British Beauty Festival introduces UK brands to Chinese market
The British Beauty Council (BBCo) has signed a strategic partnership with brand management ecosystem, Chrysalis Beauty, to licence the British Beauty Festival across Greater China. China is the festival’s first international base, and the inaugural 2026 iteration unfolded across three Shanghai venues throughout April and May. London-based nail brand, Nailberry, and lash, brow and hair company, UKLASH, were among the participants of the festival, many of which made their China market debuts. The collaboration between BBCo and Chrysalis Beauty was born from a shared belief that British beauty deserves a dedicated platform in China: one of the world’s biggest markets, with an estimated retail value of almost £60 billion. Sohail Shaikh, HM deputy trade commissioner for China, UK Department for Business and Trade – which financially supports the British Beauty Festival, comments: “China is one of the world’s largest and most dynamic beauty and personal care markets. Its scale, rapid premiumisation and highly developed digital ecosystem present significant opportunities for British beauty brands.”
Sohail Shaikh
The British Beauty Festival 2026 spanned three phases. The first took place at Jiuguang Department Store and featured the British Bloom Garden – an immersive pop-up with influencer visits and sampling activations. Phase two moved to Bicester Village, offering a brand showcase for 80,000 VIP members, while the final phase took place at Lane Crawford – one of Asia’s most prestigious luxury retail environments, with dedicated brand displays and live-streaming facilities. Millie Kendall OBE, CEO of the British Beauty Council, says: “The British Beauty Festival is exactly the kind of initiative the Council exists to support.
Millie Kendall OBE
What began as a bold proposition for China has demonstrated the appetite that exists for British beauty internationally. We are delighted to stand behind this festival for the long term, and to work with Chrysalis Beauty to take it to audiences across the country.” www.britishbeautycouncil.com
Melanie Lewendon
Nail educator creates podcast to answer common industry questions
Scratch Stars Educator of the Year and Online Educator of the Year finalist 2026, Melanie Lewendon, has launched The Nail Tech Society: a podcast that serves to demystify nail sector topics. “As an educator, I spend a lot of time in Facebook forums answering many of the same questions,” says the pro, who won the Scratch Stars Educator of the Year title in 2024, and Online Educator of the Year accolade last year. “So many nail techs rely on answers in forums, which can cause confusion. Sometimes, all that is needed is for topics to be broken down in clear, practical ways. I want to make complicated matters more accessible and understandable.” With episodes covering how to become a tech and choose a nail brand, as well as product application guides, the podcast’s bio states that ‘each episode explores the why and how behind techniques, products and building a successful career in the nail industry’. It features ‘honest conversations, brand neutral education and no gatekeeping’. “The podcast uses real scenarios, frequent misconceptions and my own experiences to explain not just what to do, but why it matters,” Melanie reveals. “With some episodes, I supply downloads to help listeners, or signpost them to external support.” Looking to the future, the podcast host would like to invite guests to offer further insight into the realities of being a nail tech. “I hope The Nail Tech Society is an educational resource that professionals can use for their students and themselves,” she says.
Listen to The
Nail Tech Society on Spotify.
Dermalogica & BABTAC unveil guide to support safe microneedling
The rapid rise in microneedling treatments has prompted the launch of the Sharp Standards Guide to Microneedling by skincare brand, Dermalogica, and the British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC). The guide was revealed at an event in the Houses of Parliament, hosted by Carolyn Harris MP in April. Microneedling is a cosmetic treatment that uses tiny needles to increase collagen and enhance the appearance of skin. More than 35,000 microneedling procedures were carried out in 2025 in Dermalogica’s stores, retailer treatment rooms and UK partner companies. The term ‘microneedling’ was also mentioned over six million times on social media last year. A BABTAC spokesperson comments: “The availability of at-home microneedling devices is a major safety concern, as these can be ordered online and do not require any formal qualifications to purchase, creating risks and confusion for consumers about who can use them.”
