Nails
From gel and BIAB to structured manicures, nail health and the latest art, this is where UK nail technicians and salon owners stay current. We cover the practical side of running a nail business: pricing treatments, cutting service times without cutting corners, staying safe with HEMA and allergens, and reading which looks clients will ask for next. Whether you run a busy high-street studio or a home-based table, our nails coverage tracks the British nail scene and the wider beauty industry shaping it.
144 articles
Why Polka Dot Nail Art Is A Must-Have For Summer Salons
Polka dot nail designs are dominating summer 2026, offering salons a simple, high-impact way to increase service value and technician efficiency.
Understanding the UK TPO Gel Polish Ban for Salon Owners
Great Britain will ban TPO in cosmetics by 2026; here is how UK salon owners should manage stock and prepare for the 2027 purchasing deadline.
Audio Learning: 14 Must-Listen Podcasts for Salon Owners in 2026
Fourteen industry podcasts provide salon owners with accessible business and technical education, offering a practical alternative for ongoing professional development.
Using Themed Nail Art Challenges to Boost Salon Engagement
Creative challenges themed around summer sports offer salon owners a low-cost, effective method to build a portfolio and drive client engagement on social media.
California Chemical Bans: What UK Nail Salons Need to Know
California is restricting chemicals in nail and cleaning products. UK salon owners should monitor these global ingredient shifts to ensure future compliance.
Managing Unreasonable Client Expectations in UK Nail Salons
Rising client demands for quick, guaranteed results are challenging UK nail techs; here is how to reclaim professional boundaries and ensure safety.
Why Community Networking is the Next Step for Nail Business
Lauren Lewis’s pivot from teaching to nail artistry highlights the business value of creating inclusive networking spaces for technicians to combat industry burnout.
Why the Half-Moon Manicure is a Growth Opportunity for Salons
The half-moon manicure trend offers UK salons a way to upsell technical precision through natural nail services, favouring healthy, long-term client retention.
Fungal Nail Infections: Essential Protocols for UK Salons
Recognising fungal nail infections requires more than just a quick look; learn why professional referral is safer than guessing for your salon's reputation.
Why Small Nail Studios Succeed Through Specialisation
Georgi Watt’s move to a private studio reveals how scaling through niche expertise and education benefits both the technician's career and business sustainability.
Scratch Stars Awards 2026: UK Nail Industry Celebrates Top Talent
The 14th Scratch Stars Awards celebrated 300 UK & Ireland nail industry professionals on July 5th, recognising excellence in 19 diverse categories. For salons, winners represent industry benchmarks.
Food-Inspired Nails Surge: Peach, Pistachio & Lavender Lead 2026 Trends
Peach, pistachio, and lavender milk nails are driving a 400% surge in searches, showing significant client demand for food-inspired colour trends this summer.
Pink Nails Trend: Legally Blonde Designs Inspire Salon Clients
Legally Blonde-inspired pink nail designs show a strong trend for themed manicures, offering UK salons a way to attract clients and boost business with unique services.
Cancer Season Nail Art: 30 Design Ideas for Salons
Cancer season inspires 30 nail art designs, offering UK salons a chance to offer personalised, themed services that connect with clients' personal identity.
Apprenticeships Cultivate Skilled Nail Technicians for UK Salons
Apprenticeships offer UK salons a proven route to cultivate skilled nail technicians, providing hands-on experience and business acumen crucial for industry success.
UK Home Nail Salons: Legal, Finance & Setup Guide
UK home-based nail businesses need robust legal, financial, and design strategies. Focus on insurance, local marketing, and client experience for success.
Bedazzled Nails Resurge: Y2K Glamour and Celebrity Influence
Bedazzled nails are back in 2026, driven by Y2K nostalgia and celebrity style. This trend offers salons a chance to upsell custom, glamorous manicures.
