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CTPA launches sustainability handbook for UK cosmetics industry
Nico Shaw Núñez
Image courtesy of Linkedin.com
The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) has launched Navigating a Volatile World – A Handbook for the UK Cosmetics Industry. Developed in partnership with non-profit sustainability organisation, Forum for the Future, the free, digital handbook provides a practical set of tools ‘to help cosmetics and personal care companies better understand sustainability challenges, identify practical responses and uncover new business opportunities’.
Nico Shaw Núñez, director of regulation and sustainability at the CTPA, says: “The industry is already taking important steps to address sustainability challenges, but the pace of change means businesses must also look ahead. CTPA’s sustainability handbook is about equipping companies with the tools they need to succeed in a changing world and prepare for a complex and fast-evolving operating environment.”
The handbook includes:
• Analysis of major global trends affecting the cosmetics sector – including climate breakdown, water scarcity and circularity.
• Guidance on how businesses can respond to emerging risks while identifying new opportunities.
• Insights into evolving consumer behaviours and future product needs.
Zoe Le Grand
Image courtesy of Linkedin.com
• Practical tools and exercises to support strategy development and innovation. Zoe Le Grand, managing director at Forum for the Future, comments: “The impacts of climate change, water scarcity and inequality are hitting all businesses hard. We have been delighted to collaborate with CTPA on this handbook and hope that the creative exercises in the book help cosmetics and personal care companies make their businesses more resilient in this fast-changing world.”
Download the handbook for free via www.ctpa.org.uk/ctpa-sustainability-handbook.
FRESHA SURVEY REVEALS IMPACT OF CLIENT CANCELLATIONS ON BEAUTY BUSINESSES
Emma Panter
“Cancellations and no-shows are one of the biggest hidden pressures facing the industry, affecting everything from income and staffing to wellbeing and long-term sustainability,” states beauty and wellness booking platform, Fresha.
To highlight the impact of the issue, the company surveyed 200 UK beauty and wellness businesses and 500 clients, to understand the effects of cancellations and no-shows. The report revealed that 62% of clients cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice, while 69% of business owners believe clients do not fully understand the impacts of cancellations. The consequences range from significant financial losses to mental health struggles and, in some cases, professionals are prompted to leave the industry altogether.
Emma Panter, a beautician at Beauty by EKP, Kendal, says: “Recently, I’ve moved into a full-time role and now do beauty treatments on the side as a result of financial and mental stress that cancellations and no-shows have had.”
Fresha found that 44% of salon owners say repeated no-shows harm their mental health, while 55% report that cancellations force them to work longer hours in an effort to make up for lost income. “When you wake up ready to take on a fully-booked day, excited that everything you’ve worked hard for is paying off, […] and then your first appointment doesn’t show, it’s a feeling of pure letdown,” Emma Panter says.
Despite the shocking statistic, Fresha comments: “While the problem is widespread, it is not unsolvable. The important thing to remember is that both [clients and beauty professionals] want smoother, more respectful booking experiences.”
Read the full report via www.fresha.com.
NHBF sheds light on Government strategies affecting beauty businesses
Sam Silver
Image courtesy of Linkedin.com
Dan Jarvis MBE MP
Daniel Jarvis ©House of Commons
The UK Government’s latest strategies have faced scrutiny from trade body, the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF). The first – a temporary reduction in VAT from 20% to 5% ‘for selected family activities’, does not include the labour-intensive high-street service businesses that have been calling for urgent VAT reform for years.
“Hair, beauty and barbering businesses are community anchors, yet they continue to face a VAT system that discourages growth, penalises compliant employers and makes it harder to compete with businesses operating outside the rules,” comments a spokesperson from the NHBF. The Government’s action to reduce VAT acknowledges the fact that it can be used to support demand, footfall and consumer affordability. However, Sam Silver, NHBF head of policy and public affairs, comments: “The Government cannot talk about supporting high streets while ignoring one of the sectors that keeps them alive. Hair and beauty businesses employ, train and serve their communities every day, but too many are being pushed into survival decisions.”
A further strategy that has gained attention from the NHBF is the launch of the Government’s High Streets Organised Crime Unit. Dan Jarvis MBE MP, minister of state for security, describes the package as ‘a new cross-government unit designed to strengthen our response to money laundering, tax evasion, illegal working and other forms of organised criminality taking place on our high streets’. Though the NHBF welcomes the Government’s crackdown on organised crime operating through high street businesses, it warns that enforcement must be intelligence-led and not unfairly stigmatise legitimate barbershops, salons, beauty businesses and clinics.
The NHBF says the announcement ‘should be part of a wider strategy to support high streets and compliant small businesses’. “Enforcement must be matched by wider reform so that responsible businesses are not pushed into survival decisions while rogue operators are allowed to undercut them,” the trade body states.