Lesley Blair MBE
Image courtesy of
Linkedin.com
Lesley Blair MBE, CEO of BABTAC, says: “Dermalogica’s microneedling guide is an excellent and comprehensive resource to ensure qualified practitioners continue to pursue excellence in their treatments. There are many different groups sharing information, and not all of it is accurate. This guide is designed to create consistent best practice, regardless of location in the UK, and to ultimately protect consumer safety.” Download the guide via www.babtac.com or pro.dermalogica.co.uk
2025 winners: Oliver Batiste and Owen Machon, co-founders of Make Waves, at the Breakout Beauty UK 2025 finale.
Breakout Beauty UK to support beauty startups with £1 million funding
Following a successful 2025 debut, Breakout Beauty UK – an accelerator programme for beauty brands designed to ‘fast-track growth and retail readiness’ – has returned with £1 million in support value. Designed by consultancy company, Growth Studio, last year’s programme attracted over 200 applications, from which 12 finalists were selected to experience six weeks of expert-led support. Two brands: Make Waves and ByErim, won a prize worth £350,000, and have launched in Boots stores. Expanded to a 10-week intensive accelerator, Breakout Beauty UK 2026 will offer more hands-on growth support for market-ready beauty brand founders – including from Tropic Skincare founder, Susie Ma, and Mitchell Halliday of Made By Mitchell. Paul Finch, Breakout Beauty UK chief architect & Growth Studio co-founder, comments: “Breakout Beauty UK was created to give ambitious founders the access, expertise and opportunities that typically take years to build.
Paul Finch
For 2026, we’re scaling the programme significantly, bringing in even more partners and deeper expertise to help the next wave of beauty entrepreneurs build multi-million pound brands.” Participants of the fully funded programme will refine their retail strategies, grow their communities and sales, attract media attention and draw investor interest. This year, one winner of a grand prize will launch into 50 Boots stores and receive marketing support, mentoring from senior Boots leaders and a TikTok Shop prize. Breakout Beauty UK applications opened in April, and 10 finalists will be selected to begin the programme in July. www.growthstudio.com
The GelBottle Inc continues US market expansion via 487 CosmoProf stores
Brighton-based nail brand, The GelBottle Inc (TGB), has partnered with professional product distributor, Beauty Systems Group (BSG), to bring its offerings to 487 CosmoProf locations in the United States. BSG serves beauty professionals through its CosmoProf stores and direct sales consultants. The collaboration combines ‘an extensive product rollout with a bold, education-led strategy – designed to engage and grow CosmoProf’s nail tech customer base, while growing TGB’s accessibility and presence in the US’. Daisy Kalnina, CEO & founder of The GelBottle Inc, shares: “Partnering with CosmoProf is a defining moment for The GelBottle Inc. We have always believed that the best way to serve nail technicians is to be where they are, with the products they need, the education to back it up and a community that supports them.” The GelBottle Inc products are now available via CosmoProfBeauty.com and across 487 CosmoProf locations.
Daisy Kalnina
Sarah Crespo
A large TGB fixture, featuring BIAB™, Gel Polish, extensions and TGB’s everyday essentials, features in 96 stores, while 391 stores offer a focused assortment of TGB essentials – covering BIAB™ bestsellers, top and base coats, the Illuminate Lamp and high-demand Gel Polish colours. The GelBottle Inc and CosmoProf are also committed to delivering regular online masterclasses through CosmoProf’s digital platform, led by Sarah Crespo, TGB head of education for North America. Sessions cover technique, product application and business skills. Sarah Crespo comments: “Education is the foundation of everything we do at The GelBottle Inc. It is how we build real, lasting relationships with the professional nail community. Finding a partner in CosmoProf, which shares that belief wholeheartedly, makes this such an exciting moment.” www.thegelbottle.com / www.cosmoprofbeauty.com
Pro Beauty & Hair Competitions
: Dublin 2026 results
The Pro Beauty & Hair Competitions in Dublin wrapped up its most successful year to date in April, welcoming 117 entries across 20 categories – a significant increase from 81 entries in 2025. Held over two days, talented competitors showcased their skills before a panel of respected judges from the make-up and nail worlds. From emerging talent to seasoned professionals, the event provided a platform for all levels to shine. The live competitions featured 25 make-up seats and 62 nail seats, and a series of online competitions were themed around ‘Whispers of the Forest’. The online categories attracted strong engagement, with 16 entries in the Insta Make-Up category and 14 in the InstaNail category.
