Posts by Jess Watts
21 nail designs for Breast Cancer Awareness
It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an incredibly important campaign which aims to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Check out entries to the 8 October 2025 nail art challenge from Scratch, in which techs were tasked with creating a design to fit the theme: Breast Cancer Awareness. Each nail style was submitted via Instagram or Facebook using…
Read MoreStep inside the Bristol nail salon prioritising care, calm & confidence
Molly Gregory began nail tech life as a mobile pro, upon qualifying in 2018. After deciding that she wanted a base to work from, she successfully applied to work at a local nail salon, where she stayed until late 2020. After having her son in 2021, Molly ‘made the leap to being self-employed’. She grew…
Read MoreNail tool brand, MUSE, empowers techs through quality, consistency & community
Nail technician & educator, Becci Hollis, shares her journey launching nail tool brand, MUSE. Becci Hollis has been part of the nail industry for 11 years. Originally training as a nail technician, before opening her own salon and training academy, Becci has had her fair share of successful enterprises. Now, she adds one more to…
Read More24 Halloween nail products for superior spooky season styles
It’s spooky season! For many nail techs, this time of year is an opportunity to get creative with colour, texture and design. To do so, they need an arsenal of spooktacular products. Have a look at Scratch‘s Halloween haul to create top-notch talons…
Read MoreCTPA event demonstrates cosmetics industry’s commitment to non-animal testing
On September 29-30, the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) showcased its dedication to advancing non-animal testing methods for chemical safety assessment, via training and workshops. The event, which explored ‘how to apply non-animal New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and Next Generation Risk Assessment (NGRA) frameworks’, consisted of two days of training at Woburn House, London.…
Read More5 colours everyone will be wearing on their nails this autumn
During each season, certain colours gain popularity. These hues are normally based on events and the general aesthetic of the time of year. Autumn 2025 is epitomised by five distinct shades: 1. Navy blue A sophisticated, versatile shade within the autumn colour palette, navy is a seasonal staple. The hue pairs well with other autumnal…
Read MoreAward-winning nail pros unite to create handy tools brand
Jojo Wickens and Leila Monroy, Scratch Stars Awards winners & co-owners of Light Elegance UK, have collaborated to produce LePhine Pro: a nail tool brand that ‘combines thoughtful design, professional quality and everyday usability’. Pronounced ‘Leh-feen’, the brand name combines the first parts of the duo’s names, with ‘Pro’ added to reflect a focus on meeting professional…
Read More38 ‘showgirl orange’ nail designs & products inspired by Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl
Swifties are screaming right now (and that includes me). Taylor Swift has announced her 12th album, revealing the title, track list, cover art and release date. Each of Taylor’s ‘eras’ have focused on a specific colour, and this time, orange is having its moment. To help celebrate TS12: The Life of a Showgirl, we have…
Read MoreNHBF launches checklists to support self-employed beauty professionals
The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has launched a series of ‘free, easy-to-use checklists designed to support self-employed professionals and businesses across the hair and beauty sector’. Though self-employment comes with a lot of benefits and flexibility, running your own business also entails huge responsibilities that are not always easy to keep track of.…
Read MoreBuffBloom reinvents the nail buffer, evolving the legacy of original creator
In 1973, Jack Woodiwiss left his marketing career at a grinding wheels manufacturer in Staffordshire to begin his own business: developing foam-coated abrasives. These included a sanding block, which gained traction amongst large US companies and became a staple in the home improvement and auto repair sectors. Jack’s company, Abrapower Inc., caught the attention of…
Read More30 flirty heart nail designs to get your pulse racing
The classic heart: an evergreen symbol of love and affection that also happens to be incredibly aesthetically pleasing. Though February is the heart’s peak time, nail designs featuring the cute emblem are a yes year-round! Here are 30 inspo pics that will set your heart aflutter…
Read More18 navy nail designs to note
There are a few colours that shine during the colder months, one of which is navy. The deep blue hue encompasses the earthy, rich tones of autumn, giving nails an elegance that transcends shape, style and occasion. Take a look at these navy nail ideas for your next autumn/winter mani…
Read MoreFind your inner peace with 20 nail designs celebrating the Libra star sign
It’s Libra season! The seventh sign of the zodiac governs between September 23 and October 22. Symbolised by the scales of balance, Libras are known for traits of balance, harmony, peace and justice. An air sign with Venus as its ruling planet, those with this star sign are often sociable and outgoing, with a tendency…
Read MoreImportant October dates for your nail & beauty business
Prepare your business for the month with our roundup of October dates to note… All month: Breast Cancer Awareness Month Since 1985, every October has marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month – a campaign organised by major breast cancer charities to raise awareness and funds for the continuation of breast cancer research. Encourage clients to sport…
Read MoreFeast your eyes on 15 nail designs inspired by food
Check out entries to the 24 September 2025 nail art challenge from Scratch, in which techs were tasked with creating a design to fit the theme: Your favourite meal. Each nail style was submitted via Instagram or Facebook using #ShowScratch #CreativeChallenge. Follow Scratch on Instagram and Facebook for future Creative Challenges – launching every other Wednesday. Take a look at these designs, each one good enough…
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