Summer Pedicure Trends: 35 Design Ideas for UK Salons
Nearly half of Brits hide their feet, revealing a strong demand for pedicures. Explore 35 summer trends to boost client confidence and salon revenue.
Nail Tech's "Dream" Product Launches Wellness-Focused Brand
A UK nail technician launches a wellness-focused nailcare brand, Nail Medicine, with a unique syringe-inspired cuticle oil pen.
Nail Tech's Brand Expands with HEMA-Free Focus
EL Nail Systems, founded by nail technician Emma Sarda, expands its product line with a focus on HEMA-free and TPO-free formulations.
Nail Tech Returns to Industry After 6-Year Break
Nail technician Claire Fox reopened her Huddersfield salon in early 2026 after a six-year break from the industry due to the pandemic.
Jelly Bean Nails: Summer's Sheer Polish Trend
Jelly bean nails, a sheer, high-shine trend, see a 600% search surge for 'jelly pastel nails' ahead of summer 2026.
Lilac Nails Surge 132% in Popularity for Summer 2026
Google searches for lilac nails have increased by 132% in three months, signalling a strong trend for Summer 2026.
US Nail Brand Launches UK-Facing Recycling Scheme
US nail brand Beetles Gel Polish launches a recycling program for all brands' empty polish bottles, with tiered rewards for participants.
Diabetic Foot Care: Salons Must Adapt Pedicure Practices
Six percent of the UK population has diabetes, requiring nail technicians to adapt pedicure practices for client safety and well-being.
Honey Nails: A Sweet Summer Trend for Salons
Honey nails are the latest summer 2026 trend, bringing warm, golden hues and glossy finishes inspired by nature's sweetness.
Diabetes and Pedicures: Nail Techs Must Check for Foot Issues
Six percent of UK adults have diabetes, impacting foot health and requiring specific care during pedicures for nail technicians.
Leeds Nail Studio Merges Music and Manicures for Charity
Leeds salon Sugar Rush Studios hosts 'Set & Setting' on 13 June 2026, merging manicures with music to raise funds for Freedom4Girls.
The Nail Shed: Neurodivergent-Friendly Salon Opens in Staffordshire
Staffordshire's The Nail Shed prioritises inclusivity with a calm, private environment designed for neurodivergent clients.
Nail techs and value: Harry Styles ticket sales offer lessons
Nail and beauty professionals can learn from the intense demand and value perception surrounding Harry Styles ticket sales, emphasising client experience over cost.
PNT Brand Aims to Cut Salon Time and Costs
Precision Nail Technology launches with over 200 HEMA/TPO-free gel shades and aims to save techs time and money.
Award-Winning Nail Artist's Editorial Project Showcases Design Versatility
Award-winning nail artist Zrinka Vuksan Bolancha's 'Swallow the Key' editorial project featured three distinct nail designs inspired by fashion.
OPI Launches Chrome and Glaze Toppers for Reflective Nails
OPI introduces new Chrome Effects powders and Infinite Shine Glaze Toppers to meet the growing demand for reflective nail art.
Summer 2026 Nail Trends: Mediterranean & Seashell Styles Lead
Cosmetify's analysis of Pinterest data highlights Mediterranean and Seashell nails as key summer 2026 trends, with a 1,062% rise in Mediterranean searches.
Nail Education: Quality Over Convenience Key for New Techs
Quality over convenience is key for new nail technicians, says award-winning educator Melanie Lewendon, emphasizing educator support and course accreditation.
71 Wildlife Nail Art Designs Showcase Garden Biodiversity
Nail technicians submitted 71 diverse nail art designs inspired by garden wildlife for a recent creative challenge.
Summer 2026 Nail Colour Trends Revealed by Google Search
Google search data shows butter yellow, coral, and mint green are leading Summer 2026 nail colour trends, with significant search increases.
Heatwaves force nail techs to adapt products and salon environments
Nail product consistency changes in heat, impacting application and requiring salon adaptation beyond temporary fixes.
