14 Hanukkah-inspired nail designs to help light up the holiday

By Jess Watts | 8 December 2025

Hanukkah is the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights, which commemorates the rededication of a Jewish temple after it was taken back from oppressors. It celebrates a miracle which occurred over 2,000 years ago, when a small amount of oil for a lamp lasted for eight days. The holiday is celebrated with the lighting of candles…

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What are rings of fire on nails & how can they be avoided?

By Jess Watts | 7 December 2025

Red rings or semicircles that appear on the nail – often referred to as ‘rings of fire’ – can strike fear into the hearts of nail techs and clients alike, but what causes them and how can they be avoided? “Rings of fire appear as red rings on the nail plate near to the proximal…

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Pantone unveils white hue, Cloud Dancer, as Colour of the Year 2026

By Rebecca Hitchon | 5 December 2025

Image credit: The Development PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer is Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2026. The global colour authority selects a shade each year that it sees to be influencing all areas of design, and that resonates with consumers and their attitudes. Pantone describes Cloud Dancer as a ‘lofty white whose aerated presence acts as…

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18 alternative Christmas nail art designs

By Scratch Staff | 5 December 2025

Looking for Christmas nail styles with an alternative twist? Explore the dark side of nail art with gothcore-inspired takes on festive designs.

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The Ukrainian nail brand on a mission to make nail techs’ work safer

By Alex Fox | 5 December 2025

Standing tall for 2025, Ukrainian manufacturing brand, ÜLKA, sponsored Nailympia London to demonstrate how it’s serious about redefining what a nail technician’s workspace should be. Since 2017, the brand has championed a simple yet powerful belief: a nail station must feel like a sanctuary, not a place that harms the technician behind it. Too many…

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CTPA cosmetics industry business award

Cosmetics industry body awarded for commitment to consumer protection

The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) won the Business…

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Image courtesy of Instagram.com/jamygelznailartist

Pinterest Predicts 2026 – how 10 top trends will shape nail art

Social media platform, Pinterest, has unveiled its 2026 trend predictions…

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OTHER STORIES

Image courtesy of Instagram.com/nails.by.iz_

25 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…

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Image courtesy of Instagram.com/moonlit.nail.artistry

24 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…

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Hara Gel Polish Artist 2025 winner nails

Hara Professional unveils Gel Polish Artist of the Year 2025

Nail brand, Hara Professional, has unveiled Wigan nail pro, Alyx Olivia Mills, as winner of its 2025 gel polish contest…

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Great British Beauty Clean Up

Great British Beauty Clean Up 2026 drives shift towards reusable product packaging

March will see the return of The Great British Beauty Clean Up (GBBCU): a nationwide collaboration between retailers, brands and…

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EVENTS

Nailtopia Trade Show

By Rebecca Hitchon | 20 November 2025

Created by nail techs, for nail techs. Founded in 2019 as a trade show dedicated solely to professional nail technicians, Nailtopia is back after a three-year break. It has a renewed mission: to uplift, educate and celebrate the incredible people shaping the nail and beauty industry. In 2026, it is hosted at The Steamworks, Sheffield – a unique, female-run venue led by sisters whose passion for events mirrors the Nailtopia…

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Phorest Salon Owners Summit

By Jess Watts | 15 September 2025

Phorest, a global salon, spa and clinic software company, will host its 10th annual Salon Owners Summit 25 & 26 January 2026. The event, themed ‘Thrive: The human experience, powered by technology‘, will gather hundreds of salon and clinic owners from around the world at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, Ireland. The summit promises a deep dive into inspiration, education and strategic business growth, as well as demystifying how technology…

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Burns Night

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 December 2025

A celebration in honour of Scottish poet, Robert Burns, Burns Night often features traditional Scottish food, such as Haggis, turnips and potatoes, alongside a recitation of Burns’ famous ‘Address to a Haggis’ poem. Looking for beautiful Burns Night nail art? Click here for our gallery. Image courtesy of Instagram.com/amberandstonebeauty

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International Day of Education

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 December 2025

Proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) as a day to encourage peace and development by way of worldwide education, International Day of Education reminds us that ‘education is a human right, a public good and a public responsibility’. Mark the day by granting yourself a moment of learning, as well as delving into the story of Michelle Brookes, Scratch Stars Educator of the Year 2025. Click here to read about her education. Image courtesy…

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Blue Monday

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 December 2025

Be prepared for an ebb in enthusiasm on 19 January, as the third Monday in the month is commonly referred to as the ‘most depressing day of the year’. This is largely due to weather, post-Christmas blues and the fact that January is one of the longest months (and boy does it feel like it!). Learn how to banish the blues with expert advice from the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF). Check…

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Winnie the Pooh Day

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 December 2025

Celebrated on 18 January to honour the birthday of author, A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh Day is the perfect chance to perfect your character art. The cuddly bear (alongside his Hundred Acre Wood friends) make for wonderfully whimsical nail looks. Check out our gallery of Pooh-themed designs here. Image courtesy of Instagram.com/becdawber_nailartist

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National Winter Skin Relief Day

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 December 2025

Though traditionally observed in the US, this awareness day grants a global opportunity to acknowledge the toll that colder seasons can take on skin. Dedicated to promoting skincare during harsh conditions, the event offers a chance to cash in on the cold by retailing moisturisers, masks and cuticle oils for dry nails and skin. Brush up your cuticle oil knowledge by checking out our article on its benefits.

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Twelfth Night

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 December 2025

The official conclusion of the Christmas season, Twelfth Night marks the end of the 12 Days of Christmas, and is often the time many people opt to take down their festive decorations. It’s not all bad, though, as winter is still well and truly upon us, so you don’t have say goodbye to seasonal nail sets just yet! Try a trend that transcends the seasons: tartan! Click here for our…

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Veganuary

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 December 2025

Since 2014, Veganuary has ‘inspired and supported millions of people to try vegan’. Working with businesses to increase vegan options, the campaign has ‘made veganism more visible and accessible through [its] work with national and international media’. Want to offer vegan manicures? Click here for 20 products to add to your toolkit.

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New Year’s Day

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 December 2025

Enter the start of 2026 with purpose, passion and precision. Let this be the year you elevate your craft, connect deeper with your creativity and keep doing what you do best. If you need some nail inspiration to get you started, what better way to celebrate the New Year than with Pantone‘s Colour of the Year 2026: ‘lofty white’, Cloud Dancer? Check out our roundup of Cloud Dancer nail looks here. Image courtesy of Instagram.com/_by_shelley

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