Insight: Understanding scoresheets from nail & beauty competitions
To not be a finalist or winner in a nail competition or awards can leave you wondering what you did wrong and make you question your skills. As a competitor and judge, I would like to share my experiences… Recognition aside, simply applying for a nail award or being shortlisted…
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Are your gloves protecting you against nail ingredients?
In a previous blog for Scratch, we explored what gloves are needed for nail technicians and covered thickness and how often these need to be changed. In this blog, we delve deeper into chemical permeability and how to know if your gloves protect you against the chemicals which you use…
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How to successfully edit your nail photos
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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4 items you should be sanitising alongside your nail tools
You clean, disinfect and sterilise your nail tools, but on what else should you carry out these processes? Any reusable items that come into contact with clients’ skin or nails must be sanitised, disinfected and sterilised, depending on your country’s regulations. Protocols referred to in this blog are applicable to…
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The UK heatwave: Is it affecting your nail products?
Educator & award-winning nail technician, Katie Barnes, reveals why hot weather may impact your nail products and services… Most techs will have noticed the difference in their L&P and gel systems at different times, especially different temperatures and seasons, with it being particularly noticeable during periods of very warm wearther.…
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What is the cuticle & how much can be safely removed in a manicure?
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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4 ways to help prevent allergic reactions in the nail space
An allergy in the nail industry is caused by repetitive skin contact of a nail ingredient that has been advised against skin contact. The contact of this allergen may not always be known or as simple as displaying on the hands from accidentally flooding the cuticle. If you or a…
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OPI collaborates with Katie Barnes to launch an E-file
OPI has collaborated with Katie Clark, Scratch Stars Services to the Nail Industry finalist & founder of Katie Barnes Tool Range, to launch an E-file. The OPI X Katie Barnes E-file collaboration follows the launch of OPI’s Diamond Gel, a hard gel system that can be used to build, overlay…
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HEMA: What is it, why is it used in nail products & is it to blame for allergies?
What is HEMA? HEMA, also known as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate or hydroxyethyl methacrylate, belongs to the monomer family and is used as an adhesive in nail products. Having an adhesive property in the product is important to prevent service breakdown. When alternative ingredients are used, using a coarser grit file can…
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How to attract men into the salon for manicures
The nail industry is dominated by female clients, but do you do enough to attract and welcome the growing male market? From mechanics, hairdressers and grooms to fathers of the bride and office workers, the male nail salon clientele is expanding. This seems to have been made more publicly accepted…
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