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Nail NATION
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Glitterbels appoints nail industry icon, Jan Arnold, as executive advisor
Nail industry curator, advocate & CND™ co-founder, Jan Arnold, has been appointed as executive advisor to Glitterbels. Boasting over four decades’ experience at the helm of CND™, Jan 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 nail technicians through her work with the Beauty Changes Lives organisation.
Jan Arnold (centre) with Annabel and Elliott Maginnis.
Her partnership with UK-founded nail brand, Glitterbels, sees her working closely with its founders, Annabel and Elliott Maginnis, to expand the brand’s product innovations, distribution channels and professional education programmes – particularly in North America.
Jan Arnold
“After an extraordinary 46-year journey co-founding and building CND™ into a global powerhouse, I felt a deep calling to reignite my creative spirit and explore new ideas and partnerships,” Jan shared in a statement on Instagram. “Enter Glitterbels: a brand with a passion for nails that instantly resonated with me. [The brand’s] unwavering commitment to the nail professional mirrors the values that have guided me throughout my career: listening to pros, championing their growth and fuelling their success through education, advocacy and philanthropy.”
“Glitterbels and Jan are united by beliefs in artistry, education and inclusivity,” says Annabel Maginnis. “This collaboration feels like destiny. Together, we want to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in nails.” www.glitterbels.com
Annabel Maginnis
Watch Scratch’s interview with Jan Arnold and Annabel Maginnis about the partnership.
Mintel predicts 3 trends set to impact the global beauty & personal care industry
Mintel, a global leader in market intelligence, has revealed research that predicts shifts in future approaches to beauty. “By 2030, beauty will go beyond skin-deep,” the market intelligence hub noted in a statement. “The beauty experience will shift from simply delivering results to regulating mood and evoking emotion, while imperfection will be the new perfection.” The three trends Mintel highlights are:
1. Metabolic Beauty: a focus on wellness-driven and personalised beauty, powered by scientific advancements in technology.
2. Sensorial Synergy: sensory experiences will play a big role in product purchases due to a ‘heightened need for emotional wellness’.
3. Beyond The Algorithm: filters, AI and retouching have become characteristic of society’s beauty standards. However, Mintel sees consumers becoming ‘fatigued’ by these expectations, with ‘imperfection and artistry’ coming to the forefront.
Andrew McDougall
Andrew McDougall, Mintel director of beauty & personal care insights, says of metabolic beauty: “Consumers will expect their moisturisers, serums or supplements to act not only as cosmetic enhancers, but diagnostic tools that reflect inner health. This shift will reframe the role of beauty from indulgence to insurance: proof-driven, personalised and preventative. “Beauty is becoming less about outcomes and more experience-led, with sensory stimulation the primary driver of purchase,” he continues. “By 2030, beauty will be judged not just on results, but its ability to regulate emotions and create memorable experiences. Brands that thrive will shift from clinical efficacy to experiential storytelling.” For more information, visit www.mintel.com
NHBF unveils free checklists to support self-employed beauty professionals
The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has launched a series of free, easy-to-use checklists, designed to support self-employed professionals and businesses across the hair and beauty sector.
The NHBF recognises that while self-employment offers benefits including flexibility, there are a number of business responsibilities to consider. A spokesperson for the organisation comments: “Whether individuals are just starting out, already running their own businesses or changing their business models, it is not always easy to know if everything is being done correctly.”
The NHBF’s four free checklists are designed to help beauty business owners tick the right boxes when it comes to managing a self-run venture. On completion of a short questionnaire, pros will receive a tailored summary of answers, support resources and further guidance.
The checklists are aimed at home-based hair and beauty professionals; those setting up self-employed businesses; salons exploring chair or space rental, and self-employed chair, space or room renters. The resources are intended to help professionals ‘identify what’s in place, what may need attention and where to find extra support’.
Cathy Weston, director of quality and standards at the NHBF, comments: “We’re not here to judge; we’re here to support. This initiative is part of our ongoing mission to raise standards, support individuals and protect the future of our sector by giving professionals the tools, knowledge and confidence to run their businesses the right way.”
To access the relevant checklist for you, visit www.nhbf.co.uk
HONA partners with Ellisons to widen distribution network
Home Of Nail Art (HONA), the Welsh-born professional nail brand founded by Charlotte and Mike Henson, has partnered with hair and beauty product supply business, Ellisons, to offer select products via its website.
These include the TrueBuild and TrueFoundation builder gels and TrueSculpt hard gel. Also available are Trial Kits and a curated collection of tools, handcare and nail art products. “Before Mike and I created HONA, I was a salon owner for eight years and would order my general stock from Ellisons,” shares HONA co-founder, Charlotte Henson. “To now see the products we’ve created available to purchase on the Ellisons website fills me with pride. Ellisons’ heritage and reputation for supporting professionals makes it the perfect partner to bring our vision to more nail techs.”
HONA founders, Mike and Charlotte Henson.
