Inside the career of a celebrity nail stylist & The X Factor head of nails
By Jess Watts | 04 July 2026 | Techs & Salons
From working in an electrical retailer to heading up the nail team on The X Factor, Jamie Nunn has had quite the career.
He shares his journey with Scratch – as well as some of his most memorable encounters…
Jamie Nunn is the owner of Cambridgeshire salon, Matilda-Rose Nails & Beauty, and has worked as a celebrity & session nail stylist since 2010. His first experience with the nail industry came when he accompanied a friend to have her nails done.
“The salon owner mentioned she was looking to train someone up, and as I wasn’t happy working in an electrical retailer at the time, I decided to take the plunge,” Jamie says.
It quickly became clear that Jamie was destined for big things. “I learned very quickly and had built my own client base within months,” he recalls. At the time, French tips and natural finishes were among the most requested nail looks, with airbrushing and stencil work proving particularly popular.
A golden opportunity
Jamie’s biggest career break came in 2010, when he became head of nails for hit UK television show, The X Factor. “I remember feeling a bit of imposter syndrome as the opportunity came out of left field, but it was an amazing experience and led to friendships that I still hold dear today,” Jamie reveals.
Reminiscing on his time on the show, Jamie mentions working with season 10 contestant, Harry Styles. “I’m still in awe every time I take my niece to one of his sold-out shows,” he says with a smile. “His success is amazing to watch – and not in the slightest bit surprising. He’s such a genuine guy.”
Another lasting friendship Jamie formed is with singer, Alexandra Burke. Although Alexandra won The X Factor in 2008, before Jamie joined the programme, her ongoing connection with the series meant the pair met through the show and have remained close ever since.
(Image courtesy of Instagram.com/matildarosehaverhill)
“Alexandra Burke is one of my favourite people and is a huge part of my life,” Jamie says. “She’s an incredibly supportive friend.” He adds that some of his favourite nail looks have been for the singer, commenting: “Alexandra is great to work with because she allows artists to be creative and doesn’t micromanage her image.”
Nail favourites
An avid user of HD Professional Nail Systems – the nail brand founded by multi Scratch Stars Awards-winning nail artist, Hazel Dixon, Jamie keeps his kit stocked with high-performance products. “The Build It! Pro range is one of the best hard gels I’ve ever used,” he says.
Jamie also recommends nail and skincare brand, Saviour™, founded by Scratch Stars Shooting Star Award 2025 recipient, Theresa Foddering. “The Nail & Skin Restoring Oil and Balm are just fantastic. They make such a difference and smell amazing,” he comments.
Session styling
Much of Jamie’s early session work took place backstage at The X Factor, as well as at photoshoots and events including London Fashion Week. “It’s not as glamorous as people expect,” he says with a laugh. “There have been many times I’ve completed nail sets while sitting on the floor.”
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He describes London Fashion Week as a whirlwind. “It is such a fast-paced environment with very early mornings. The shows I oversaw for designer brand, Jean-Piere Braganza, and jewellery brand, Maria Franchesca Pepe, are highlights,” Jamie comments.
Alongside these events, Jamie has worked with celebrities including singer, Dionne Bromfield; actress, Vanessa Kirby, and American businesswoman & actress, Priscilla Presley. “Watching Dionne grow from a talented youngster into the woman she is today has been a real pleasure,” he says. “I also knew Vanessa was going to be huge, and now she’s not only a major film star, but the face of luxury brand, Cartier.”
Jamie adds: “Priscilla was one of the kindest and most generous people I’ve worked with, and for someone with such a famous backstory, she was so down-to-earth.”
When asked whose nails he would most like to do, past or present, Jamie doesn’t hesitate. “I think doing Cher’s nails would be really interesting,” he tells Scratch. “Marilyn Monroe or Princess Diana would also be incredible to work with – I imagine they would have leaned towards timeless classics over crazy nail art.”
Giving back
Although Jamie has worked with countless high-profile names, he says his proudest achievement has nothing to do with celebrity clients. “During the Covid pandemic, I started a charity that supported thousands of vulnerable elderly people with everyday tasks,” he explains. “Using my salon, Matilda-Rose, myself and the team helped with shopping, prescription collections and much more.”
The charity, Matilda-Rose Action Squad, is still going strong and now supports a variety of community initiatives. “It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done,” Jamie says. “You can have all the glitz and glamour, but something like the pandemic really puts life into perspective.”
Next steps
Looking ahead, Jamie is excited to release an autobiographical book documenting his life and career. “I’m halfway through writing it and have been able to relive so many moments I’d forgotten about, which has been amazing,” he shares.
The Matilda-Rose Action Squad also has exciting plans for the future. “We’re launching a new charity scheme in October, which will support elderly people,” Jamie reveals. “It sounds cliché, but knowing you’ve made a difference to someone’s life really is one of the best feelings.”
Whatever the future holds, Jamie remains focused on doing what he loves. “To me, success means being able to look back and be proud of what I’ve achieved, while looking ahead and continuing to do what I’m passionate about,” he smiles.
Follow Jamie and Matilda-Rose Nails & Beauty on Instagram and Facebook.
