Nail Art
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 atmosphere. But do not fear, there is hope! Let the light shine from your fingertips with smile-inducing nail styles and positive polish palettes. Here are some ideas to help bring back your spark…
Read More5 ways to wear Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2026 on nails
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…
Read MoreBangle nails: what is the nail trend & how is it achieved?
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,…
Read MoreWin an Artistic Nail Design prize: winter nail art contest
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…
Read More15 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 the year. Though it can be found in hues such as green, orange and pink, garnet is most famously a deep, rich ruby shade. The precious stone is said to have many qualities, including boosting…
Read MoreNail 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 a design to fit the theme: 2026 trend prediction. From ‘clean girl’ nudes to bold neons, and cat eye to chrome, nail pros predict a plethora of textures, finishes and styles will take centre stage…
Read MoreNails to wear based on your January full moon horoscope
3 January 2026 will see the rise of the final supermoon in a series of four. The powerful full moon, named the Wolf Moon, falls in the sign of Cancer, elevating sensitivity and a need for emotional balance. While Capricorn season continues in the background, urging us to work hard for long-term success, January’s full…
Read MoreCat eye & velvet nails: what’s the difference & how are they created?
2025 has seen the rise of textured nail finishes, with cat eye and velvet nail looks dominating salon styles. But what is the difference between the two seemingly similar designs, and how can they be created? Cat eye and velvet nails boast a lot of similarities, including products used and general aesthetic. However, there is…
Read More12 nail art ideas for Capricorn season
Capricorn season is upon us! Let’s dive into birthday nails to celebrate the occasion… Between 22 December and 19 January, Capricorn season is in full swing. Those born between these dates are said to showcase traits such as ambition, discipline, loyalty and practicality. Ruled by the goat, Capricorns are known for being responsible and having…
Read More30 minimalist Christmas nail ideas for a subtle festive look
Minimalism is having its moment, and this festive season we predict that merry minimalist manicures will take over social media and nail requests. Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year 2025, Jessica White, says: “People want nails that feel festive but wearable: styles that can be rocked at work Christmas parties and on nights…
Read More40+ black tie sparkle nails – contest entries & winning design
The winner of the Scratch Snap nail art contest for December is Ryan Hobbs of @rocksta_ry. In a showcase of talent, UK&I techs created salon-style nail designs inspired by theme, Black Tie Sparkle, in the bid to win a Bluestreak Crystals prize. Entries were judged by Abi Middleton, director at Bluestreak Crystals, and Scratch editor, Rebecca Hitchon. The winner, Ryan Hobbs, has scooped Bluestreak Crystals’ Serinity Flatback Ultimate Mix…
Read More86 nail ideas inspired by a picture-perfect white Christmas
Check out entries to the 17 December 2025 nail art challenge from Scratch, in which techs were tasked with creating a design to fit the theme: White Christmas. 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. Let’s step into an array of winter wonderlands, inspired by frosty…
Read MorePinterest Predicts 2026 – how 10 top trends will shape nail art
Social media platform, Pinterest, has unveiled its 2026 trend predictions via annual report, Pinterest Predicts. Here are the top 10 trends for nail lovers to note… 1. Gimme Gummy With jelly-esque make-up products seeing a rise in popularity during 2025, Pinterest reveals a 100% increase in searches for ‘jelly candy aesthetic’. The platform expects ‘rubberised…
Read More25 ways to style silver nails this Christmas
Hailed as the ‘new neutral’, silver nails are everywhere, with Google reporting a breakout increase in searches over the past few months. Wondering how to wear the hue this festive season? Take a look at Scratch‘s roundup of seasonal silver sets…
Read More24 Christmas glitter nail art ideas for sparkle season
Christmas for nail techs means one thing… glitter! Whether clients opt for minimalist shimmer or full-on festive sparkle, one thing is guaranteed: nail techs will be finding glitter in their hair, homes and handbags until well into the New Year. Check out our roundup of sparkle season sets to inspire festive fingertips…
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