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 struggle to prioritise their own…

How to stop nail biting & picking: experts share treatment plans

By Rebecca Hitchon | 10 January 2026

Natural nail specialists share tips for nail biting and picking clients… Why do people bite and pick at their nails and skin? “Nail biting, also known as onychophagia, and skin picking and biting, named perionychophagia, are habits associated with stress, anxiety and compulsive disorders,” explains Lucy Price, Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year…

60 blue nail art designs that are blue-tifully chic

By Scratch Staff | 10 January 2026

Feeling blue? Turn that frown upside down with this gallery of blue nail art ideas. Effortlessly stylish, blue nails suit all designs and shapes – and the hue is trending for 2026. As Pinterest notes in its trend report, Pinterest Predicts 2026, β€˜cool blue’ is set to be a top shade this year. Scroll for…

Veganuary: How to tell if your nail & beauty products are vegan-friendly

By Scratch Staff | 9 January 2026

Are your clients calling for vegan and cruelty-free products? Scratch explores how to tell if your nail and beauty products fit the bill… The global vegan cosmetics market is anticipated to reach $24.79 billion in 2028, according to research by Fortune Business Insights, and a whopping 82% of all new vegan items that launched in the UK…

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 have many qualities, including boosting…

OTHER STORIES

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…

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…

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…

Revealed: Scratch magazine’s most-loved cover of 2025

Scratch readers voted for their favourite of the nail magazine’s 2025 covers from 15 December-5 January – and the results…

EVENTS

Nailtopia Trade Show

By Rebecca Hitchon | 20 November 2025

Created by nail techs, for nail techs. Founded in 2019 as a trade show dedicated solely to professional nail technicians, Nailtopia is back after a three-year break. It has a renewed mission: to uplift, educate and celebrate the incredible people shaping the nail and beauty industry. In 2026, it is hosted at The Steamworks, Sheffield – a unique, female-run venue led by sisters whose passion for events mirrors the Nailtopia…

Phorest Salon Owners Summit

By Jess Watts | 15 September 2025

Phorest, a global salon, spa and clinic software company, will host its 10th annual Salon Owners Summit 25 & 26 January 2026. The event, themed ‘Thrive: The human experience, powered by technology‘, will gather hundreds of salon and clinic owners from around the world at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, Ireland. The summit promises a deep dive into inspiration, education and strategic business growth, as well as demystifying how technology…

Burns Night

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 December 2025

A celebration in honour of Scottish poet, Robert Burns, Burns Night often features traditional Scottish food, such as Haggis, turnips and potatoes, alongside a recitation of Burns’ famous β€˜Address to a Haggis’ poem. Looking for beautiful Burns Night nail art? Click here for our gallery. Image courtesy of Instagram.com/amberandstonebeauty

International Day of Education

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 December 2025

Proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) as a day to encourage peace and development by way of worldwide education, International Day of Education reminds us that β€˜education is a human right, a public good and a public responsibility’. Mark the day by granting yourself a moment of learning, as well as delving into the story ofΒ Michelle Brookes,Β Scratch Stars Educator of the YearΒ 2025.Β Click here to read about her education. Image courtesy…

Blue Monday

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 December 2025

Be prepared for an ebb in enthusiasm on 19 January, as the third Monday in the month is commonly referred to as the β€˜most depressing day of the year’. This is largely due to weather, post-Christmas blues and the fact that January is one of the longest months (and boy does it feel like it!). Learn how to banish the blues with expert advice from theΒ National Hair & Beauty FederationΒ (NHBF).Β Check…

Winnie the Pooh Day

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 December 2025

Celebrated on 18 January to honour the birthday of author, A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh Day is the perfect chance to perfect your character art. The cuddly bear (alongside his Hundred Acre Wood friends) make for wonderfully whimsical nail looks. Check out our gallery of Pooh-themed designs here. Image courtesy of Instagram.com/becdawber_nailartist

Veganuary

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 December 2025

Since 2014,Β VeganuaryΒ has ‘inspired and supported millions of people to try vegan’. Working with businesses to increase vegan options, the campaign has β€˜made veganism more visible and accessible through [its] work with national and international media’. Want to offer vegan manicures? Click here for 20 products to add to your toolkit.

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