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.

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…

‘Nail obsessed’ pro unveils stationery & cuticle oil range

By Scratch Staff | 18 January 2026

Donna Dennell, nail pro & podcaster, has founded The Nail G: ‘a place for the nail obsessed’. She offers cuticle oil pens in various scents, alongside stationery items including eco-notes for ‘really important nail notes’ and greetings cards. “The Nail G is an extension of my longstanding nail business, as…

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…

What it means to have half moons on your nails

By Katie Barnes | 17 January 2026

Fingernail half moons are the rounded, white shadows at the base of the nails. The industry term for this is lunula, which is Latin for ‘little moon’. The place where each nail begins growing is known as the matrix. This is where new cells are made that will make up…

Want to offer vegan nail services? Here are 20 products for your salon

By Scratch Staff | 16 January 2026

A whopping 25.8 million people took part in Veganuary in 2025: so have you considered vegan-friendly nail and beauty options to cater to this burgeoning client base? Gaining ‘vegan status’ in the beauty sector means a product does not contain animal-derived ingredients or by-products. Click here to find out how…

25 nail ideas to help banish the January blues

By Jess Watts | 15 January 2026

It’s January, the month that feels like a year, when cold weather and dark skies combine to create a subpar atmosphere. But do not fear, there is hope! Let the light shine from your fingertips with smile-inducing nail styles and positive polish palettes. Here are some ideas to help bring…

Step inside the Taunton beauty salon opening its doors to a new era

By Jess Watts | 14 January 2026

Sorella Collective – a beauty salon nestled within Taunton’s Independent Quarter – is the culmination of years of experience, love and skill. Founders, Charlotte Murphy and Catherine Bunning, detail how the Somerset enterprise blossomed, and what is so special about their slice of luxury… The journey Sorella Collective brings together…

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

By Jess Watts | 14 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…

SalonIQ expands internationally with UAE nail brand partnership

By Jess Watts | 14 January 2026

SalonIQ – a salon software provider created by salon professionals – has expanded internationally via new collaborations, including with a UAE-based nail polish and accessories brand. SalonIQ offers a range of business management solutions, including marketing, team engagement, client experience and e-commerce options – designed to help salons automate their…

Bangle nails: what is the nail trend & how is it achieved?

By Jess Watts | 13 January 2026

Pinterest Predicts 2026 stated that we should ‘expect rubberised nail art and 3D jewellery’ to become a huge trend this year – and we are off to a flying start with the rise of ‘bangle nails’. Scratch breaks down the bangle buzz and shares some nail inspiration… Nails are widely…

10 chic celebrity nail looks from the Golden Globes 2026

By Jess Watts | 12 January 2026

Lead image courtesy of Instagram.com/byjuanalvear & Instagram.com/chuenails The 83rd annual Golden Globes took place on 11 January in Beverly Hills, California. The event welcomed a wide range of celebrities, celebrating the best of film and television. The star-studded red carpet saw a spectrum of styles, with nail looks ranging from…

Experts share how nail techs can prioritise mental & emotional wellbeing

By Jess Watts | 11 January 2026

Scratch turned to industry experts to curate a selection of practical tips and products to promote mental and emotional workplace wellbeing. Mental and emotional wellbeing are imperative for long-term career viability and satisfaction, yet many beauty professionals are so busy juggling client requests, social media and business admin that they…

15 garnet nail design ideas inspired by the January birthstone

By Jess Watts | 9 January 2026

Garnet, a durable gemstone most commonly known for its striking red iteration, is the birthstone of the first month of the year. Though it can be found in hues such as green, orange and pink, garnet is most famously a deep, rich ruby shade. The precious stone is said to…