Nadine Meakins, head of trading & digital marketing at Ellisons, comments: “We are delighted to bring HONA to Ellisons. Its combination of safe formulations, professional performance and ABT-accredited education makes HONA an invaluable brand for nail professionals, whether they are just starting out or already established.” www.ellisons.co.uk / www.homeofnailart.com
CTPA EVENT DEMONSTRATES INDUSTRY COMMITMENT TO NON-ANIMAL TESTING
The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) showcased its dedication to advancing non-animal testing methods for chemical safety assessment, at an event held on 29 and 30 September.
Training sessions and workshops explored ‘how to to apply non-animal New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and Next Generation Risk Assessment (NGRA) frameworks’.
The CTPA brought together scientists, toxicologists and regulatory experts across the cosmetics and chemicals industries, as well as specialist organisations and representatives from the UK Government.
Francesca Rapolla
Francesca Rapolla, senior affairs manager – science at CTPA, said: “By investing in education and creating opportunities for scientific dialogue between experts from industry, authorities, NGOs, academia and more, we’re not only advancing science – we’re building trust and advancing scientific knowledge across the stakeholder community.” www.ctpa.org.uk
SLBPR Industry Insider launches to support marketing needs of salons
Hair and beauty communications agency, SLBPR, has created a subscription-based platform ‘designed to take the guesswork out of PR marketing’. The tool, called SLBPR Industry Insider, offers expert-led, press-powered content to help salon owners attract more clients and stand out in their field.
Subscribers to the platform will receive exclusive content: monthly email drops featuring PR playbooks, journalist opportunities and content calendars; seasonal campaign planners to capitalise on awareness days; insider Q&As that reveal what the press are looking for in story pitches; client-building ideas and brand relationship tips. Bonus guides are also available to aid salon success.
“PR isn’t just for big brands or influencers,” says Sharon Brigden, SLBPR CEO & founder. “It’s for anyone who wants to be known, booked and respected in their industry.
Sharon Brigden
SLBPR Industry Insider makes that possible – without the need for a big budget, hours of time and insider connections.” To find out more, visit www.slbpr.co.uk
Deborah Cocco with Stefanie Lo Re (left) and Alex Fox.
Italy’s Deborah Cocco scoops Nailympia’s European & Global Cups 2025
The 2025 Nailympia competition season ended in spectacular fashion in London – with the reveal of Deborah Cocco from Italy as European Cup and Global Cup champion.
The nail stylist, academy owner & product distributor is a seasoned competitor who participated in five of Nailympia’s six competition locations this year: London, Germany, Anaheim, Orlando and San Antonio. Her three highest scores from across the locations were accumulated and put her at the top of the global leaderboard.
Deborah is the youngest nailist to scoop the Global Cup title, and was presented with her trophy onstage at the Nailympia arena within the Professional Beauty Autumn trade event at ExCel London on 13 October. It was handed to her by Kimi Chang, host of Nailympia China, who offered her a cash prize and free entry into Nailympia China 2026. Cocco also scooped the Nailympia European Cup 2025, having scored the most points in Germany and London this year. She was given the prestigious trophy by Stefanie Lo Re, host of Nailympia Germany & judge for the London iteration.
The 21st Nailympia London, which took place 12-13 October, welcomed 214 competitors from 39 countries, who took 597 competition seats across 20 online and arena categories. www.nailympia.com
Click to view the list of Nailympia London 2025 winners.
The GelBottle Inc introduces Hard BIAB™ to aid nail length & durability
The GelBottle Inc, the nail brand behind the popular BIAB™ (Builder In A Bottle™) enhancement product, has launched an evolution of the builder gel: one that is engineered to meet client demands for durability, length and smooth application. Hard BIAB™ is a hybrid formula that combines the strength of hard gel with the slick application of Original BIAB™.
The formula is useful when creating overlays and long extensions. Results from an October 2025 trial – in which 30 professional nail technicians tested Hard BIAB™ – revealed that 100% of users found it to be ‘suitable for repairing split or chipped nails’.
Daisy Kalnina
“I’m incredibly proud to launch Hard BIAB™, a true evolution of our original innovation,” says Daisy Kalnina, The GelBottle Inc CEO & founder. “It’s a testament to our commitment to pushing boundaries and empowering nail techs with the tools they need to thrive.”
Hard BIAB™ is available in 12 neutral shades, from strawberry milkshake pink, Bonnie, to cool-toned lavender, Skye, and barely-there sheer pink, Demure. www.thegelbottle.com
NAIL & BEAUTY BITES
©House of Commons/Roger Harris
Kate Dearden MP has been appointed as parliamentary under-secretary of state responsible for personal care in the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade. She has experience in employment rights, consumer protection and retail sectors – key areas affecting the hair and beauty sectors.
