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As 2025 draws to a close, I have been reflecting on the moments that shaped our industry over the past 12 months. From product innovations and ingredient bans to competition launches and individual successes, the nail world has maintained its reputation as a vibrant and exciting realm that’s fuelled by passion. We’ve rounded up this year’s highlights from page 24, so take a moment to remind yourself of key events, and reflect on and reward your own achievements.

While December is a season of celebration for most, it’s the busiest time of year for nail professionals. Appointments fill up as quickly as the weather turns, and it’s likely you’ll be finding glitter around your nail space and on your uniform until early 2026. In this issue, we share festive nail art inspo and handy products to aid design requests, but whether you’re crafting delicate snowflake art or sculpting Christmas characters on enhancements, it’s important to manage your wellbeing. While this season is joyful, it can also be demanding, and taking care of yourself – and your team members – is just as important as taking care of your clients. Turn to page 40 to explore five ways to beat burnout.

Your work brings beauty and brightness to so many, and Scratch continues to honour that spirit. From step-by-steps to inspiring salon spotlights, competition tales and business pointers for making the most of this busy season, immerse in content that will excite you and elevate your business.

As we turn the page on 2025, I want to extend my gratitude to you – our reader, as well as industry bodies, brands, advisors and educators that continue to shape our sector. It’s a privilege to share your stories.

I wish you a prosperous month, a restorative break when it arrives, and a new year filled with opportunity and artistry.

helena.biggs@scratchmagazine.co.uk

@helena.scratchmagazine

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COVER CREDITS Image courtesy of Daniela Blahova.

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This article appears in December 2025

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This article appears in...
December 2025
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Eds Letter
As 2025 draws to a close, I have
Nail NATION
news & views
Cover Story
Unwrap the career story of Daniela Blahova, the nail stylist & visionary behind this month’s stunning Scratch cover
The Scratch Scoop
The Scratch team offers an insight into its antics & unveils events, treatments & news from the nail realm
THE HOT List
Scratch scours the industry for the latest nail & beauty products to captivate clients & lend a helping hand to your services
2025: The industry rewind
Scratch rounds up momentous nail & beauty moments from the past year
FESTIVE FINGERTIPS to sleigh the season
Have yourself a mani little Christmas with JESS WATTS’ roundup of dazzling designs & party-perfect nail art inspo
5 ways to promote team wellbeing this month
Nurture employees & navigate the festive rush mindfully with REBECCA HITCHON’S roundup of tips for taking care of your team
BEHIND THE GRAM
Get to know social media nail stars as they offer an insight into their lives & share content creation tips
SCRATCH PADS
Where confidence meets community
Art with Jark
Scratch Stars Hall Of Fame pro & founder of Jark Nails, JIAK HING , shares a masterclass in gel polish design to elevate your artistic offerings
READERS GALLERY
As North Yorkshire’s LISA-MARIE HOGGARD celebrates one year of salon ownership, she shares her favourite nail creations & future goals
Colour with Purpose
Explore Andreia Professional’s spectrum of innovation across the nail & make-up categories
How to build your business beautifully
About Zaara King Beauty business and mindset coach,
NASNA: Season 2, Challenge 2 submissions
Marvel over the masterful location-inspired nails crafted for the second NASNA challenge
Formulas for Success
Analyse your business & make motions to elevate its excellence with advice from ELAINE WATSON , global education director at Light Elegance
Helping Hands
Discover how a mentor could transform your nail business, as REBECCA HITCHON quizzes coaches on their offerings
Through the Keyhole
Take a peek inside salon setups across the UK&I as Scratch unlocks each door
BRAND WATCH
JESS WATTS gets to know the names behind companies & brands attracting attention across the nail scene
STAR Quality
How to become a great brand ambassador
Obsessulating over ELPHABA
ALICE NALI , Scratch Stars Mixed Media Artist of the Year 2025 & Nailympia London 2025 Art Winner of Winners (Division 3) shares a step-by-step guide to painting Wicked protagonist, Elphaba, portrayed by Cynthia Erivo, on nails
The Social Scene
Do you really need the latest phone to create great content?
Nailympia COMPETITIONS NEWS
2025 reflections & Nailympia London results
The power of COMMUNITY
LYNDS JOYCE, founder of The Black Canvas Society online nail collective, shares why curating a strong network is important for beginner nail techs
NAIL Clippings
JESS WATTS uncovers the hottest nail topics & tales across the ‘net, TV & social media & gets the scoop on celebrity beauty must-haves
Fingernails in Focus
Put the ‘art’ in ‘party’ this season with glitzy & glamorous nail inspo to turn heads at events
Looking for back issues?
Browse the Archive >

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