INDUSTRYREFLECTION
2025: The industry rewind
Scratch rounds up momentous nail & beauty moments from the past year
Scratch Stars Party celebrates talent in the UK&I nail sector
The 13th annual Scratch Stars Party returned to The Underglobe, London, on Sunday 6 July. The hotly anticipated event sparkled with talent, welcoming 300 nail pros and their peers for an evening of celebration, networking and fun. The evening recognised the success of industry professionals and businesses in the UK and Ireland across 18 Scratch Stars Awards categories, and indicted four pros and teams into the Scratch Stars Hall Of Fame. TV presenter, Jeff Brazier, and Scratch’s editorial & partnerships director, Helena Biggs, hosted the event, and attendees enjoyed a live performance from garage band, Artful Dodger, devoured canapés and cocktails, and each received a goody bag.
Register your interest for the 2026 event at www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/scratchstars
Michele Elyzabeth
Yoko Sakakura presented Tom Bachik with his award.
Celebrity manicurist receives
Outstanding Achievement in Nail Artistry
award
The Daytime Beauty Awards (DBAs) honoured US celebrity manicurist, Tom Bachik, with the Outstanding Achievement in Nail Artistry award at its ceremony on 21 September 2025.
The awards category returned to the event for the first time since its launch in 2018, when celebrity nail artist, Yoko Sakakura, was honoured. It pays tribute to the artistry, science and innovation of nail styling.
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 & speaker. He has also launched his own products, including chrome powders and Click Color nail pens. The Los Angeles-based pro is known for creating standout looks for Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez, Hailee Steinfeld and more. His work has been featured on the covers of Vogue, Vanity Fair and Rolling Stone, and in campaigns for brands such as Gucci, Chanel, L’Oréal and Tweezerman.
Michele Elyzabeth, founder of the Daytime Beauty Awards, commented: “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.”
Daisy Kalnina
The GelBottle Inc celebrates a decade of dedication
In August, Brighton-based nail brand, The GelBottle Inc (TGB), celebrated 10 years in business. The company is widely known for its Builder In A Bottle™ (BIAB™) product, and for offering nail essentials that are used by pros around the world.
Founder, Daisy Kalnina, kickstarted TGB’s journey in 2015, and has grown the brand to its current position, creating over 1,500 products that are sold in 34 countries. She also launched TGB Academy, which provides nail techs with education and advice, and has developed a community that spans continents.
“Building a successful international brand requires authenticity and consistency. I have always stayed true to my core values, while ensuring TGB maintains great standards across every market it enters,” says Daisy Kalnina. “I am very proud of the brand and excited to continue shaping TGB according to my passion and industry insights.”
The brand celebrated its birthday with the launch of Decade Gel Polish – a ‘molten metallic’ silver shade that marks the milestone. www.thegelbottle.com
The GelBottle Inc Gel Polish in Decade £17.95 + VAT
www.thegelbottle.com
North America’s Star Nail Artist crowns Season 1 champion & launches Season 2
On Sunday June 1, at the Scratch Social event in Orlando, Anastasia Totty of Jacksonville, Florida, was revealed as the first North America’s Star Nail Artist (NASNA) champion. Fellow Florida nail pro, Michelle Soto, was first runner up, with Jessica Vero of Richmond, B.C., named second runner up.
The pros had showcased their craftmanship and creativity in monthly tasks since October 2024. Six complex but thrilling briefs, set by Season 1 sponsors: CND™, Light Elegance, Gelish, The GelBottle Inc, LECHAT Nail Care Products and Glitterbels, tested their skills with new products and design techniques, and the pros were also tasked with creating engaging video content. Following the success of the contest, Scratch launched its second iteration in July, offering nail professionals based in the USA, Mexico and Canada the opportunity to showcase their work on a global scale. A shortlist of 25 nail pros was announced, and monthly challenges kicked off in October.
Eliminations take place after each challenge, and a top three will be unveiled in May. These nail artists will be flown to the Premiere Orlando trade exhibition, where the winner will be announced on May 31 at the Scratch Social event. They will receive a cash prize, products and press coverage – including a Scratch cover opportunity and 12-month column series in the magazine.
Helena Biggs
Competition organiser, Scratch’s Helena Biggs, comments: “Contestants are taking part in challenges that push their creativity and storytelling skills to new heights. Judges evaluate precision, design and product use, as well as video editing and originality. This year’s shortlist represents a broad range of talent: from seasoned competitors to up-and-coming nail artists.”
For more information about the contest, visit www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/nasna
Abbie Nguyen’s entry for Challenge 1 – Season 2 was inspired by The Blonds’ SS26 fashion collection.
