Win an Artistic Nail Design prize: winter nail art contest

By Rebecca Hitchon | 12 January 2026

The January Scratch Snap nail art competition is open! Scratch Snap is a monthly, online nail art challenge that invites nail pros to create a salon-style nail 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…

24 Scottish-themed nail designs for Burns Night

By Scratch Staff | 12 January 2026

Burns Night takes place annually on 25 January and is a celebration of the life and work of Scottish poet & lyricist, Robert Burns, on what would have been his birthday. Scots often commemorate the occasion with a cèilidh (social event with dancing) and a supper, where they enjoy a traditional fare of haggis, neeps…

10 chic celebrity nail looks from the Golden Globes 2026

By Jess Watts | 12 January 2026

Lead image courtesy of Instagram.com/byjuanalvear & Instagram.com/chuenails The 83rd annual Golden Globes took place on 11 January in Beverly Hills, California. The event welcomed a wide range of celebrities, celebrating the best of film and television. The star-studded red carpet saw a spectrum of styles, with nail looks ranging from subtle French-style tips to deep,…

Experts share how nail techs can prioritise mental & emotional wellbeing

By Jess Watts | 11 January 2026

Scratch turned to industry experts to curate a selection of practical tips and products to promote mental and emotional workplace wellbeing. Mental and emotional wellbeing are imperative for long-term career viability and satisfaction, yet many beauty professionals are so busy juggling client requests, social media and business admin that they struggle to prioritise their own…

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

By Rebecca Hitchon | 10 January 2026

Natural nail specialists share tips for nail biting and picking clients… Why do people bite and pick at their nails and skin? “Nail biting, also known as onychophagia, and skin picking and biting, named perionychophagia, are habits associated with stress, anxiety and compulsive disorders,” explains Lucy Price, Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year…

OTHER STORIES

15 garnet nail design ideas inspired by the January birthstone

Garnet, a durable gemstone most commonly known for its striking red iteration, is the birthstone of the first month of…

TGB Academy partners with nail & beauty business management platform, Solo

TGB Academy – the education arm of nail brand, The GelBottle Inc, has partnered with booking and business management platform…

Nail techs reveal 2026 nail trend predictions

Check out entries to the 7 January 2026 nail art challenge from Scratch, in which techs were tasked with creating…

25 nail ideas to help banish the January blues

It’s January, the month that feels like a year, when cold weather and dark skies combine to create a subpar…

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.

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