Posts by Jess Watts
Oscars 2026: 11 celebrity nail looks that stole the spotlight
The 98th Academy Awards (aka the Oscars) took place last night (15 March), celebrating the pinnacle of film. The event saw celebrities take to the red carpet showcasing opulent outfits and equally noteworthy nail looks. Let’s round up the top talons of the night… And the Oscars for ‘Best Nail Look’ go to: Marsai Martin…
Read MoreHEMA in nail products: what is it & is it banned?
HEMA is a chemical widely used in nail products including gel polish, acrylic systems and nail primers. Comments circulating on social media have suggested a UK-wide ban on the substance, leaving nail professionals increasingly concerned. Let’s break down what HEMA is, what the current regulations say and whether there is any truth to the rumours……
Read MoreMercury retrograde: your ideal nail design based on your star sign
Have you been feeling like things are shifting lately? Like nothing is quite going your way – or that life is unravelling without your input? There might be a reason for that, and how you style your nails could help… You’ve probably heard the phrase Mercury is in retrograde. If you haven’t, don’t worry –…
Read MoreThe Castleford beauty salon inspired by a Coca-Cola can
Narelle Wharton didn’t follow a mood board when creating her home salon. She followed a Coca-Cola can – and the result is every bit as bold and beautiful as she imagined. After completing her NVQ Level 2 in Beauty, Narelle started her nail career as she meant to go on: with an extensive amount of…
Read MoreWhy do people bite their nails?
Nail biting, also known as onychophagia, is a common habit. But why do people do it, and what makes it so hard to stop? Nail biting is a chronic condition that health professionals describe as ‘repetitive and compulsive in nature’. It is estimated that 20-30% of the general population can be classified as ‘nail biters’.…
Read MoreTweezerman partners with Nottingham netball team to empower women in sport
Beauty tool brand, Tweezerman, has partnered with Nottingham Forest Netball to champion confidence and empower the next generation of women in sport. Based in Nottingham and with over 45 years of beauty industry experience, Tweezerman has decided to take its expertise beyond the beauty counter and onto the court. Netball is the largest women’s team…
Read MoreFind your perfect March manicure from 100 nail art ideas
Welcome back pastel polish and sunny styles – spring is about to start! Here is a curated list of nail designs to mark March, no matter your aesthetic preference… Spring shorties Google Trends has reported a breakout number of searches for ‘nail art ideas for short nails’. You ask, we answer; here are some short…
Read MoreNail sidewalls: what are they & why do they matter?
Overlooked and often underestimated, sidewalls are one secret to a flawless nail enhancement. Here’s how to treat them right… What are sidewalls and where are they? The sidewall, as defined by nail education platform, NailKnowledge, is ‘the skin on either side of the nail plate’, encompassing the ‘part of the nail that extends out from…
Read More50 novel nail art ideas for World Book Day
Check out entries to the 4 March 2026 nail art challenge from Scratch, in which techs were tasked with creating a design to fit the theme: World Book Day. Each nail style was submitted via Instagram or Facebook using #ShowScratch #CreativeChallenge. Follow Scratch on Instagram and Facebook for future Creative Challenges – launching every other Wednesday. Have a read of these novel nails… Can you guess…
Read MoreHow an award-winning beauty salon transformed from funeral directors to feel-good sanctuary
Before NT Beauty Salon became a salon, the Shropshire space was a funeral directors. So, how did the shift come about? Owner, Nicole Taylor, trained as a beauty therapist in 2012, continuing her education to complete a Level 2 Beauty Therapy qualification the following year. The first years of her career were spent working for…
Read MoreStratford-upon-Avon nail tech to complete 24-hour nailathon for children’s hospice
Stratford-upon-Avon is best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. But this April, another local is about to have her moment in the spotlight – and unlike the Bard, she’ll be doing it armed with nail products, an E-File and a whole lot of coffee… Alice Horgan has been working as a self-employed nail tech…
Read MoreThe 10 most searched nail trends for spring 2026
Spring sees the return of pastel colour palettes, floral motifs and mood-boosting manicures. But what nail art trends will dominate in 2026? Beauty booking platform, Fresha, has revealed the top 10 nail trends for spring 2026, based on search data comparing year-on-year figures from 2025 and 2026. Introducing the most popular spring nail art trends…
Read More32 spot on polka dot nail designs for spring 2026
Dotty digits have been dominating nail trends for a while, and the timeless pattern shows no signs of going anywhere. Spring 2026 ushers in a fresh wave of light, vibrant and nature-inspired hues – and thanks to the endlessly customisable charm of polka dots, it’s easier than ever to weave trending shades into your nail…
Read MoreInside the Pennsylvania nail salon where tiny canvases meet a big sense of calm
When the city inspector signed off on Elizabeth Tighe Nail Spa in Scranton, US, he had a confession. “I like to think of myself as a pretty grouchy old man,” he told owner, Liz. “But for some reason standing in this nail spa, I have an overwhelming sense of calm and happiness.” So, what makes…
Read MoreRocksta Nails: the nail brand built on community, determination & bling
From ambitious nail newbie to established tech & brand owner, Ryan Hobbs’ nail career proves that determination, passion – and a little bit of bling – can take you further than you’d ever expect. Starting out Five years ago, Ryan Hobbs stumbled across award-winning nail artist & brand owner, Kirsty Meakin, online. Inspired by her…
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