Posts by Jess Watts
What is the nail matrix?
If you’ve ever heard the term ‘nail matrix’ and pictured Keanu Reeves in black sunglasses and a trench coat, it may be time to brush up your knowledge of this important part of the nail… Have you played on a coin pusher at an arcade? The game where a platform filled with coins pushes them…
Read More20 trendy & timeless jewel tone nail ideas for gemstone lovers
As we look towards the coming months, autumn/winter trends are waking from hibernation, ready to take the nail industry by storm. This year, jewel-themed nails are set to be a big hit. From dazzling jewel tones to daring gemstone embellishments, autumn/winter is all about celebrating sparkly stones! Here are 20 nail design ideas you could…
Read MoreStep inside the nail salon & academy by the sea on the Isle of Wight
The Gel Art Academy is the passion project of Rebecca Evans, a tech with a love for nail art and education. The cosy salon is located in Rebecca’s home on the Isle of Wight and provides the ultimate relaxation spot for clients. “The space used to be the utility room at the back of my…
Read MoreThe perfect minimalist mani: what are glass nails?
We’ve heard of glazed donut nails, soap nails and princess nails – now it’s time for the newest addition to minimalist nail looks: glass nails. Worn by celebrities such as Selena Gomez, Hailey Bieber and Anne Hathaway, glass nails are levelling up the ‘barely there’ look with sheer, nude hues and glossy shine. How to…
Read MoreEmbrace your wild side with 20 animal print nail designs
Animal print has long been a classic nail design, but today, we see all sorts of colourful and textured iterations that are making nail techs and clients go wild! Here are 20 animal print designs to go feral for…
Read MoreStep right up! 35 carnival-themed nail designs that will steal the show
Check out entries to the 30 July 2025 nail art challenge from Scratch, in which techs were tasked with creating a design to fit the theme: Carnival. 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.
Read MoreRaise a glass to these 22 cocktail nail design ideas
Fancy a French 75? Manifesting a Manhattan? Partial to a Pimm’s? These nail designs have it all. Whether you are a cocktail, mocktail or straight-up shot person, here’s some nail inspo to make happy hour even more jolly…
Read MoreAquarius Full Moon is here: here’s the perfect nail look based on your star sign
It’s time to figure out how the Full Sturgeon Moon will impact you, and what nail style works best for your zodiac sign. 9 August marks the Aquarius Full Moon, and this one is set to be incredibly powerful. Each star sign is impacted by the full moon in different ways… Aries The Aquarius Full…
Read MoreInside the child-friendly countryside nail salon that caters to comfort
Meet Kay Kirsop, the owner of Kay Cooper Nails, a child-friendly salon that prides itself on comfort and safety. Kay Kirsop has always loved nails. “From Tipp-Exing the tips of my nails in primary school, to being suspended at the age of 14 for refusing to take off acrylic enhancements, I knew that nails were…
Read MoreSeeking a UK-made gel polish brand? Explore Roxi – the 68pc nail range boasting finesse & flair
Introducing Roxi – a nail brand delivering meticulously crafted gel products to add style and sophistication to professional setups. The Roxi brand is founded on 32 years of industry experience. Each formula has been developed and tested with safety, quality and salon success at its core, and is HEMA and TPO free. Discover Roxi Gel…
Read MoreInside the nailcare oasis in the centre of Huddersfield
Meet Rebecca, ‘toe wizard’ & owner of Cutiecles – a salon sanctuary that prides itself on comfort, care and calm. Recently refurbed, Cutiecles Nail Salon is a passion project for the nail technician, who boasts 10 years’ experience in the industry. After returning to work from maternity leave, Rebecca (and her baby) spent a lot…
Read MoreButter yellow summer is almost over: here’s why you should make way for mustard
Butter yellow took over the world this spring/summer, with the pastel hue dominating décor, outfits and nails. But autumn/winter will see another member of the yellow family soar in popularity… (Lead image by @byemilyann_) Say hello to mustard yellow! Experts predict that this rich, deeper version of summer’s trending hue will rule the cooler months.…
Read MoreImportant August dates for your nail & beauty business
Get your business prepared for the month of August, with our roundup of dates to note… 2nd-3rd: Brighton Pride Pride Month may have been in June, but amplifying the voices of the LGBTQ+ community is not restricted to one month. The UK’s biggest pride festival takes place at the start of August. The event is…
Read MoreThis Victorian-style Doncaster beauty salon is designed to feel like home
Salon owner, Khristie Lawton, shares how she crafted a home-away-from-home oasis just outside the hustle and bustle of Doncaster city centre. Relaxing, welcoming, and safe are three words that inspired the design of Khristie Lawton’s Victorian-style salon. Defining her parents’ living room as the muse for the space, Khristie explains that Kiki Yorkshire fuses cosiness…
Read MoreInside the Leeds nail salon known for its Y2K decor & viral nail art
Meet Freya-Poppy Bowden, the Y2K-obsessed nail tech whose Leeds-based salon is every millennial’s dream! Growing up in a family of artists, it is no surprise that Freya-Poppy’s creativity flourished early. At the age of 11, she began experimenting with nail art and quickly fell in love with the medium. She used anything and everything to…
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