Home Salon Hr Beauty Upgrades to Dedicated Premises
Hr Beauty, a home salon established in 2020, has relocated to a dedicated new premises in Morton, Lincolnshire, in January 2026.
Swan Nail Trend Signals Shift Towards Delicate Aesthetics
Swan nail art is trending, featuring delicate swan designs on subtle base colours, aligning with a coquette aesthetic.
Nail Brand Katie Barnes Hits Top Ranks on TikTok Shop UK
Nail tool brand Katie Barnes Tool Range has been named #1 Nail Brand on TikTok Shop UK, also taking top spots for GMV and Units Sold.
Haverhill Salon Blends Heritage Charm with Luxury Nail Services
Haverhill's The Mills Beauty Boutique opened in April 2026, offering luxury nail services with a design inspired by its historic mill location.
Nail Techs' Mental Health: Listening Load is Real
Nail technicians often absorb clients' emotional burdens, impacting their own mental wellbeing. Dr Ravi Gill offers strategies for managing this listening load.
The GelBottle Inc now in 487 US CosmoProf stores
UK nail brand The GelBottle Inc has launched in 487 US CosmoProf stores, expanding product accessibility and educational offerings.
Nail Pros Compete for Scratch Stars in Practical Judging
Nail professionals from UK and Ireland demonstrated their technical and artistic skills at the Scratch Stars Awards practical judging day on 11 May.
Salon Nail Services Offer Expertise DIY Kits Lack
Professional nail technicians offer tailored services, damage prevention, and expert product knowledge that DIY kits cannot match.
Jewellery Nails Trend Hits Social Media with 3D Embellishments
Jewellery nails, featuring 3D embellishments and chrome accents, are the latest maximalist manicure trend dominating social media feeds.
Spring Chrome Nails: Trends and Products for Salons
Spring 2026 nail trends favour light, shimmering chrome finishes. Salons can meet this demand with a range of specialised professional products.
Mobile Tech Expands to Ipswich Salon with Bespoke Comforts
Samantha Deer's 'All About You' salon in Ipswich offers personalised nail and beauty treatments, moving from a mobile service to a dedicated, calm space.
Award-winning nail educator launches podcast
Melanie Lewendon launches The Nail Tech Society podcast to demystify nail sector topics and answer common industry questions.
Press-On Nails: A Gateway to Professional Salon Services
Press-on nails, evolving with brands like Nail Reformation, offer salons a new way to engage clients and introduce them to professional services.
Radina Ignatova Wins Cake-Themed Nail Art Contest
Radina Ignatova, founder of Artistic Touch – Nail Training Academy, won the April 'Scratch Snap' nail art contest for her cake-themed design.
Nail Allergy Prevention: CTPA Expert Shares 7 Safety Steps
CTPA's Caroline Rainsford provides 7 essential steps for UK nail pros to prevent acrylate allergies from gel and acrylic treatments.
Runners' Foot Woes: What Nail Pros Need to Know
Nail professionals can help runners with common foot problems like ingrown nails and blisters. Learn which issues require specialist referral.
Bridal Nail Experts Reveal Client Booking & Consultation Tactics
Bridal nail specialists share strategies for consultations, social media promotion, and client experience to secure wedding bookings.
Earth Day Nail Art Challenge Showcases Technician Creativity
Scratch magazine's April 22, 2026, Earth Day challenge showcased 19 planet-themed nail art designs from technicians.
Brighton Nail Studio Mixes Colourful Designs with Pug Companionship
Brighton's Meemees Nails offers vibrant nail services in a dog-friendly studio, combining personal consultations with a colourful aesthetic.
Nail Salon Rebrand Focuses on Client Mood and Owner Wellbeing
A Lancashire nail salon owner has rebranded to focus on client emotions and wellbeing, introducing a unique 'Mood Menu' for nail art.
