Art & Technique
99 nail designs inspired by your favourite animated characters
Check out entries to the 28 October 2026 nail art challenge from Scratch, in which techs were tasked with creating a design to fit the theme: Animated Characters. 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.
Read More26 stunning nail designs for Scorpio season
22 October to 21 November marks the season of Scorpio. The eighth astrological sign, Scorpio is ruled by Mars and Pluto, and those born within this celestial period are said to have traits such as fierce passion, determination, intuition and mystery. Often described as magnetic characters that others are drawn to, the Scorpio sign boasts…
Read MoreNail artists sculpt new species in NASNA challenge set by Jan Arnold & Hollywood creature designer
Imaginative, intricate and extraordinary: the submissions from North America’s Star Nail Artist (NASNA) contestants for the opening challenge of Season 3 astounded judges – and truly stretched skillsets and creativity. Titled Anatomy of Imagination, sponsor, Jan Arnold, teamed up with Emmy Award-winning creature designer, Neville Page, to set the artistic brief, which was unveiled on…
Read MorePumpkin spice nails: manicure ideas & products to nail the trend
When it comes to autumn, there is one scent, taste and colour palette that is characteristic of cosy season: pumpkin spice. From gel polish picks to nail styling inspo, here are our top picks for incorporating pumpkin spice into seasonal nail looks… Over the past three months, searches for ‘pumpkin spice nails’ have seen a…
Read More10 celebrity-approved nail colours for autumn/winter 2026
As we transition into the cooler months, nail trends naturally shift. Celebrity style is often a strong indicator of the nail looks and trends set to dominate, with A-listers regularly showcasing the season’s biggest beauty moments… So, what are the stars wearing on their fingertips this autumn/winter season? Let’s take a look at the nail…
Read MorePrivacy screen nails are trending: what are they & how can you recreate them?
In a world where almost every move can end up documented on social media, privacy has become more precious than ever. And now, the latest version of personal privacy is landing right at our fingertips. Enter the privacy screen nail trend… If you’ve ever glanced over at someone on their laptop on the train just…
Read More50 tortoiseshell nail ideas for a modern manicure
One of the most timeless animal print patterns, tortoiseshell is a staple style throughout the year, however it really comes into its own during the cooler months. In 2026, nail art enthusiasts are leaning towards modern interpretations of the trend. From bold, unexpected colour palettes to negative space designs, French tip looks and mix ‘n’…
Read More40 minimalist Halloween nail designs for a subtle spooky season
Minimalist nail art is trending, and for those looking to subtly spook up their nail sets, the desire for delicate designs could not have come at a better time! Social media is bursting with nails featuring quiet nods to Halloween; take a look at our roundup…
Read More99 coffee-coloured nail designs for the perfect mocha brown manicure
Check out entries to the 14 October 2026 nail art challenge from Scratch, in which techs were tasked with creating a design to fit the theme: Mocha manis. 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.
Read More8 standout nail trends spotted at Paris Fashion Week SS27
Taking place 28 September – 6 October, Paris Fashion Week brought the spring/summer 2027 fashion cycle to a close, following events across the globe – including in New York and London. Press, celebrities and fashion industry names came together for 68 shows and 34 presentations – each of which saw hair, make-up and nail teams…
Read MoreBlack cherry nails: manicure ideas & gel polishes to nail the trend
If there’s one nail shade that is synonymous with elegance, class and sultry effortlessness, it’s black cherry. The hue is yet again dominating nails for autumn/winter, so we’ve rounded up ways to wear it and products to achieve the look… A timeless classic, black cherry nails have transcended seasons and decades, remaining a staple style…
Read MoreTake a walk on the wild side with 81 animal-themed nail designs
Check out entries to the 30 September 2026 nail art challenge from Scratch, in which techs were tasked with creating a design to fit the theme: Animal Artistry. Each nail style was submitted via Instagram or Facebook using #ShowScratch #CreativeChallenge. The featured fox nail design was created by Scratch Stars Polish & Paint Nail Artist of the Year…
Read More50 autumnal nail art ideas to celebrate October
As October settles in, we welcome the crunch of fallen leaves, scent of pumpkin spice and unmistakable arrival of spooky season in the shops. Naturally, our nails should follow suit. From autumnal animal print to a hint of Halloween, scroll on for a myriad of autumnal manicure inspiration… Cranberry chrome One of the most characteristic…
Read More78 earth-toned nail art designs for autumn: contest entries & winner
The winner of the Scratch Snap nail art contest for September is Aurelija O’Neill of Starry Moon Beauty in Dublin. In a showcase of talent, UK & Ireland nail techs created salon-style nail designs inspired by theme, Elegant Earth Tones, in the bid to win a Halo bundle worth over £200. Entries were judged by…
Read MoreRevealed: trending nail styles for autumn/winter 2026
As cosy season approaches and we begin reaching for fluffy jumpers, sipping steaming mugs of hot chocolate and enjoying the crunch of autumn leaves under our feet, it’s also time for a nail renaissance… But which nail styles are set to dominate sweater season this year? We’ve done the research and put together a definitive…
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