Posts by Helena Biggs
Glitterbels appoints nail industry icon, Jan Arnold, as executive advisor
Jan Arnold, co-founder of nail brand, CND™, has been appointed as executive advisor to Glitterbels. Boasting over four decades’ experience at the helm of CND™, Jan Nordstrom Arnold has played a pivotal role in elevating nails from accessory to artistry. She has worked with some of the world’s most influential fashion designers and advocates for professional…
Read MoreThe TPO ban: what it means for nail professionals & brands
On 1 September 2025, trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), an ingredient commonly found in nail gel formulas, was banned for use in products made and placed within the EU cosmetics market. The chemical is a photoinitiator that helps gel products cure quickly under UV light and maintain colour stability, and while a ban hasn’t yet been applied…
Read MoreNorth America’s Star Nail Artist – Season 2: Top 25 contestants revealed
Hundreds of submissions were received from nail artists working in the USA, Canada and Mexico when entry opened for Season 2 of the North America’s Star Nail Artist contest. Created by the team behind Scratch and Nailympia Competitions, North America’s Star Nail Artist (NASNA) elevates the creativity and imaginations of nail pros, while celebrating talent…
Read MoreEllisons partners with Katie Barnes Tool Range to distribute handy products for nail pros
UK beauty wholesaler, Ellisons, has partnered with Katie Barnes Tool Range to make the brand’s E-file and bits, cuticle tools, nail files and accessories available for purchase via Ellisons online and click and collect. Founded by multi award-winning nail pro & educator, Katie Clark (nee Barnes), the partnership marks a meaningful full-circle moment the tech, who completed foundational training courses…
Read MoreBeauty Trends & Innovations Conference to offer insight & inspo to pros & brands
Are you free on 24 September and want to level up your trends knowledge and accelerate the growth of your brand? The Beauty Trends & Innovations Conference is returning to London for its 13th year, welcoming over 40 beauty brands and retailers. These include L’Oréal, Unilever, Marks & Spencer, Amazon, Avon and Elemis, who will…
Read MoreGovernment announces plan for small businesses: here’s what it means for nail & beauty pros
The UK government has unveiled a Small Business Plan, which hopes to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by giving them ‘the most comprehensive support package in a generation’. Many measures within the plan will directly affect the nail, hair and beauty sectors, which comprise thousands of salons and self-employed professionals. As part of its…
Read MoreWinners announced in nail industry’s 13th annual Scratch Stars Awards (+ photo gallery)
Stunning London venue, The Underglobe, set the scene for the 13th annual Scratch Stars Awards, which recognises exceptional nail professionals, businesses and teams in the UK and Ireland. Hosted by TV’s Jeff Brazier and Scratch’s Helena Biggs, awards were presented across 18 categories, and guests enjoyed prosecco courtesy of Bluestreak Crystals, complimentary house drinks for…
Read MoreIndustry association marks 80-year milestone championing cosmetic science, innovation & excellence
The Cosmetic, Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA) celebrated 80 years championing cosmetic science, innovation and excellence with a lavish black tie dinner in London. Since 1945, the organisation has been promoting best industry practice and advising companies about the strict legal framework for cosmetics. It represents industry views to the UK Government and external stakeholders,…
Read MoreNailympia Orlando 2025: THE RESULTS
The fifth Nailympia Orlando welcomed the most competitors to date, with 99 nail techs from eight countries choosing to compete in turn-in and arena categories. The event was hosted at Premiere Orlando 1 & 2 June 2025, and featured an esteemed international judging panel – with Alisha Rimando as head judge. Runway Nails – Stained…
Read MoreNailympia China 2025: THE RESULTS
The first Nailympia China competition was hosted in Shanghai 8-9 May, and welcomed 115 competitors across 15 categories. Hosted by nail brand, Muzer, the arena was a stunning setting for nail styling, with 27 judges lending their expertise to score on technical and artistic areas. Pros from from 15 countries entered, and the two-day competition…
Read MoreCND™ extends SHELLAC™ line with 7 ‘Vivid’ shades to elevate nail artistry
Are you craving a nail product formula that’s ideal for detailed linework, smooth to apply and streak-free? Consider adding CND™’s SHELLAC™ Vivid range to your collection: seven intensely pigmented and bold primary and secondary shades. Building on its longstanding commitments to supporting creative expression and nailcare, CND™ has introduced the hues to empower nail artistry.…
Read MoreFinalists announced in 2025 nail industry awards for UK&I pros & businesses
For 12 years, Scratch magazine has been recognising excellence in the UK&I nail industry via the Scratch Stars Awards, and is proud to present the finalists for 2025. Hundreds of entries were received between February and March this year, with nail pros, teams and businesses keen to highlight their talents, passions and industry know-how. More than a focus…
Read MoreOPI collaborates with award-winning nail pro on mani/pedi essentials range
Following the launch of the Katie Barnes X OPI branded E-file in 2024, the two companies have announced a second collaboration: a range of nail and cuticle tools and E-file bits. Katie Clark (née Barnes), a multi award-winning nail pro & educator, founded Katie Barnes Tool Range in 2017 to offer cost-effective, high-quality tools to…
Read MoreTreatwell campaign inspires London commuters to prioritise self-care
Hair and beauty booking platform, Treatwell, has launched the ‘Out Of Home’ campaign, to encourage Londoners to book treatments for their wellbeing needs. Launched on 10 March and running until 6 April 2025, 300 billboards across the London Underground and 300 buses are displaying the campaign’s messages, reminding commuters that self-care is not a luxury,…
Read MoreVogue director & cosmetics brand CEO named as British Beauty Council ambassadors
Jessica Diner, global beauty & wellness director at British Vogue, and Trinny Woodall, founder & CEO of cosmetics brand, Trinny London, have been named British Beauty Council (BBCo) ambassadors. Joining a roster that includes skincare mogul, Caroline Hirons, hair aficionado Sam McKnight MBE and make-up expert, Ruby Hammer MBE, the pair will help guide the…
Read More