Nail professionals participating in Scratch magazine's 7 January 2026 challenge submitted designs predicting upcoming trends. The submissions showcased a broad spectrum of styles, including 'clean girl' nudes, vibrant neons, cat eye effects, and chrome finishes. These entries suggest a 2026 landscape where diverse textures and aesthetic approaches will gain prominence.
The competition, which invited technicians to visualise 2026 trends, highlights the industry's proactive engagement with forecasting style evolution. By tasking artists with creating themed nail art, Scratch provides a visual index of potential shifts in client demand and artistic focus for the year ahead. The participation via social media using #ShowScratch and #CreativeChallenge indicates a strong online community driving and sharing these predictions.
While the 70 submitted designs offer a rich visual overview of predicted trends, the specific stylistic drivers behind these choices remain an area for salon owners to explore. Understanding whether 'clean girl' nudes signify a return to minimalism or a preference for enhanced natural looks, for instance, will be key. Similarly, the appeal of bold neons versus the sophistication of chrome suggests diverging client preferences that salons must be prepared to cater to. The challenge offers a starting point for discussions on salon service offerings and client consultation for the coming year.
