24 nail ideas to help banish the January blues

By Jess Watts | 7 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 back your spark…

Step inside the Southampton nail salon specialising in bridal manicures

By Jess Watts | 6 January 2026

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 with Honey Bunny Beauty, a…

How to remove L&P acrylic nail enhancements safely

By Jess Watts | 6 January 2026

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 gel-based systems tend to soak…

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

By Scratch Staff | 5 January 2026

Scratch readers voted for their favourite of the nail magazine’s 2025 covers from 15 December-5 January – and the results are in! Scratch, the world’s #1 resource for nails, seeks to showcase outstanding artistry and technical prowess via its 13 annual covers, with two cover images released each May to celebrate the magazine’s birthday. For…

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…

OTHER STORIES

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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.

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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