Master ‘nailfies’ as a nail tech with these expert photography tips

By Scratch Staff | 19 August 2025

Check out this guide for nail pros who want to capture high-quality nail photos. First impressions matter. Blurry, dark or low-resolution photos can make it difficult for people to properly appreciate your nail creations, which could impact whether they decide to book an appointment. So, it’s crucial that your marketing materials feature clear, well-photographed content.…

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99 fruit nail designs: nail art contest entries & winner reveal

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 August 2025

The winner of the Scratch Snap nail art contest for August has been announced as Emma Laverton of @failtefae. In a showcase of talent, UK&I techs created salon-style nail designs inspired by theme, Fruity Fingertips, in the bid to win a HD Professional Nail Systems prize. Entries were judged by Hazel Dixon, award-winning nail stylist & founder…

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What is the nail matrix?

By Jess Watts | 17 August 2025

If you’ve ever heard the term ‘nail matrix’ and pictured Keanu Reeves in black sunglasses and a trench coat, it may be time to brush up your knowledge of this important part of the nail… Have you played on a coin pusher at an arcade? The game where a platform filled with coins pushes them…

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20 trendy & timeless jewel tone nail ideas for gemstone lovers

By Jess Watts | 17 August 2025

As we look towards the coming months, autumn/winter trends are waking from hibernation, ready to take the nail industry by storm. This year, jewel-themed nails are set to be a big hit. From dazzling jewel tones to daring gemstone embellishments, autumn/winter is all about celebrating sparkly stones! Here are 20 nail design ideas you could…

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Step inside the nail salon & academy by the sea on the Isle of Wight

By Jess Watts | 16 August 2025

The Gel Art Academy is the passion project of Rebecca Evans, a tech with a love for nail art and education. The cosy salon is located in Rebecca’s home on the Isle of Wight and provides the ultimate relaxation spot for clients. “The space used to be the utility room at the back of my…

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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…

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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…

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OTHER STORIES

Image courtesy of Danni Howcroft

52 candy-coated Christmas nail ideas to sweeten your holiday style

Check out entries to the 10 December 2025 nail art challenge from Scratch, in which techs were tasked with creating…

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Jessica Cosmetics nail brand

Gerrard International acquires Jessica Cosmetics nail brand

Nail and beauty distributor & training provider, Gerrard International, has announced its acquisition of Jessica Cosmetics. The Hertfordshire-based company, founded…

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Image courtesy of Instagram.com/austylyys

5 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……

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Image courtesy of Instagram.com/mynailgirlkylee

30 short Christmas nail designs that are set to stun

Who says short nails can’t rock amazing art? Embrace dazzling digits this Christmas, no matter how small the canvas… Check…

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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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New Year’s Eve

By Rebecca Hitchon | 20 November 2025

For nail techs, the final day of the year is usually covered in glitter. Sparkle and silver styles are among the most popular NYE nail requests. While you are tending to talons, remember to take a moment to reflect on the year you’ve had, and acknowledge the things you have achieved. Congratulations for another year of wonderful work. Here’s to 2026! Take a look at our gallery of New Year’s…

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Christmas Day

By Rebecca Hitchon | 20 November 2025

‘The most wonderful time of the year’ culminates with Christmas Day. As we reach the summit of sparkle season, the day screams for seasonal sets. Give your clients the gift of festive fingertips with Santa styles, Christmas tree talons and more. Check out the top 5 Christmas nail art trends for 2025. Image courtesy of Instagram.com/brontenails_x

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Winter solstice

By Rebecca Hitchon | 20 November 2025

According to English Heritage, ‘during winter solstice, the earth’s axis is tilted at its furthest point from the sun. This means that, for us in the northern hemisphere, the sun is at its lowest point in the sky’. Essentially, winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year, and the longest night. Embrace the presence of the starry sky with a themed nail design, and brighten up the dark by adding some…

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