Scratch
T his month offers many reasons to celebrate. Firstly, May is
Scratch’s
birthday – and we mark 23 years of the magazine with two beautiful covers courtesy of photographer, Nathalie Gordon. We hope the bright, summer holiday-inspired images will bring you joy and add an uplifting vibe to your workspace, coffee table or commute. Where do you read your
Scratch
magazine? Nail industry names have been sharing the fun (and unusual) places where they immerse in the mag – just head to our social media accounts to check them out.
We’re also getting in the party spirit as we prepare to host some exciting events to champion the talent of nail professionals in the UK, Ireland and across North America. From page 32, we reveal the finalists in the Scratch Stars Awards 2026, who will either take part in a practical judging day at Stockport College this month, be mystery shopped or submit a portfolio of evidence to be judged. The winners of the 19 categories will be announced at The Scratch Stars Party in London on 5 July.
Scratch’s editorial & partnerships director, Helena Biggs, is also heading to Florida this month, where alongside supporting our sister organisation, Nailympia Competitions at Premiere Orlando, she’ll be hosting the third Scratch Social event, which will announce the champion of North America’s Star Nail Artist (NASNA) – Season 2. It’s been a colourful journey for the top nine contestants, whose astrology-themed creations for the final challenge can be admired from page 26.
I also want to honour the wonderful Jim Nordstrom, CNDTM , Sweet Squared and Famous Names co-founder, who passed away in March. The nail industry has been deeply saddened by the news, and I encourage you to immerse in Jim’s career story, as well as tributes from members of the sector from page 28.
Whether your diary is packed with events, or you’re focusing on bringing the best to your business, I wish you a positive and prosperous month!
Rebecca Hitchon Editor
rebecca.hitchon@scratchmagazine.co.uk
@becca.scratchmagazine
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Go behind-the-scenes of the cover photo shoot from page 16.
COVER CREDITS
Photographer: Nathalie Gordon
@photonathalie Nail stylist: Amber Studer
@polishedbyamber Make-up artist: Heather Butterwegge
@heatherb.makeupHair & make-up assistant: Sarah Hill
@sarah_serves_beauty Wardrobe: Patrick Santa Ana
@patricksantaana Model: Cassandra Reneè
@cassandrathegreat_