Organisers praised the exceptional standard of talent on display, with competition directors, Jacqui and Sean O’Sullivan, stating: “The level of artistry and professionalism was impressive, and it was truly uplifting to see so many passionate individuals celebrating our amazing industry. This competition was all about talent, dedication and the wonderful sense of community that brings us all together.”
Jacqui & Sean O’Sullivan
Scan to view the list of winners.
Salon franchise owner launches Moo Chats community-driven podcast
Amy Lewis, founder of award-winning salon brand, Mooeys, has started a podcast to ensure growth never comes at the cost of connection. The Mooeys franchise, which boasts seven salons across southern England, has an ambitious target of 50 locations by 2030. However, despite its success, Amy recently found herself confronting an unexpected feeling. “I have never felt so disconnected from my own business,” she admits. “It’s my brand, and I’m connected to my team – but I’m not on the salon floor.
Amy Lewis
That disconnect is incredibly common at this stage of business, and it only gets worse the bigger you grow.” Determined to bridge the gap, Amy sought a creative solution. When she asked herself whether she was ready to expand further, the answer came with one condition: “Yes – providing I’ve still got a creative outlet and a thread of connection back to the people.” Enter Moo Chats: a podcast offering ‘authentic conversations from inside the Herd’. Episodes are recorded in-salon, drawing from the buzz of clients and staff. Topics range from ‘mental health and burnout to beauty industry realities, confidence, leadership, motherhood and grief’. Guests have included long-standing salon managers, in-house specialists, the brand’s operations team and a local aesthetics nurse prescriber. Future episodes are set to feature ‘franchise partners, clients and more voices from across the industry’. “The podcast is my way of staying close to the team, clients and everyday salon conversations that built Mooeys in the first place,” Amy says. “We don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we take what we do seriously, and the podcast reflects that.” Listen to Moo Chats via Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
NAIL & BEAUTY BITES
Nail & Beauty Excellence, the brand founded by esteemed educator & nail pro, Jade Barber, has unveiled The Purity Pod™ – a compact and quiet ultrasonic cleaner designed to ‘transform tool cleaning into a precise, science-backed ritual’. Using high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations, The Purity Pod™ creates tiny captivation bubbles which lift microscopic debris from tools. www.nailandbeautyexcellence.com
UK brow brand, Buff Browz, has expanded its brow stain offerings with The Colour Collective. The collection comprises Prime, Activate and Rinse: products that form a complete system designed to enhance the brow staining process. “It’s not just about deeper colour or longer wear, but control, consistency and confidence in every part of application,” a spokesperson comments. www.buffbrowz.co.uk
VODEX offers SalonAIR
®
unit in charity raffle
Dust and fume extraction company, VODEX, is taking its team spirit to new heights, as six members are lacing up their trainers for a 5K fun run in aid of Mountbatten Hospice. The independent charity is ‘dedicated to providing a range of care and support for people with life-limiting conditions’. “This cause is especially close to our hearts, as Mountbatten Hospice has supported the families of two of our team members,” a VODEX spokesperson comments. “Seeing firsthand the difference it makes has inspired us all. Its support reaches so many, offering comfort, dignity and kindness when they’re needed most.” On 11 July, six VODEX team members will take part in the Inflatable 5K in Southampton – the UK’s biggest fun run and inflatable obstacle course event. The fundraising target is £5,000, and the team comments: “We’re committed to raising as much as we can to help the charity continue its vital work and support even more people through challenging times.” To help the team reach its target, VODEX is running a raffle, with the prize of its popular SalonAIR® dust and fume extraction unit. To enter, make a donation and add ‘SALONAIR’ and your Instagram handle to the donation text box. Then, comment ‘DONE’ on the raffle post on the @vodexbeautyextraction Instagram account. The winner will be announced on 13 July at 12.00 BST