Morovan Gel Polish Remover Recalled Due to Banned Chemicals
Morovan gel polish remover recalled by FDA due to banned, hazardous chemicals methylene chloride and chloroform.
Skittle Nails Trend: A Burst of Colour for Salons
The skittle nail trend, featuring a different vibrant colour on each nail, is a popular mood-boosting choice for spring manicures.
Leopard Print Nails Gain Spring Traction with Bold Colours
Bold, bright, and funky leopard print nail designs are dominating social media this spring, indicating a trend towards adventurous client choices.
Striped Nails Make a Comeback: A Style Revival
Striped nail art is experiencing a significant resurgence, appearing in French tip styles, varied widths, and even 3D embellishments. This classic pattern joins polka dots as a design making a notable return.
Euphoria Season 3 Spurs Glittering Nail Art Trends
Euphoria season 3 inspires elaborate glitter and gem-adorned nail designs, driven by artist Natalie Minerva.
Yorkshire Garden Salon Offers 360 Gel Shades
Yorkshire's The Yorkshire Nail Shed opens from a converted summerhouse, boasting 360 gel polish shades and a Scandinavian design.
Devil Wears Prada Movie Sparks Nail Art Trends for Salons
Nail art trends are being influenced by iconic quotes from 'The Devil Wears Prada' ahead of the sequel's release.
Beginner Nail Techs: Five Crucial Lessons for Sustainable Growth
New nail techs should prioritise boundaries, essential kit building, prep mastery, accurate pricing, and ideal client selection for sustainable careers.
Nail Artist's 3D Designs Build 105K Instagram Following
Brydie Leishman's 3D nail art has garnered over 105K Instagram followers, showcasing a unique path to online success.
Townhouse Nail Salon Partners with Champneys Spas
Luxury nail salon Townhouse partners with Champneys Wellness Spa to offer its services across spa locations, marking Townhouse's entry into the luxury spa sector.
Scratch Stars Awards 2026: Nail Industry Finalists Revealed
The 14th annual Scratch Stars Awards has revealed finalists across 19 categories, celebrating UK and Ireland's top nail professionals and businesses.
French Manicure Trends Emerge for Spring 2026
Spring 2026 sees a reinvention of the classic French manicure, offering salons fresh takes on a timeless nail staple.
Spring 2026 Pedicure Trends: Florals to Feline Eyes
Spring 2026 pedicure trends include floral art, pastel French tips, chrome finishes, cat eye effects, and animal prints.
Nail Artists Embrace Sweet Treats in Easter Design Challenge
36 nail artists shared Easter-themed designs inspired by sweet treats in a Scratch magazine challenge on April 2, 2026.
Cornwall Nail Salon Blends Witchcraft and Beauty Treatments
Cornwall's Alchemy Nails salon merges a magical theme with nail services, offering clients a unique escape and specialised treatments.
Nail Salons Can Cut Landfill Waste With 5 Key Steps
The Green Salon Collective outlines a five-step plan for UK and Ireland nail salons to eliminate landfill waste, starting with a waste audit.
Kent Home Salon Owner Prioritises Client Calm
Vicky Horne's Kent home salon, Victoria's Nails & Beauty, prioritises client calm with a dedicated garden space and modern amenities.
Eponychium's Role in Nail Health: A Focus for Technicians
The eponychium, a vital but often overlooked nail structure, produces the cuticle and protects the nail bed. Learn why its integrity matters for preventing infections.
Five Spring Nail Colours Dominating 2026 Trends
Spring 2026 nail trends embrace authenticity with 'Groovy Chick' purple, 'Diet Coke' brown, raspberry pink, butter yellow, and sage green.
Y2K 'Groovy Chick' Nostalgia Drives New Nail Art Trend
The 'Groovy Chick' cartoon, a prominent Y2K trend, is inspiring new nail art designs as salons tap into client nostalgia.
Raspberry Pink Nails: A Summer Trend for Salons
Raspberry pink, a blend of bright pink and deep berry, is the latest must-have nail trend for spring and summer.
