Step inside the Taunton beauty salon opening its doors to a new era

By Jess Watts | 14 January 2026

Sorella Collective – a beauty salon nestled within Taunton’s Independent Quarter – is the culmination of years of experience, love and skill. Founders, Charlotte Murphy and Catherine Bunning, detail how the Somerset enterprise blossomed, and what is so special about their slice of luxury… The journey Sorella Collective brings together hair, skin and nailcare under…

5 ways to wear Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2026 on nails

By Jess Watts | 14 January 2026

Global colour authority, Pantone, has revealed its hotly anticipated Colour of the Year for 2026, and it might surprise you… Cloud Dancer is set to be 2026’s star shade, with Pantone describing it as a ‘lofty white whose aerated presence acts as a whisper of calm and peace in a noisy world’. Click here to find…

SalonIQ expands internationally with UAE nail brand partnership

By Jess Watts | 14 January 2026

SalonIQ – a salon software provider created by salon professionals – has expanded internationally via new collaborations, including with a UAE-based nail polish and accessories brand. SalonIQ offers a range of business management solutions, including marketing, team engagement, client experience and e-commerce options – designed to help salons automate their services. The company has partnered…

Self Assessment guide: HMRC advice for self-employed & sole traders

By Guest Writer | 13 January 2026

Ahead of the Self Assessment deadline of 31 January, HMRC deputy director for Self Assessment, Jashoda Pindoria MBE, answers frequently asked questions… Whether you’re a new business owner, have invested in a rental property, started a side hustle or sold assets between 6 April 2024 and 5 April 2025, chances are you’ll have to pay…

Bangle nails: what is the nail trend & how is it achieved?

By Jess Watts | 13 January 2026

Pinterest Predicts 2026 stated that we should ‘expect rubberised nail art and 3D jewellery’ to become a huge trend this year – and we are off to a flying start with the rise of ‘bangle nails’. Scratch breaks down the bangle buzz and shares some nail inspiration… Nails are widely thought of as an accessory,…

OTHER STORIES

10 chic celebrity nail looks from the Golden Globes 2026

Lead image courtesy of Instagram.com/byjuanalvear & Instagram.com/chuenails The 83rd annual Golden Globes took place on 11 January in Beverly Hills,…

Experts share how nail techs can prioritise mental & emotional wellbeing

Scratch turned to industry experts to curate a selection of practical tips and products to promote mental and emotional workplace…

How to stop nail biting & picking: experts share treatment plans

Natural nail specialists share tips for nail biting and picking clients… Why do people bite and pick at their nails…

60 blue nail art designs that are blue-tifully chic

Feeling blue? Turn that frown upside down with this gallery of blue nail art ideas. Effortlessly stylish, blue nails suit…

EVENTS

Nailtopia Trade Show

By Rebecca Hitchon | 20 November 2025

Created by nail techs, for nail techs. Founded in 2019 as a trade show dedicated solely to professional nail technicians, Nailtopia is back after a three-year break. It has a renewed mission: to uplift, educate and celebrate the incredible people shaping the nail and beauty industry. In 2026, it is hosted at The Steamworks, Sheffield – a unique, female-run venue led by sisters whose passion for events mirrors the Nailtopia…

Phorest Salon Owners Summit

By Jess Watts | 15 September 2025

Phorest, a global salon, spa and clinic software company, will host its 10th annual Salon Owners Summit 25 & 26 January 2026. The event, themed ‘Thrive: The human experience, powered by technology‘, will gather hundreds of salon and clinic owners from around the world at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, Ireland. The summit promises a deep dive into inspiration, education and strategic business growth, as well as demystifying how technology…

Burns Night

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 December 2025

A celebration in honour of Scottish poet, Robert Burns, Burns Night often features traditional Scottish food, such as Haggis, turnips and potatoes, alongside a recitation of Burns’ famous ‘Address to a Haggis’ poem. Looking for beautiful Burns Night nail art? Click here for our gallery. Image courtesy of Instagram.com/amberandstonebeauty

International Day of Education

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 December 2025

Proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) as a day to encourage peace and development by way of worldwide education, International Day of Education reminds us that ‘education is a human right, a public good and a public responsibility’. Mark the day by granting yourself a moment of learning, as well as delving into the story of Michelle Brookes, Scratch Stars Educator of the Year 2025. Click here to read about her education. Image courtesy…

Blue Monday

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 December 2025

Be prepared for an ebb in enthusiasm on 19 January, as the third Monday in the month is commonly referred to as the ‘most depressing day of the year’. This is largely due to weather, post-Christmas blues and the fact that January is one of the longest months (and boy does it feel like it!). Learn how to banish the blues with expert advice from the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF). Check…

Winnie the Pooh Day

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 December 2025

Celebrated on 18 January to honour the birthday of author, A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh Day is the perfect chance to perfect your character art. The cuddly bear (alongside his Hundred Acre Wood friends) make for wonderfully whimsical nail looks. Check out our gallery of Pooh-themed designs here. Image courtesy of Instagram.com/becdawber_nailartist

Scratch Snap nail art competition

By Rebecca Hitchon | 12 January 2026

Scratch Snap is a monthly, online nail art challenge to create a salon-style design in line with a theme. Simply snap a pic of the design (on yourself, nail tips or a client) and you could be in with a chance of winning a fabulous prize! The theme for January’s Scratch Snap is Frosted fingertips, and the winner will scoop an Artistic Nail Design bundle worth over £230. Click here to enter. *Open to…

Veganuary

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 December 2025

Since 2014, Veganuary has ‘inspired and supported millions of people to try vegan’. Working with businesses to increase vegan options, the campaign has ‘made veganism more visible and accessible through [its] work with national and international media’. Want to offer vegan manicures? Click here for 20 products to add to your toolkit.

INSTAGRAM FEED

...

3 0

...

4 0

Affiliated brands