To donate and enter the raffle, visit bit.ly/salonairraffle
OPI TAKES A TRIP TO THE BRIGHT SIDE WITH SUMMER NAIL SHADES
Nail colour and care brand, OPI, has unveiled A Trip To The Bright Side: a vibrant collection of nail shades inspired by carefree summer energy and the playful spirit of a holiday. The collection comprises 12 bold brights, glowing pastels and sparkling shades, each colour-matched in the brand’s Nail Lacquer, GelColor and Powder Perfection formulas, alongside 12 sunny shades in the Infinite Shine lacquer formulation. Standout hues include Lime of My Life, a dazzling green glitter packed with high-shine sparkle; Bright Where I Belong, an opaque neon pink that radiates poolside confidence, and Sunkissed and Tell, a soft, semi-sheer sunshine yellow that delivers a warm weather glow. Shop the collection at uk.wella.professionalstore.com
NAILS-LUXE expands product portfolio with the Professional Gel System
UK-based nailcare brand, NAILS-LUXE, is growing its product repertoire with the launch of the Professional Gel System – ‘a complete offering including gel products, a lamp and an accredited education programme’. The brand’s biggest launch to date, the Professional Gel System includes six core base products, including soft gel and hard gel options. In keeping with the brand’s ‘education-first approach’, all bases will initially launch in clear, encouraging nail technicians to focus on structure, application and nail health before colour. To reinforce its commitment to supporting nail pros through both products and education, NAILS-LUXE will introduce accredited education courses alongside the product launch, covering gel polish, builder gel and hard gel application. “The industry has become incredibly overwhelming for both new and experienced nail techs,” says NAILS-LUXE founder & educator, Isabel May.
Isabel May
“We wanted to create a system that feels intentional, simplified and easy to understand, without unnecessary complication. For us, it’s about bringing the focus back to the fundamentals of nails: understanding structure, correct application, nail health and techniques – not just products.” The NAILS-LUXE Professional Gel System launches online on 7 June. www.nails-luxe.com
DATES FOR THE DIARY
5 July
The Scratch Stars Party
Network, dance and celebrate the nail sector at The Scratch Stars Party, hosted by dancer & singer-songwriter, Aston Merrygold. Taking place at The Underglobe, London, the event will feature live entertainment from Big Brovaz & Booty Luv, and the winners of the prestigious Scratch Stars Awards for the UK&I nail sector will be revealed. Each ticket includes a goody bag, one-hour prosecco reception and two hours of complimentary house drinks.
Get your hands on tickets by scanning here
30-31 August
Nailympia San Antonio
Hosted at Texas trade exhibition, Premiere San Antonio, the fourth international Nailympia location for 2026 will comprise six live competition categories, including L&P Acrylic Competition Nails, Joy of Nails and Salon Nails. Pros can also get involved in five turn-in/postal categories, which include Runway Nails – with the theme, Denim Diva, and To Stiletto & Beyond – with a Bubblegum Apocalypse theme. Find out more via www.nailympia.com/san-antonio
20 September
Nailtopia
Founded in 2019 by nail pro, podcast host & Emoki Nails founder, Rachel Allen, the Nailtopia trade show is back after a three-year hiatus. It will bring brands, educators and nail techs together at The Steamworks, Sheffield, to connect, compete and shop. Scratch will be exhibiting, alongside Manicure Roulette, Moyra UK, Glitter Planet and more. Purchase tickets via www.tickettailor.com/events/nailtopiatradeshow