Scratch Stars Award 2026
GET READY TO SHINE!
The nail industry’s most coveted awards event returns for a 14th year. HELENA BIGGS reveals the categories & points to note for the entry process
Since 2012, the Scratch Stars Awards has been recognising outstanding members of the UK&I nail community: from artists and educators to salons and teams. Unlike a traditional skills-based nail competition, the awards honour exceptional customer care, technical prowess, business acumen, passion and professionalism via a two-stage process.
Entry for this year’s iteration opens on 1 February via the Scratch website, and there are 19 categories to choose from, designed to cover all facets of the nail sector. Committed to celebrating and evolving with the industry, the Scratch team reviews categories year-on-year, and is delighted to introduce the Builder Gel Tech of the Year award for 2026.
A hallmark of industry achievement, a Scratch Star is awarded largely based on performance over the past year. To ensure a fair assessment, entrants must have gained a recognised nail industry qualification at least 12 months prior to the entry open date, and be an active nail professional.
Why enter?
Submitting an entry encourages you to consider your highlights from the past year and contemplate areas for growth and recognition. Previous entrants have viewed the entry form as a powerful tool for professional evaluation. Achieving finalist or winner status is an endorsement of excellence that resonates with clients, peers, brands and local competition. Past titleholders and finalists have seen their reputations grow, gained media coverage and established enduring credibility in the nail sector.
Each category requires a different intensive – yet developmental – judging process, which is followed by the announcement of winners at The Scratch Stars Party in London. So, whether you offer standout artistic skills, run an exceptional salon business or provide influential education or services, now is the time to prepare your entry and get ready to sparkle on the nail industry’s biggest stage.
PREPARATION POINTERS
• Select your categories.
Individuals and businesses can enter a maximum of two
awards categories. Head to the Scratch website to read the requirements of each one, and play to your strengths.
• Compile relevant materials.
Create a folder containing images of your best nail creations, education highlights or business achievements from the past 12 months, which are relevant to the category – or categories – you want to enter. Gather data about your business, client testimonials and press coverage, and start taking before and after photos of clients’ nails.
• Note your highlights.
From now until the time you’re ready to submit your entry, note down any pivotal career moments from the past year. These could include a client nail transformation, community collaboration or demonstration of how you have overcome a business challenge.
• Read the rules.
Check your eligibility via the Scratch website, and read the rules of the competition carefully, as finalists will be required to commit to a second judging stage.
• Keep it human!
We’re not looking for a star storyteller or grammar expert throughout the entry process, so don’t panic if your submission isn’t word perfect. The Scratch Stars Awards is designed to recognise ‘real’ working individuals and businesses in the nail sector, so entries constructed via artificial intelligence (AI) will automatically be disqualified. Tell us how you respond to scenarios with authentic, not robotic, examples.
“I highly recommend entering the Scratch Stars Awards, as not only have I come out of the experience as a better nail technician, but I have gained a greater support network in the industry.
“Being part of the awards process has made me even more proud to be part of this community. I treasure my award and the experience, and am truly grateful to have received such a wonderful honour.
“As for The Scratch Stars Party, it’s for anybody who is passionate about nails and wants to dance their socks off. It presents a united vibe, where everyone you meet becomes an industry friend.”
Sophie Donaldson, Scratch Stars Gel Polish Stylist of the Year 2025
DATES FOR THE DIARY
1 FEBRUARY – 15 MARCH:
Entry open at scratchmagazine.co.uk/scratchstars
6 APRIL:
Finalists in all 19 categories announced.
EARLY MAY:
Practical judging day for nine artistic and technical categories. Judging for all other categories underway.
5 JULY:
The Scratch Stars Party at The Underglobe, London.