10 times Megan Fox’s nail looks stole the spotlight

By Jess Watts | 30 January 2026

Alongside her acting career, Megan Fox is also known for her styling, in particular an array of stunning nail looks courtesy of her go-to tech, Brittney Boyce (@nails_of_la). Let’s take a look at some of her standout nail designs… Brittney Boyce has treated Fox to an array of jewel-encrusted talons,…

VTCT expands international learner support with language assessment

By Jess Watts | 30 January 2026

Beauty qualifications awarding body, VTCT, has launched the Vocational English Language Assessment (VELA), to benefit international learners. The AI-powered English proficiency test is designed ‘to support international learners, training providers and employers with a fast, reliable and accessible way to validate English language capability’. VELA works by evaluating four core…

18 silly goose nail designs guaranteed to make you smile

By Jess Watts | 27 January 2026

Silly goose – arguably one of the best terms in the English language – is lovingly reserved for someone behaving in a comedically foolish and delightfully unserious way. In honour of all the silly geese among us, we’ve rounded up 20 goose-tastic nail styles that perfectly capture that unapologetically absurd…

Step inside a nail studio sanctuary in the heart of Somerset

By Jess Watts | 26 January 2026

After training in 2019, nail artist, Vienna Marchant, began her career in a small high street salon. “The building was literally falling apart, so I decided it was time to create my own space,” she shares. The Gel Studio – Vienna’s garden salon in Minehead – took four months to…

The 2016 nail trends making a 2026 comeback

By Jess Watts | 24 January 2026

Social media has fallen head over heels into a time warp. Users are embracing 2016-core, from shoelace chokers to Snapchat filters… but what are the 2016 nail trends that are making a comeback a decade later? The March 2016 edition of Scratch shone a spotlight on trending nail styles, and…

Important February dates for your nail & beauty business

By Jess Watts | 24 January 2026

Prepare your business for the month of February with our roundup of dates to note… All month: LGBTQ+ History Month On its website, LGBT+ History Month designates February as a time ‘to celebrate [the] rich and diverse history, herstory and theirstory’ of the LGBTQ+ community. Each year, the campaign adopts…

18 designs to make your Chinese New Year nails the ‘mane’ event

By Jess Watts | 23 January 2026

Chinese New Year begins on 16 February 2026, marking one of the most significant celebrations in the lunar calendar. The festivities are characterised by firework displays, cultural traditions and communal gatherings, culminating in the annual Lantern Festival. Each year is associated with one of the 12 zodiac animals, with 2026…

Latina beauty influencer launches capsule nail polish collection

By Jess Watts | 23 January 2026

Lights Lacquer – the nail colour and care brand founded by beauty influencer & YouTuber, Kathleen Lights – has unveiled the Core Collection. As trend cycles shift towards capsule classics and long-term staples, the collection echoes this with a line-up that offers ‘intentional colour, versatility and longevity’. Lights Lacquer was…

What are power clash nails & why are chaotic manicures trending?

By Jess Watts | 23 January 2026

The latest iteration of the mix ‘n’ match manicure, power clash nails are an anti-minimalist’s dream. But what are they, and how are they styled? What are power clash nails? Characterised by mismatched patterns and colour palettes, power clash nails thrive on intentional chaos. Each nail becomes a kaleidoscope of…

Studex piercing brand celebrates 50-year anniversary

By Scratch Staff | 22 January 2026

Piercing training and product provider, Studex, is celebrating 50 years in operation. For five decades, the company has supplied ear and nose piercing systems and jewellery to salons, jewellers, retailers, piercing studios and healthcare environments. Studex has focused on the development of hygienic, safe and consistent systems, which can be…

58 swoon-worthy vintage Valentine’s nail designs

By Jess Watts | 22 January 2026

Check out entries to the 21 January 2026 nail art challenge from Scratch, in which techs were tasked with creating a design to fit the theme: Vintage Valentine’s. 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.

Suffolk salon owner to undertake 24-hour beauty treatment marathon in aid of Breast Cancer Now

By Helena Biggs | 21 January 2026

Ixworth beauty professional, Isabelle Cross, is to host a beauty treatment marathon to raise funds for Breast Cancer Now. From 10am on 21 February, Isabelle will offer select beauty treatments back-to-back for 24-hours from her salon, Studio.19. Clients and supporters are encouraged to donate to Breast Cancer Now and purchase…

Pinterest Palette™ reveals 5 colours set to define 2026 nail trends

By Jess Watts | 20 January 2026

Pinterest Palette™, the annual, data-driven colour trend report by social media platform, Pinterest, has revealed which hues are likely to dominate this year. From striking yellow-green to deep purple, let’s dive into the defining shades of 2026 and how they’ll impact the nail world… The 2026 palette provided by Pinterest…

How to become a great nail brand ambassador

By Guest Writer | 19 January 2026

North America’s Star Nail Artist (NASNA) Season 1 champion & LECHAT ambassador, Anastasia Totty, shares her tips and tricks for becoming a top brand ambassador… I’m often asked how to become a successful brand ambassador, and the first step is to attend trade shows and industry events. These offer opportunities…

24 Winnie the Pooh nail designs that are sweet as honey

By Jess Watts | 18 January 2026

Forgetful, constantly tired and always hungry, Winnie the Pooh is one of the most relatable characters out there. A cute symbol of nostalgia, alongside his delightful friendship group, he never fails to bring a smile to our faces. Take a look at these un-bee-lievably pooh-fect nail designs inspired by the…