Nail techs reveal 2026 nail trend predictions
Check out entries to the 7 January 2026 nail art challenge from Scratch, in which techs were tasked with creating a design to fit the theme: 2026 trend prediction. From ‘clean girl’ nudes to bold neons, and cat eye to chrome, nail pros predict a plethora of textures, finishes and…
24 nail ideas to help banish the January blues
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 Southampton nail salon specialising in bridal manicures
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…
How to remove L&P acrylic nail enhancements safely
Whilst it is tempting to try remove nail enhancements as quickly as possible, correct removal requires professional attention to prevent damage to the natural nail. Here’s how it should be done… Each type of nail enhancement requires a specific method of removal, and the time this takes varies. While UV…
5 ways to wear Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2026 on nails
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
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?
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…
Avoid burnout as a nail tech in 2026: a mindset shift guide
Nail business mentor, Hannah Clayton, shares why a shift in mindset is needed by the beauty community in 2026… For years, the beauty industry has pushed the same message, and it really grinds my gears! That message is that if you’re rushed off your feet, you’re doing well. Apparently, a diary…
Nail content creation: do you need the latest phone to succeed?
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…
Career tips for nail techs from a session nail stylist & salon owner
Marie-Louise Coster shares lessons learned from her nail career… It is the end of another year: a strange year in many ways, perhaps even more of a rollercoaster than usual? And while I sit here to write this, I am compelled not to write about your business, but instead about…
12 nail art ideas for Capricorn season
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
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
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…
40+ black tie sparkle nails – contest entries & winning design
The winner of the Scratch Snap nail art contest for December is Ryan Hobbs of @rocksta_ry. In a showcase of talent, UK&I techs created salon-style nail designs inspired by theme, Black Tie Sparkle, in the bid to win a Bluestreak Crystals prize. Entries were judged by Abi Middleton, director at Bluestreak Crystals, and Scratch editor, Rebecca Hitchon. The winner, Ryan Hobbs, has scooped…
86 nail ideas inspired by a picture-perfect white Christmas
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…
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