Anastasia Totty manifested her 2025 dreams on nails for Challenge 3 – Season 1.
Scratch’s
most viewed social media post
Social media followers went wild for Scratch’s repost of this English breakfast nail design by London-based nail pro, @j3nnailedit. It garnered over 3.7 million views on Scratch’s Instagram profile, and over 2.5 million on Scratch’s Facebook page!
EU TPO BAN COMES INTO EFFECT
On 1 September, 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 within the UK market, it is possible that one may be enforced in 2027.
The European Commission’s discussions on TPO started at working group level in March 2024, and when tested, the ingredient was classified as a ‘carcinogen, mutagen, reprotoxic (CMR) category 1B reproductive toxicant’. This triggered the inclusion of TPO in the prohibited substances list of the EU’s Cosmetics Regulation.
It is how the European Commission came to this decision that united the nail community in frustration. TPO was tested on animals that ingested the ingredient orally in high concentrations: conditions far removed from its involvement within nail services. TPO is found in concentrations of up to 5% in nail products, and is, of course, not ingested by clients or pros.
Doug Schoon
Esteemed nail industry scientist, Doug Schoon of Schoon Scientific, wrote an open letter to the European Commission about the prohibition of TPO in cosmetic products, which addressed the testing phase. Doug suggested that the prohibition was hazard-based, and ‘disregards actual exposure conditions, route of exposure and the finished product safety profile’. “[The ban] represents financial losses for small businesses and professionals, who have lawfully invested in stock,” Doug commented. “[It has also created] market disruption for manufacturers, many of whom will be required to undertake costly dossier submissions to demonstrate negligible risk.”
Nail industry mourns passing of Jessica Vartoughian
The nail industry was deeply saddened by the passing of founder & former president of Jessica Cosmetics, Jessica Vartoughian, in April. The news was shared by @jessicacosmetics via an Instagram post on 28 April, which stated: “A true pioneer and visionary, [Jessica] built an empire through her relentless hard work, passion and unwavering dedication. She was a pivotal force in shaping the nail industry and empowering countless professionals around the world.” Nicknamed the ‘The First Lady of Nails’ by the New York Times, Jessica was born and raised in Romania, and moved to Los Angeles as a teenager. She had no knowledge of English, yet enrolled in beauty school. Her passion for nailcare emerged when she began studying the anatomy of the nail and its unique needs based on nail type.
In a 2015 interview with Scratch, she said: “I developed a passion for upgrading the manicure experience, making it sophisticated and luxurious for both the client and the professional. I opened my own salon in 1969: the Jessica Nail Clinic in Beverly Hills. It was the first ever nails-only salon and enabled me to teach my techniques to professionals, whom I call my ‘Nail Cultivists’.”
In an Instagram post, Jessica Cosmetics UK paid tribute to the trailblazer, writing: “[Jessica’s] legacy lives on through every product she developed and every client who discovered the confidence that comes from well-cared-for nails. Jessica’s daughter, Nadia, has been at the helm of Jessica Cosmetics International for many years and will continue to grow her mother’s legacy.”
Nailympia 2025
culminates in London with
European Cup
&
Global Cup
champion reveal
International nail competition, Nailympia, concluded its 2025 cycle in a talent-filled finale during Professional Beauty Autumn, at London’s ExCel centre on 12 and 13 October. The 21st annual Nailympia London welcomed 214 competitors from 39 countries, taking 597 competition seats across 20 online and arena categories. Nine arena contests were hosted during the trade event and saw techs and spectators from all over the world gather for the live results announcement on 13 October. The awards ceremony not only celebrated the talent of competitors, but the lasting commitment of the Nailympia team in ensuring the recognition of nail pros. Industry pros thanked Nailympia global director, Alex Fox, for her support.
After a year of worldwide competitions, the winner of the two coveted Nailympia cups for 2025 was announced as Deborah Cocco, who attained a score of 1,098 points to win the European Cup and 2,109 points to scoop the Global Cup. www.nailympia.com
Glitterbels appoints nail industry icon, Jan Arnold, as executive advisor
Industry icon & co-founder of nail brand, CND™, Jan Arnold, was appointed as executive advisor to Glitterbels in August. 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 nail technicians through her work with the Beauty Changes Lives organisation. Her role sees her work closely with Glitterbels founders, Annabel and Elliott Maginnis, to expand the brand’s product innovation, distribution channels and professional education programmes.
“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 a belief 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
Scan to watch Scratch’s interview with Jan Arnold and Annabel Maginnis about the partnership
80 YEARS OF CTPA
The Cosmetic, Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA) celebrated 80 years championing cosmetic science, innovation and excellence with a lavish black-tie dinner in London on 12 June. 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, and provides information to the media on issues relating to the safety of cosmetic products.
