Gemstone nails: contest winner reveal & 50+ dazzling designs

By Rebecca Hitchon | 1 October 2025

The three winners of the Scratch Snap nail art contest for September are Anna Kubicka, Elysia Harmony and Madeleine Wilkinson. In a showcase of talent, UK&I techs created salon-style nail designs inspired by theme, Gemstones, in the bid to win a Saviour™ prize. Entries were judged by Theresa Foddering, award-winning nail industry consultant & founder…

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,…

Seaside styles stun in nail art contest: check out 55 entries & winner

By Rebecca Hitchon | 22 July 2025

The winner of the Scratch Snap nail art contest for July has been announced as Bethany Allen of @goodwithabrush. In a showcase of talent, UK&I techs created salon-style nail designs inspired by theme, Seaside Styling, in the bid to win a Halo prize courtesy of Pure Nails. Entries were judged by…

Scratch Snap winner announced: tropical nail art contest with 60 entries

By Rebecca Hitchon | 23 June 2025

The winner of Scratch’s monthly salon-style nail art contest for June has been announced as Mia Murray of Painted by Mia, Kinross. In a showcase of talent, UK&I techs created nail designs inspired by theme, Tropical Talons, in the bid to win a prize from Gelish. Entries were judged by Georgie…

Techs paint fairytale nail art for Scratch Snap comp: winner announced

By Rebecca Hitchon | 30 May 2025

The winner of Scratch’s monthly salon-style nail art contest for May has been announced as Brigitta Fajt. In a showcase of talent, techs created nail designs inspired by theme, Fairytale Figures, in the bid to win a prize from MSK Nails. Entries were judged by Megan Heppinstall, owner of MSK Nails & Scratch Stars Social…

Nails inspired by spring trends: see 94 entries & winner of nail art comp

By Rebecca Hitchon | 28 April 2025

The winner of the Scratch Snap nail art contest for April is Katarzyna Korzeniak of @katessimplynails. In a showcase of talent, techs created salon-style nail designs inspired by theme, Your Favourite Spring Trends, in the bid to win a prize from Andreia Professional. Entries were judged by Sara Pinto, Andreia Professional product…

Scratch Snap winner announced: pedicure nail art contest

By Rebecca Hitchon | 31 March 2025

The winner of Scratch’s monthly nail art contest for March has been announced as Amy Lambourne of @amylambournenaturalnailtech. In a showcase of talent, techs created nail designs inspired by theme, Fancy Feet, in the bid to win a prize from Footlogix. Entries were judged by Samantha Sweet, co-founder & chief commercial officer at Sweet…

Kent nail artist: How I navigate nail competitions with autism & ADHD

By Guest Writer | 18 March 2025

Jade Barber, founder of Nail & Beauty Excellence & Scratch Stars L&P Tech of the Year 2022, shares her experiences of neurodiversity in the nail arena… I began competing early in my nail career, as my educator entered me into a student category at a Professional Beauty nail competition. Without…

Nail techs paint what brings them joy for Scratch Snap comp: winner announced

By Rebecca Hitchon | 28 February 2025

The winner of Scratch’s monthly nail art contest for February has been announced as Monika Ferreira of @mjallure_beauty. In a showcase of talent, techs created nail designs inspired by theme, Things That Make You Happy, in the bid to win a prize from Light Elegance. Entries were judged by Light Elegance UK co-owners…

Top reasons to enter nail competitions & expert tips for success

By Guest Writer | 3 February 2025

Esteemed beauty business expert & CEO of PHAB Service Stars, Nergish Wadia-Austin, shares advice for budding nail competitors… The nail industry is vibrant, with competitions like the Scratch Stars Awards and Nailympia showcasing the best in creativity and artistry. Prestigious events like these are essential for any nail technician wishing…

Nail competition tips from the World’s Star Nail Artist

By Katy Pottle | 20 August 2024

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or starting out, competitions can be an ideal playground to showcase your skills and creativity, as well as build confidence, learn from industry leaders and challenge yourself. The World’s Star Nail Artist 2023, Katy Pottle, shares her competition tips… The spectrum of choice When it…

How to make the most of a nail competition

By Guest Writer | 29 July 2024

Belinda Price, OPI UK&I education & capability manager, reveals why you should enter nail competitions – and how to make the most of the experience… Entering nail competitions is a great way to grow your skillset and develop your business. It’s a way of assessing where you’re at, setting goals,…

ENTRY OPEN for North America’s Star Nail Artist contest: Season 1

By Helena Biggs | 1 July 2024

Entry has opened for North America’s Star Nail Artist: a new online contest for nail professionals. Created by the team behind nail industry resource, Scratch magazine, and international nail competition organisation, Nailympia, this exciting 11-month adventure seeks to unite the North American nail sector: elevating the creativity and imagination of…

Phenix Salon Suites launches competition to support UK hair & beauty talent

By Rebecca Hitchon | 16 April 2024

Phenix Salon Suites, which offers four UK locations and over 300 US sites for pros to rent, has unveiled the Phenix Grant, a competition to discover and support industry talent. Coinciding with the openings of suites in Liverpool and Nottingham, the competition is reminiscent of BBC TV show, Dragon’s Den,…

WINNER ANNOUNCED: Scratch Snap February 2024

By Callie Iley | 1 March 2024

The winner of Scratch’s monthly nail art challenge has been announced as Carrie Williams. In a showcase of talent, techs stepped up to the Scratch Snap challenge for February and created nail designs inspired by the theme ‘February Florals’, in the bid to win a prize from Hara Professional. Entries were judged…