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 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…
Veganuary: How to tell if your nail & beauty products are vegan-friendly
Are your clients calling for vegan and cruelty-free products? Scratch explores how to tell if your nail and beauty products fit the bill… The global vegan cosmetics market is anticipated to reach $24.79 billion in 2028, according to research by Fortune Business Insights, and a whopping 82% of all new vegan items…
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 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…
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 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…
Step inside the Southampton nail salon specialising in bridal manicures
Before discovering her passion for nail artistry during lockdown, salon owner, Georgia Steel, worked as a property manager. The extended time indoors led her to explore a new hobby – one that soon evolved into a deep love for nails. “I qualified in 2022, completing my introductory gel manicure training…
How to remove L&P acrylic nail enhancements safely
Whilst it is tempting to try remove nail enhancements as quickly as possible, correct removal requires professional attention to prevent damage to the natural nail. Here’s how it should be done… Each type of nail enhancement requires a specific method of removal, and the time this takes varies. While UV…
How can nail techs prioritise physical wellbeing in the salon?
Scratch turned to industry experts to curate a selection of products and practical tips to promote physical workplace wellbeing. “Beauty professionals invest immense emotional and physical energy into their craft. “Long hours, repetitive movements and the constant pressure to show up for others can lead to emotional and physical depletion,”…
Nails 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…
Avoid burnout as a nail tech in 2026: a mindset shift guide
Nail business mentor, Hannah Clayton, shares why a shift in mindset is needed by the beauty community in 2026… For years, the beauty industry has pushed the same message, and it really grinds my gears! That message is that if you’re rushed off your feet, you’re doing well. Apparently, a diary…
Nail content creation: do you need the latest phone to succeed?
Sussex-based nail content creator & Scratch columnist, Zoya Mac, reveals why you don’t need the newest phone to create great content… When the iPhone 17 launched, I did what many people do: I scrolled through the specifications and became tempted to purchase. But if you’re trying to improve your content…
Career tips for nail techs from a session nail stylist & salon owner
Marie-Louise Coster shares lessons learned from her nail career… It is the end of another year: a strange year in many ways, perhaps even more of a rollercoaster than usual? And while I sit here to write this, I am compelled not to write about your business, but instead about…
12 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…
Spread Christmas cheer sustainably: 3 ways to recycle festive items
Decorating the Christmas tree, wrapping gifts and sending out greeting cards are some of the most cherished Christmas traditions, but after the festivities, how do you dispose of the excess? Research from waste management company, Sortera UK, shows that more than half of people recycle less at Christmas. This is…
30 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…
40+ 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…
