From passion to profession: the Wiltshire home salon known for nail art

By Jess Watts | 3 November 2025

Tina Annal began her nail career in 2014, starting with an online nail course then completing an NVQ in Nail Services at a local beauty academy. As an independent home-based tech in Hilperton, Tina has carved out many spaces of her house over the years to cater to clients: starting…

Celebrity-approved Halloween nail ideas for spooky season

By Jess Watts | 31 October 2025

Featured image courtesy of Instagram.com/nailsbyzola Watching famous faces lean into spooky season is one of our favourite hobbies, and many celebs take a ‘no holes barred’ approach to Halloween nails. From horrifyingly realistic blood splatters to cute ghost French tips, we have rounded up the best A-lister nail looks: spooky…

18 navy nail designs to note

By Jess Watts | 28 September 2025

There are a few colours that shine during the colder months, one of which is navy. The deep blue hue encompasses the earthy, rich tones of autumn, giving nails an elegance that transcends shape, style and occasion. Take a look at these navy nail ideas for your next autumn/winter mani…

Find your inner peace with 20 nail designs celebrating the Libra star sign

By Jess Watts | 26 September 2025

It’s Libra season! The seventh sign of the zodiac governs between September 23 and October 22. Symbolised by the scales of balance, Libras are known for traits of balance, harmony, peace and justice. An air sign with Venus as its ruling planet, those with this star sign are often sociable…

32 mouth-watering chocolate nail designs

By Jess Watts | 11 September 2025

Though 13 September is marked as International Chocolate Day, we believe that every day should celebrate the delicious, rich treat. Check out entries to the 10 September 2025 nail art challenge from Scratch, in which techs were tasked with creating a design to fit the theme: Chocolate. Each nail style…

The Wales nail salon displaying determination, decadence & dazzling cat eye designs

By Jess Watts | 9 September 2025

Rachel Lewis has been bringing her creativity to the nail industry since 2007, when she trained with CND™. After working from her home salon for years, she ended up taking on a new premises in 2023 and spent three months ‘completely transforming the space’. Thus, Pure Nails by Rachel in…

North America’s Star Nail Artist – Season 2: Top 25 contestants revealed

By Helena Biggs | 1 September 2025

Hundreds of submissions were received from nail artists working in the USA, Canada and Mexico when entry opened for Season 2 of the North America’s Star Nail Artist contest. Created by the team behind Scratch and Nailympia Competitions, North America’s Star Nail Artist (NASNA) elevates the creativity and imaginations of…

The Bathgate beauty salon that started life as a bar

By Jess Watts | 31 August 2025

Katie McBride started her career in the beauty industry in 2011, studying Beauty Therapy at West Lothian College. She went on to complete courses with CND™ and Calgel, with additional qualifications in eyebrow and lash lifting treatments. In 2014, Katie’s dreams of owning a salon were fulfilled when her parents…

Scratch Stars Hall Of Famer reveals what it’s like to judge for the prestigious awards

By Jess Watts | 30 August 2025

Kayley Cairns, five-time Scratch Stars Award-winner, nail artist & educator, reveals what it’s like to judge for the esteemed competition, and shares advice for entrants. Kayley Cairns is no stranger to the Scratch Stars Awards. After taking home two awards for Mixed Media Artist of the Year and Nail Stylist…

Women’s Euro 2025: the nail tech behind England Lionesses’ winning manicures

By Rebecca Hitchon | 6 August 2025

Following the Women’s Euro 2025, Dzastina Jovaisaite – the pro behind nail looks for members of the triumphant England squad – shares about the ‘career highlight’ with Scratch… “I felt so privileged and couldn’t believe it when I received a message from Chloe Kelly about creating nail looks for some…

Crowland log cabin nail salon: “My clients love being surrounded by nature”

By Lilly Delmage | 28 June 2025

As’ka Baran, owner of Crowland-based nail salon, Holistic Health & Beauty, opens the doors to her unique space – a log cabin nestled in the corner of her garden. “Working from a log cabin brings a sense of connection with the earth and nature,” shares As’ka. “Clients often comment that…

A guide to the gel system: when & how to use & troubleshooting tips

By Lilly Delmage | 26 June 2025

Nail pros share insight on the gel system… When to use the gel system Theresa Foddering, Lecenté business development manager & Scratch Stars Shooting Star Award finalist 2025, adds: “If a client has weak or brittle nails that require extra support and strength, hard gel is a great option for enhancements.…

Timely salon software unveils nail artist, Jessica White, as brand ambassador

By Rebecca Hitchon | 10 June 2025

Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year finalist 2025, Jessica White, has been announced as Timely UK brand ambassador. Having used the business management software throughout her nail career, Jessica’s role will see her work to inspire and educate beauty business owners, via practical advice, behind-the-scenes and educational content,…

Powys nail salon: where rustic charm meets luxury beauty treatments

By Lilly Delmage | 7 June 2025

Jodie Evans, owner of Wales salon, Nail Envy, speaks to Scratch about the journey of building her thriving nail business. “Nail Envy is designed to feel like a luxurious home-from-home, combining rustic charm with modern elegance,” says Jodie. “The interior features brickwork, warm wood tones and plush velvet chairs –…

LGBTQ+ tech & drag nail artist: the nail industry allows me to embrace my truest self

By Guest Writer | 4 June 2025

Birmingham-based nail artist, Anthony Lloyd, shares about his LGBTQ+ journey and the important role nail artistry has played in it… My journey as a member of the LGBTQ+ community has been a positive and affirming one. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been raised in a supportive family environment, and…