How can nail techs prioritise physical wellbeing in the salon?

By Jess Watts | 4 January 2026

Scratch turned to industry experts to curate a selection of products and practical tips to promote physical workplace wellbeing. “Beauty professionals invest immense emotional and physical energy into their craft. “Long hours, repetitive movements and the constant pressure to show up for others can lead to emotional and physical depletion,” explains Beata Aleksandrowicz, massage, healing…

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 world’. Click here to find…

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 for long-term success, January’s full…

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 general aesthetic. However, there is…

Avoid burnout as a nail tech in 2026: a mindset shift guide

By Hannah Beth Clayton | 31 December 2025

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 with no breaks and just…

OTHER STORIES

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,…

Spread Christmas cheer sustainably: 3 ways to recycle festive items

Decorating the Christmas tree, wrapping gifts and sending out greeting cards are some of the most cherished Christmas traditions, but…

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,…

25 nail designs inspired by Christmas movie characters

Fuel your festive spirit by embracing the magic of Christmas movies on nails. We’ve rounded up standout nail styles inspired…

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 ‘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 ‘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 of Michelle Brookes, Scratch Stars Educator of the Year 2025. 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 ‘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 the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF). 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

National Winter Skin Relief Day

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 December 2025

Though traditionally observed in the US, this awareness day grants a global opportunity to acknowledge the toll that colder seasons can take on skin. Dedicated to promoting skincare during harsh conditions, the event offers a chance to cash in on the cold by retailing moisturisers, masks and cuticle oils for dry nails and skin. Brush up your cuticle oil knowledge by checking out our article on its benefits.

Twelfth Night

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 December 2025

The official conclusion of the Christmas season, Twelfth Night marks the end of the 12 Days of Christmas, and is often the time many people opt to take down their festive decorations. It’s not all bad, though, as winter is still well and truly upon us, so you don’t have say goodbye to seasonal nail sets just yet! Try a trend that transcends the seasons: tartan! Click here for our…

Veganuary

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 December 2025

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 with national and international media’. Want to offer vegan manicures? Click here for 20 products to add to your toolkit.

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