Nail your awards entry with helpful tips & discover more about the process & what it has meant to past winners
It’s your last chance to shine: the entry deadline for the Scratch Stars Awards 2026 is nearing, so fire up your phone or laptop, read the rules and seize the
opportunity to be recognised for your excellence. Whether you’re a super nail stylist, slick salon team or exceptional educator, there’s a category to suit.
While you may be tempted to leave entry until the last minute, be mindful that each form is more than a tick box submission. To ensure eligibility of finalists and a high standard of competitors, entries require specific photos and information, in addition to detailed answers to business-focused questions.
So why enter? The process of filling out an entry form can be transformative. It encourages you to reflect on your journey, assess your growth and celebrate achievements you may have overlooked. Many past entrants say the experience reignited their passion and pushed them to set new goals, and being shortlisted as a finalist - or winning - instantly elevates your professional profile. The Scratch Stars Awards is widely regarded as the most prestigious awards event for the nail industry in the UK and Ireland. A finalist badge on your website, social media or salon window speaks volumes about your standards, skill and professionalism.
“The entire Scratch Stars Awards experience was amazing – and so rewarding: from the entry process to the spectacular and very glamorous awards party,” shares Kate Driscoll, owner of Kate Lifestyle, Scratch Stars Nail & Beauty Salon of the Year 2025. “It was an honour to be in a category with four fantastic salons, and winning is the highlight of my career.”
Too often, talented professionals hold back because they compare themselves to others or assume awards are ‘for someone else’. The Scratch Stars Awards celebrates passion, progression, professionalism and innovation, so if you’ve built a career you’re proud of, have achieved growth and can boast happy clients, you deserve to be recognised on one of the industry’s biggest stages. Enter, show up and shine!
ENTRY POINTERS
• 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.
• Be clear, concise & confident.
Use strong, direct language in your responses. Do not downplay your achievements; own them.
• Include strong supporting images.
If your category requires nail or salon imagery to be submitted, choose high-quality, well-lit photos. Ensure that images align with the category focus.
• Keep it human!
The Scratch Stars Awards recognises ‘real’ working individuals and businesses in the nail sector – so entries constructed via artificial intelligence (AI) will automatically be disqualified. Share how you respond to business scenarios with authentic, not robotic, examples.
• Don’t leave entry until the last minute.
Quality takes time and each entry form requires a mix of video, photographic and textual content. Prepare now, refine your answers and gather evidence properly.
THE AWARDS EXPERIENCE
By Leila Monroy, Scratch Stars Pedicurist of the Year 2025
“My Scratch Stars Awards 2025 journey was incredible. The awards process pushed me to adapt, stay calm under pressure and improvise when needed. From submitting an entry to competing alongside amazing finalists, it was an experience I’ll never forget.
“Walking into The Scratch Stars Party, my heart was full, as being a finalist was already an achievement. When my name was called as the winner, it felt surreal. Will I enter again? Absolutely. As many times as my heart tells me to. And to anyone thinking about it – just entering is a huge accomplishment. Do it.”
DID YOU KNOW?
You can NOMINATE an outstanding nail pro, salon, educator or team. Do you know a tech or team who deserves a Scratch Stars Award? Shine a light on their talent and dedication by submitting a nomination online.
Once received, the Scratch team will reach out to let them know they’ve been recognised and encourage them to complete an entry form.
“Winning a Scratch Stars Award is an incredible feeling, and means that hard work, dedication and passion for nails is rewarded. I came away from the experience in 2025 feeling more motivated than ever to keep creating and enhancing my skills.”
Justyna Pryke, Scratch Stars Gel Tech of the Year 2025
THE CATEGORIES
Artistic
Nail Stylist of the Year
sponsored by Glitterbels
Mixed Media Artist of the Year
sponsored by HD Professional Nail Systems
Polish & Paint Artist of the Year
sponsored by Andreia Professional
Gel Polish Stylist of the Year
sponsored by OPI
Technical
L&P Tech of the Year
sponsored by Katie Barnes Tool Range & Education
Gel Tech of the Year
sponsored by LE UK Nails & Education
Builder Gel Tech of the Year
sponsored by The GelBottle Inc
Natural Nail Specialist of the Year
sponsored by Hara Professional
Pedicurist of the Year
sponsored by The Nail Lab
Business
Nail Salon of the Year
sponsored by Vodex
Nail & Beauty Salon of the Year
sponsored by ABT part of Howden
Home Nail Salon of the Year
sponsored by Gelish
Mobile Nailist of the Year
sponsored by Timely
Social Media Star of the Year
sponsored by Halo Gel Polish Plus+
Specialist
Educator of the Year
sponsored by ABT part of Howden
Online Educator of the Year
sponsored by Trafford & Stockport College Group
Nail Team of the Year
sponsored by CuticleCo
The Shooting Star Award
presented by Scratch magazine
Services to the Nail Industry
sponsored by Sweet Squared
To submit your free entry into the Scratch Stars Awards 2026, visit www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/scratchstars