The GelBottle Inc has launched the ProTech Travel Trolley: a durable and lightweight item that provides waterproof, compact storage for nail techs on-the-go. The unit folds down flat when not in use and features 360° swivel wheels for smooth navigation. www.thegelbottle.com
Caroline Larissey
Millie Kendall OBE
Membership World has announced the launch of the Most Influential Membership Professional Index – a global recognition of individuals who are using social media to inspire, lead and innovate. Caroline Larissey, NHBF chief executive, and Millie Kendall OBE, British Beauty Council CEO, have been named amongst the changemakers. www.membershipworld.com
Skincare expert, Caroline Hirons, has been unveiled as a keynote speaker at the Phorest Salon Owners Summit 2026. Taking place 25-26 January, the event welcomes business owners from around the world to engage in ‘high energy networking and knowledge sharing with the brightest businesses in the world’.
For tickets, visit www.salonownersummit.com/tickets
Manufacturing news outlet, Industry Today, has reported that the UV gel polish market will reach a value of $109 million by 2035. The steady growth is fuelled by fashion trends, salon expansion and product innovation. Increasing popularity in long-lasting manicures sees the market expanding to meet demand. www.industrytoday.com
7TH ANNUAL
DAYTIME BEAUTY AWARDS
HONOURS INDUSTRY LEADERS
Celebrities and industry stars were out in force to support leading names in the beauty, health and wellness industries at the seventh annual Daytime Beauty Awards (DBAs) in Los Angeles. The ceremony was led by Academy Award–nominated actress & Emmy winner, Ann-Margret, and celebrities including Melissa McCarthy, Ashley Graham and Denise Richards announced the winners of categories such as Brand of the Year and Outstanding Achievement in Skincare. Celebrity nail artist, Yoko Sakakura, presented Tom Bachik with the Outstanding Achievement in Nail Artistry award, as the category returned to the event for the first time since its launch in 2018 – when Sakakura was honoured. Manicurist to the A-list, Tom Bachik, boasts three decades’ experience tending to the nails of celebrities and models, partnering with brands and sharing his nail expertise on an international scale as an educator and speaker. He has also launched his own products, from chrome powders to Click Colors nail pens.
Michele Elyzabeth
“Bringing back this award feels long overdue,” commented Michele Elyzabeth, founder of the Daytime Beauty Awards. “Nail artistry represents both chemistry and creativity, and Tom Bachik has elevated it to a level that influences fashion, beauty and culture on a global scale.” www.daytimebeautyawards.com
Award-winning nail pros unite to create handy tools brand
Leila Monroy and Jojo Wickens, Scratch Stars Awards winners & co-owners of Light Elegance UK, have collaborated on LePhine Pro: a nail tool brand that ‘combines thoughtful design, professional quality and everyday usability’. Pronounced ‘Leh-feen’, the brand name combines the first parts of the duo’s names, with ‘Pro’ added to reflect a focus on meeting professional standards.
Leila Monroy
Jojo Wickens
Intended to bring ‘intentional, beautifully designed tools to the hands of artists’, the brand launched with the LePhine Pro 3-in-1 Magnet Tool. “The 3-in-1 Magnet Tool features three magnets in one sleek, hexagonal, anti-roll handle,” details Jojo Wickens. “This includes a large round magnet, a straight bar and a smaller detail magnet for precision effects, making it easy to create cat eye designs with control. To use, simply hold the magnet over uncured cat eye gel polish at your desired angle and watch the particles shift to create dimensional, light-catching effects.”
The duo is working on a variety of other tools, and notes: “We’re highly selective with every product we create. We are producing a range of professional tools with a commitment to quality, detail and design.
This is just the beginning, and we’re excited for the journey with our nail community.”
LePhine Pro products are available via www.lightelegance.co.uk
Nail pros claim success at
Professional Beauty North
competition
The Professional Beauty North (PB North) exhibition took place in Manchester Central on 28-29 September, and hosted its biggest ever Manchester competition for beauty, make-up and nail pros and students, with 87 nail competition seats taken.
The event included student-focused and professional categories, ranging from Mixed Media to Structure/BIAB and On Location Nail Design.
Click to view the results.
“The energy in the competition arena was electric, as so many talented competitors showed off their skills and dedication,” share competition directors, Jacqui and Sean O’Sullivan. “Professional Beauty North provided a fantastic platform for both new talent and seasoned professionals to showcase their abilities. The level of artistry and professionalism was impressive, and it was truly uplifting to see so many passionate individuals celebrating the beauty industry.” www.professionalbeauty.co.uk
Jacqui & Sean O’Sullivan
DATES FOR THE DIARY
16 November
A Merry Little Meetup Nail tech community organisation, Nails From South Wales, is hosting an event in Cardiff for nailists to learn, network, dance and participate in a quiz. The day will feature a festive workshop with @munro.nails and a Christmas party with a raffle. Click for tickets.
23 November
Maisie’s Nail Tech Soirée Nail stylist, Maisie Jackson of @maisiejacksonbeauty, is hosting her third social event for fellow pros. The festive iteration of her Nail Tech Soirée will be hosted at Mannahatta, York, from 7pm to late, and feature an opportunity to network, enjoy drinks and nibbles, take part in a raffle in aid of Cancer Research and receive a goody bag featuring products to the value of £60. For more information and to purchase a ticket, visit www.instagram.com/maisiejacksonbeauty