Step inside the Southampton nail salon specialising in bridal manicures

By Jess Watts | 6 January 2026

Before discovering her passion for nail artistry during lockdown, salon owner, Georgia Steel, worked as a property manager. The extended time indoors led her to explore a new hobby – one that soon evolved into a deep love for nails. “I qualified in 2022, completing my introductory gel manicure training…

5 ways to wear Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2026 on nails

By Jess Watts | 3 January 2026

Global colour authority, Pantone, has revealed its hotly anticipated Colour of the Year for 2026, and it might surprise you… Cloud Dancer is set to be 2026’s star shade, with Pantone describing it as a ‘lofty white whose aerated presence acts as a whisper of calm and peace in a noisy…

Nails to wear based on your January full moon horoscope

By Jess Watts | 3 January 2026

3 January 2026 will see the rise of the final supermoon in a series of four. The powerful full moon, named the Wolf Moon, falls in the sign of Cancer, elevating sensitivity and a need for emotional balance. While Capricorn season continues in the background, urging us to work hard…

Cat eye & velvet nails: what’s the difference & how are they created?

By Jess Watts | 2 January 2026

2025 has seen the rise of textured nail finishes, with cat eye and velvet nail looks dominating salon styles. But what is the difference between the two seemingly similar designs, and how can they be created? Cat eye and velvet nails boast a lot of similarities, including products used and…

Nail content creation: do you need the latest phone to succeed?

By Guest Writer | 29 December 2025

Sussex-based nail content creator & Scratch columnist, Zoya Mac, reveals why you don’t need the newest phone to create great content… When the iPhone 17 launched, I did what many people do: I scrolled through the specifications and became tempted to purchase. But if you’re trying to improve your content…

12 nail art ideas for Capricorn season

By Jess Watts | 27 December 2025

Capricorn season is upon us! Let’s dive into birthday nails to celebrate the occasion… Between 22 December and 19 January, Capricorn season is in full swing. Those born between these dates are said to showcase traits such as ambition, discipline, loyalty and practicality. Ruled by the goat, Capricorns are known…

Important January dates for your nail & beauty business

By Jess Watts | 22 December 2025

Prepare your business for the month of January with our roundup of dates to note… All month: Veganuary 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…

30 minimalist Christmas nail ideas for a subtle festive look

By Jess Watts | 20 December 2025

Minimalism is having its moment, and this festive season we predict that merry minimalist manicures will take over social media and nail requests. Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year 2025, Jessica White, says: “People want nails that feel festive but wearable: styles that can be rocked at work…

86 nail ideas inspired by a picture-perfect white Christmas

By Jess Watts | 18 December 2025

Check out entries to the 17 December 2025 nail art challenge from Scratch, in which techs were tasked with creating a design to fit the theme: White Christmas. 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. Let’s step into an array of…

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

By Jess Watts | 14 December 2025

Social media platform, Pinterest, has unveiled its 2026 trend predictions via annual report, Pinterest Predicts. Here are the top 10 trends for nail lovers to note… 1. Gimme Gummy With jelly-esque make-up products seeing a rise in popularity during 2025, Pinterest reveals a 100% increase in searches for ‘jelly candy…

25 ways to style silver nails this Christmas

By Jess Watts | 13 December 2025

Hailed as the ‘new neutral’, silver nails are everywhere, with Google reporting a breakout increase in searches over the past few months. Wondering how to wear the hue this festive season? Take a look at Scratch‘s roundup of seasonal silver sets…

24 Christmas glitter nail art ideas for sparkle season

By Jess Watts | 12 December 2025

Christmas for nail techs means one thing… glitter! Whether clients opt for minimalist shimmer or full-on festive sparkle, one thing is guaranteed: nail techs will be finding glitter in their hair, homes and handbags until well into the New Year. Check out our roundup of sparkle season sets to inspire…

Hara Professional unveils Gel Polish Artist of the Year 2025

By Helena Biggs | 12 December 2025

Nail brand, Hara Professional, has unveiled Wigan nail pro, Alyx Olivia Mills, as winner of its 2025 gel polish contest – and a prize worth £2,500. The search for Hara Professional’s Gel Polish Artist of the Year 2025 began on 1 September 2025. Techs from the UK and Ireland were…

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

By Jess Watts | 11 December 2025

Check out entries to the 10 December 2025 nail art challenge from Scratch, in which techs were tasked with creating a design to fit the theme: Christmas candy shop. 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.

30 short Christmas nail designs that are set to stun

By Jess Watts | 9 December 2025

Who says short nails can’t rock amazing art? Embrace dazzling digits this Christmas, no matter how small the canvas… Check out our roundup of short styles for creative Christmas claws!