Dr Emma Meredith OBE
Dr Emma Meredith OBE, director-general of the CTPA, commented: “For 80 years, CTPA has championed cosmetic science, innovation and excellence. This isn’t just our story; as we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we honour the partnerships, breakthroughs and shared visions that have shaped the industry and society itself.” www.ctpa.org.uk
2025: Top nail art trends
The past year has seen a wave of nail art styles, finishes and embellishments take over social media and nail desk requests. Here are three popular trends to note:
• Polka dot pandemonium
Seen on celebrities such as Hailey Bieber and Dua Lipa, dotty digits dominated, transcending the seasons with a range of colour combinations and customisable elements.
• Chrome craze
From all-over chrome ‘glazed donut nails’, to isolated iterations enhancing nail art, chrome has trended in a big way this year. Metallic manis have been on everyone’s minds, with silver marked as a breakout colour and hailed by TikTok users as ‘the new neutral’.
• Food fiasco
The social media virality of food-inspired fingertips has led to demand for food-themed nail requests. While summer called for citrus sets and blueberry milkshake manis, the cooler months paved the way for cherry cola cuticles and chocolate-toned talons.
Show-stopping nail art storms the runway at exclusive event in Shanghai
Nail brand, Muzer, hosted China’s first Avant-Garde Global Nail Art Show in Shanghai on 10 May, inspired by a night in Florence. The event welcomed 150 guests – including Nailympia China competitors, sponsors, judges and members of the press – to watch an exciting catwalk show, where 20 models showcased a variety of nail designs.
The innovative looks were conceptualised and created by nail artists from across the globe, and featured works inspired by porcelain, pottery and decadent florals.
Prior to the runway show, CND™ co-founder, Jan Arnold, took to the stage to detail the story behind the 46-year-old brand, and how nail styles have evolved over time. An enchanting dance interlude followed, before the first showcase of nail mastery. Industry veteran, Marian Newman BEM, then shared her session nail career story, to inspire Asian nail pros to consider the field, and artistry was celebrated with a second catwalk event, where extreme nails dazzled amongst the models’ glittering dresses.
Anna Lee, international education director for Muzer, commented:
“I am so thankful to the nail artists and creatives who made the Avant-Garde Global Nail Art Show such a success.
Jan Arnold & Anna Lee
The East met the West, and nails were the centre of attention.”
UK Government announces Small Business Plan
The UK Government announced a Small Business Plan, to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by giving them ‘the most comprehensive support package in a generation’. As part of its Plan for Change, the Government’s Small Business Plan seeks to give SMEs the tools to thrive and drive economic growth via:
• Tackling late payments with its ‘most significant legislative reforms in 25 years – an issue that costs the UK economy £11bn per year and shuts down 38 businesses every day’.
• Enforcement of the toughest late payments laws in the G7.
• £4bn finance boost, including 69,000 Start-Up Loans. A statement on the UK Government website reads: “Late payments are one of the biggest barriers to small business growth, causing cashflow problems that stop firms from scaling up and investing in their future. The Small Business Commissioner will be given new powers to carry out spot checks and enforce a 30-day invoice verification period to speed up resolutions to disputes. The legislation will also introduce maximum payment terms of 60 days, reducing to 45 days, giving firms certainty they’ll be paid on time.”
Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, commented: “Too many hard-working people are being forced to spend precious hours chasing payments instead of doing what they do best – growing their businesses. It’s unfair, it’s exhausting and it’s holding Britain back. So, our message is clear: it’s time to pay up.”
Of the plan, Millie Kendall OBE, CEO of the British Beauty Council , said: “The beauty industry contributes more than £30bn to the UK GDP and is made up of entrepreneurial, successful and inspiring SMEs. The British Beauty Council welcomes the Government’s Small Business Plan, which sees policymakers put our businesses first. This plan is a much-needed step towards ensuring our industry – which bolsters social mobility and opportunities for underrepresented communities – can sustain growth.”
Millie Kendall OBE
Larissa Jensen
US beauty industry grows to $50.6 billion
American market research and technology company, Circana, reported growth in various areas of the beauty sector, with the prestige beauty market up 2% to a value of $16 billion and sales at mass merchants increasing 4% to $34.6 billion in the first half of 2025. In Q1, nail polish was a top-performing segment within prestige beauty. “The beauty industry’s latest results are indicative of a consumer who is focused on efficacy and elevated value,” commented Larissa Jensen, global beauty industry advisor at Circana. “As the industry faces tariff uncertainties and shifting consumer sentiment, adaptability and strategic agility are essential for success.”