Posts by Jess Watts
How 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…
Read MoreThe nail looks that stole the show at London Fashion Week AW26
London Fashion Week returned from 19-23 February 2026, showcasing highly anticipated autumn/winter clothing collections. Across the capital city, designers transformed runways into statements of intent: bold predictions for where fashion is headed. Among the details commanding attention were nail looks, which were considered, eye-catching and very much destined to have a moment of their own.…
Read MoreHow Cuticleco. went from garage startup to popular nail brand
Sometimes the best ideas are born out of necessity – and a little bit of lockdown creativity. Ellie Barnard’s creative spark ignited in 2020, when she launched a press-on nail business from her parents’ garage. But when she added cuticle oils as an upsell, something unexpected happened: the oils started outselling the press-on nails. Fast…
Read More50 mood-boosting manicures: nail art that will make you smile
Everyone needs a bit of sunshine – so if the weather isn’t complying, why not add it to nails instead? These feel-good fingertips are sure to bring a smile to your face! From bright yellow hues – a colour strongly linked to happiness and positivity, to playful patterns and cute characters, these nails are pure…
Read MoreBeauty pro launches accredited menopause massage method for salons & spas
Award-winning nutritionist, author & beauty pro, Alison Bladh, has launched a massage treatment to help women navigate menopause, and is sharing her expertise with salons worldwide. Alison Bladh is a CIDESCO-qualified aesthetician with a long career in the beauty education sphere. Her latest launch, Meno Massage Method™ – a holistic treatment designed to support women…
Read MoreRunway ready – the nail trends that ruled New York Fashion Week AW26
New York Fashion Week (NYFW) took place 11-16 February, featuring over 60 runway shows and 46 designer presentations. As the ultimate indicator of what’s next in fashion and beauty, the autumn/winter event delivered bold patterns, fresh colour palettes and plenty of nail-worthy inspiration. Here are the top trends seen across NYFW Autumn/Winter 2026… 3D accents…
Read More17 nail designs to celebrate the Year of the Horse
Check out entries to the 18 February 2026 nail art challenge from Scratch, in which techs were tasked with creating a design to fit the theme: Year of the Horse. 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. These nails are giving mane character energy…
Read More5 nail art trends set to dominate spring 2026
This spring/summer, nail trends are encapsulating a variety of preferences. From delicate, fine line artwork and subtle shades to bold, maximalist manicures, the season truly celebrates diversity in expression. Let’s take a look at this year’s five signature spring nail styles… 1. Blooming botanicals Floral and foliage-themed fingertips are firm favourites during the warmer months.…
Read More20 Bambi print nail designs to fawn over
You’ve seen leopard print looks, tortoiseshell tips and crocodile claws. Now, a new animal print is trending, and it might just be the cutest one yet. As we look toward spring, Bambi-core is dominating social media. Here’s why… Characterised by a soft brown base and creamy spots, deer print digits are the epitome of springtime…
Read More19 designs to make your Lunar New Year nails the ‘mane’ event
Lunar New Year begins on 17 February 2026, with the festivities characterised by firework displays, cultural traditions and communal gatherings, culminating in the annual Lantern Festival. Each year is associated with one of the 12 zodiac animals, with 2026 ushering in the Year of the Horse, or more specifically, the Fire Horse. This sign brings…
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