Derbyshire Nail Tech Builds Business, Looks to Education
Natalie Kirk transitioned from retail to establish Nail Perfection by Natalie in Derbyshire, now moving into education.
Nail Experts: Silence Stems From Lack of Visibility
Nail mentor Hannah Clayton pinpoints lack of visibility, not skill, as the primary cause of quiet periods for nail professionals.
Oscars 2026: Celebrity Nails Reflect Brand and Trend Focus
Celebrity manicures at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15 highlighted specific brands and trends like 3D accents and chrome finishes.
Nail Salons Adapt Services for Mothers at Every Stage
Nail businesses can enhance Mother's Day offerings by tailoring treatments for expectant, new, and mature mothers, focusing on comfort and hydration.
HEMA in Nail Products: No UK Ban Confirmed
No ban on HEMA in UK professional nail products is planned, despite social media rumours. Experts confirm current regulations remain in place.
Home Salon Design Inspired by Diet Coke Can
Castleford home salon Narelle Beauty features a bold, girly design inspired by a Diet Coke can, utilising dusty rose and blush pink tones.
Nail Biting: A Compulsive Habit Affecting 20-30% of Adults
20-30% of adults habitually bite their nails, a condition known as onychophagia, which can lead to physical and psychological issues.
2026 Nail Trends: Volume and 90s Revival Predicted
Nail artist Sarah Akhtyrska predicts a 2026 trend towards volume, intricate designs, and a 90s revival, moving away from minimalism.
Nail Product Quality Hinges on Ingredients, Safety, and Support
High-quality nail products deliver expected results and client satisfaction, underpinned by ingredients, safety, and regulatory compliance.
GB bans TPO in nail products from August 2026
Great Britain bans TPO in nail products from August 2026, impacting manufacturers, suppliers, and technicians.
MTD Deadline Looms for High-Earning Beauty Businesses
UK sole traders in nail and beauty earning over £50,000 must adopt MTD systems from April 2026.
Nail Tech Endometriosis Struggle: Business Impact Highlighted
Nail technician Jo Bennett details how endometriosis forced her to close her business for six months, impacting income and client relationships.
Fresha Data Shows 2,100% Surge in Polka Dot Nail Searches
Fresha data shows a 2,100% surge in polka dot nail searches for spring 2026, alongside growing interest in butter yellow and minimal manicures.
Niche Nail Network returns to Solihull with education focus
The Niche Nail Network returns to Solihull on April 19, offering nail professionals a day of product discovery, networking, and enhanced education.
AI Nail Tech Enhances Disney Shanghai's Lunar New Year Offering
Disney Shanghai featured an AI nail art machine by Umia Beauty in February, applying themed designs for Lunar New Year shoppers.
March Manicure Trends: Short Nails See Surge in Searches
Google Trends reports a surge in searches for 'nail art ideas for short nails' as spring approaches. Salons should adapt offerings.
London Fashion Week AW26: Salon Impact of Runway Nail Trends
London Fashion Week AW26 runway nails offered ombré, Y2K crackle, cat eye, chrome, and textured designs for salon inspiration.
Elena Maltseva's Eye Nail Art Tutorial for Nailympia 2026
Elena Maltseva's tutorial details creating a realistic human eye nail art design for the Nailympia 2026 campaign.
Nail Growth Rates: Facts for Salon Professionals
Fingernails grow 0.5-1.2mm weekly, averaging 0.1mm daily, while toenails grow slower at 1.62mm monthly.
Nail Techs Mark Year of the Horse with 17 Creative Designs
Seventeen nail technicians submitted Year of the Horse designs to a Scratch magazine challenge on 18 February 2026.
NYFW AW26 Nails: 3D, Sharp Shapes and Natural Tones Dominate
NYFW AW26 trends included 3D accents, sharp shapes, geometry, and natural finishes, offering diverse inspiration for UK salons.