How to select the correct nail form for enhancements
Educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals why knowing the differences between nail forms is so important… Form fitting can seem like a minefield and with so many different types on the market, it is hard to know which form you should be using and why. This blog will explain…
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How to correctly remove nail enhancements that are lifting
Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals how to correctly remove enhancements that have lifted What is lifting? Enhancements that lift away from the natural nail show a sign of service breakdown. This can occur with any nail coating but is often more common with L&P and…
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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…
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How to prevent nail product overexposure
Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals why the misuse of monomer can have nasty consequences… We are all responsible for bad work habits but some are more dangerous than others. It has become alarmingly more apparent through the likes of YouTube videos and live feeds on social media that too many techs are flooding…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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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How to fit a form to bitten nails
Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, offers advice on tending to the nails of clients that like to nibble… Many clients and techs often believe because a nail is naturally very short, they are unable to extend the nail with a sculpted enhancement or are sometimes…
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How to take a great nail photo
Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, offers advice on making the most of your nail snaps… Taking good photographs of your nail work can increase your chances of being featured in publications and grow your clients and social media following. The quality of your photographs can show the difference between an amateur and professional nail technician. You don’t need…
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An insight into the waterless manicure
Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, susses out the waterless manicure… The traditional method of dipping your fingers into a bowl of water while getting a manicure has become somewhat dated, with many techs now offering a waterless ‘dry’ manicure service. Waterless manicures are becoming increasingly popular, particularly with…
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This is why nail primer is so important
Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, explores the two types of primer and their importance… Proper preparation of the nail plate – including the application of primer – can help eliminate service breakdown. Improper use of primer however, could cause skin and nail problems. Applying too much primer can also affect…
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How to remove enhancements without damaging nails
Salon owner, educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals how to remove enhancements correctly – and what happens if you don’t. One of the biggest nail myths is that ‘nails need to breathe’. Nails are made up of several layers of dead, compacted cells and do not have the…
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