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…

Nail content creation: do you need the latest phone to succeed?

By Guest Writer | 29 December 2025

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 creation skills and be seen…

Career tips for nail techs from a session nail stylist & salon owner

By Marie-Louise Coster | 29 December 2025

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 you and the most valuable…

12 nail art ideas for Capricorn season

By Jess Watts | 27 December 2025

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 for being responsible and having…

Spread Christmas cheer sustainably: 3 ways to recycle festive items

By Guest Writer | 24 December 2025

Decorating the Christmas tree, wrapping gifts and sending out greeting cards are some of the most cherished Christmas traditions, but after the festivities, how do you dispose of the excess? Research from waste management company, Sortera UK, shows that more than half of people recycle less at Christmas. This is as a result of being…

OTHER STORIES

Festive nail salon décor ideas to get clients in the Christmas spirit

The festive season is in full swing, and nail salons are sparkling with Christmas trees, twinkling fairy lights and plenty…

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…

22 pink Christmas nail art ideas you need to try

Swap out traditional shades of red and green for something softer this season… Soft pink and blush tones are redefining…

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…

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.

New Year’s Day

By Rebecca Hitchon | 18 December 2025

Enter the start of 2026 with purpose, passion and precision. Let this be the year you elevate your craft, connect deeper with your creativity and keep doing what you do best. If you need some nail inspiration to get you started, what better way to celebrate the New Year than with Pantone‘s Colour of the Year 2026: ‘lofty white’, Cloud Dancer? Check out our roundup of Cloud Dancer nail looks here. Image courtesy of Instagram.com/_by_shelley

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