Posts by Jess Watts
Meet the Derbyshire nail tech who swapped retail for running her own salon
From retail career to nail salon owner, Natalie Kirk has had quite the journey. Step inside her Derbyshire-based nail space, Nail Perfection by Natalie… In 2004, Natalie Kirk was working in retail but had had grown increasingly disillusioned with the industry. When her mum suggested she try a nail course as a sideline, she decided…
Read MoreKnow your nails: what are they made of & why do we have them?
Before you can truly care for nails, you need to understand them. Let’s take a look at the anatomy, composition and purpose of the nail unit… What are nails? When someone talks about fingernails, they are often referring to the entire area that sits at the end of the fingers, known scientifically as the nail…
Read MoreDiet Coke nails are trending: what are they & how can you recreate them?
Given the recent obsession with food-related nail trends – glazed donut, blueberry milk and butter yellow to name a few, it is no surprise that Gen Z’s latest nail art craze borrows from one of the world’s most popular drinks. Diet Coke nails are dominating social media, but what does the trend actually involve? The…
Read More50 short nail design ideas for 2026
As trend cycles dominate social media and nail lovers chase the ‘next big thing’, one truth remains constant: short nails are always chic. Check out these stunning short sets that will get heads turning this year…
Read MoreOscars 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 More30 daisy nail designs for a blooming beautiful spring mani
Spring has officially sprung, bringing with it sunshine, smiles and stunning nail sets… Cheerful, timeless and an iconic seasonal symbol, the daisy is March’s birth flower and a beloved spring bloom. As the humble flower begins to carpet fields and gardens, why not bring a little of its magic to fingertips too? Looking for a…
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 More28 sage green nail styles to help you embrace nature’s new neutral
Hailed by some as a ‘new neutral’, sage green is a shade that transcends seasons, occasions and generations. The calming, nature-toned hue is already the number one bridesmaid dress colour of 2026, according to multiple bridal websites. Sage green seems to be taking over – and nails are no exception. So, what exactly is sage…
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…
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