that you are providing a structurally sound and durable enhancement with the correct form fit…
How to take care of your nail tools
Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals how to take care of your tekking essentials; your tools. From scissors and cuticle pushers to tweezers and nippers, the sharp implements you use as a professional nail technician must be properly maintained. To perform safe and professional nail treatments, it…
How to perfect proper nail structure
Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals the components of proper nail structure for a perfect nail finish… While a nail enhancement featuring beautiful embellishments and nail art may look good to the eye at first glace; if the enhancement’s foundation isn’t sound then it will not have…
How to practice nail techniques away from clients
Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, offers advice on finding time and tools to practice your techniques… A sentence I hear more than often, especially from those fresh in the industry or learning is ‘I can’t find anyone to practice on’. There is no better way…
Against the clock: How to nail your treatment timings
Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, offers advice on honing your treatment times… Everyone these days is in a rush and wanting things done as efficiently but expertly as possible. As a business, you want to provide your service in a reasonable time while still ensuring the…
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