www.nhbf.co.uk
Parliamentary report urges UK Government to adopt UV safety strategy
Lesley Blair MBE
With UK melanoma cases projected to reach 26,500 per year by 2038, the beauty industry is stepping up – and urging the UK Government to do the same. In May 2025, the All Party Parliamentary Group for Beauty, Hair & Wellbeing (APPG), supported by the British Beauty Council, launched the UV Safety Inquiry. Chaired by Carolyn Harris MP, the inquiry investigated the main causes of UV damage in Britain. A year on, the APPG launched report, A Preventable Crisis: The Case for a National UV Safety Strategy. It identifies ‘key barriers’ that feed into the UV health crisis, including access to affordable sun protection. The APPG for Beauty, Hair & Wellbeing’s report comes with recommendations for a national UV strategy: notably stronger controls on sunbeds (including banning unstaffed units), introducing mandatory health warnings and implementing a national licensing scheme. In addition, the report encourages greater accountability for social media platforms and stricter advertising regulations to prevent misleading claims about tanning and UV exposure. Responding to the findings of the report, the British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC) has partnered with UK skin cancer charity, Skcin, to highlight the tools and training available to professionals, to help them recognise early signs of skin cancer in clients. BABTAC members can receive complimentary and discounted options for Skcin‘s accredited training. Lesley Blair MBE, CEO of BABTAC, says: “Skin cancer is largely preventable, yet awareness in the UK is still too low. Beauty professionals see their clients more often than any other part of the wellbeing sector, which puts us in a powerful position to spot early changes. Training beauty professionals to recognise early warning signs is one of the simplest, most effective ways we can make a real difference.”
Read the full report at www.baw-appg.co.uk.
BEAUTY ACCOUNTANT OFFERS INSIGHT INTO FUNDING FOR NEW BUSINESS OWNERS
Ria-Jaine Lincoln
Image courtesy of Linkedin.com
Ria-Jaine Lincoln, founder of beauty accounting & business coaching company, The Beauty Accountant, has shared her expertise on how to apply for funding as a beauty entrepreneur. In an article posted on thebeautyaccountant.co.uk, Ria-Jaine discusses the advantages of startup funding, and provides insight into potential ways to access it.
“Many beauty professionals start their businesses while working another job, renting a chair, operating from home or slowly building a client base,” Ria-Jaine writes. “Access to startup funding can help reduce financial pressure during early stages and allow them to invest in the tools, systems and support needed to grow.”
Ria-Jaine spotlights The King’s Trust – a charity founded by HM King Charles III, as a potential avenue for those seeking funding. The charity is delivering on its commitment to ‘improving the lives of disadvantaged young people in the UK’ by offering Start Up Grants of up to £5,000 to aspiring business entrepreneurs.
Ria-Jaine writes: “The King’s Trust Enterprise Programme helps aspiring entrepreneurs turn their business ideas into reality. Alongside training, mentoring and business support, eligible applicants may be able to access grants of up to £5,000 to help start or grow a business; Test My Idea grants of up to £500 to support market research and business planning, and ongoing support from business advisors and mentors.
“If you’re looking for beauty business startup funding, grants for beauty therapists, funding for salon owners or support to launch your first business, this programme could be worth exploring.”
Find out more via www.thebeautyaccountant.co.uk/articlesandblog.
pleasure
JAN ARNOLD HONOURED WITH
LEGACY AWARD
AT
BEAUTY CHANGES LIVES
GALA
CND™ co-founder & nail industry pioneer, Jan Arnold, was presented with the prestigious Legacy Award at the annual Beauty Changes Lives Gala on May 30 in Orlando, recognising her contributions to the nail sector, mentorship and industry advancement.
Known globally for helping transform nailcare into a fashion-driven and highly respected professional discipline, Jan has spent more than four decades shaping trends, supporting salon professionals and advocating for excellence in education. Her work has helped establish professional nail services as an integral part of the beauty industry, while inspiring generations of nail technicians and educators worldwide.
Many of Jan’s family members and industry friends attended the Gala in support, including Scratch’s Scott Derbyshire, Alex Fox and Helena Biggs, the Glitterbels team – for whom she works as executive advisor, Sweet Squared’s Samantha Sweet, David and Phillipe Blond of The Blonds fashion brand, sister-in-law Linda Nordstrom of Famous Names Products Ltd, and the Top 3 contestants of North America’s Star Nail Artist – Season 2.
The Beauty Changes Lives Legacy Award honours individuals whose vision, leadership and dedication have created meaningful and enduring contributions to the professional beauty industry. Jan joins a distinguished group of past recipients, including Tippi Hedren, who is credited for pioneering the Vietnamese-American nail professional movement in the USA, and the Nguyen family, who were honoured in 2025 for their exceptional beauty education offerings across the country.
Of the recognition, Jan comments: “I’m honoured to carry forward this decades-long legacy as this year’s nail industry Legacy Award recipient, recognising not just one journey, but all the educators, artists and leaders who built this industry with passion and purpose.“In honour of those who paved the way, we hope you’ll consider donating to I Heart Nails – the Beauty Changes Lives Scholarship Fund, which supports the next generation of nail professionals.”
www.beautychangeslives.org
Win a nail salon setup worth over £1,500 with Ellisons!
Professional nails, beauty, hair and furniture supplier, Ellisons, is offering one lucky Scratch reader the chance to win an Esthetix Dolcevita nail salon furniture bundle. The prize includes:
• 1 x Sienna therapist stool in white and gold.
• 1 x Francesca nail desk in natural.
• 1 x Lia client chair in white and gold. The competition ends on 31 July 2026 and a winner will be chosen at random.
To be in with a chance of winning, visit www.ellisons.co.uk/scratch-comp or scan here
NAIL & BEAUTY BITES
British beauty and wellness brand, Margaret Dabbs, has won its first Cosmetics and Perfumery Association (COPRA) award for Best Premium Hand Care Product for its Intensive Anti-Ageing Hand Serum. The product is praised for delivering ‘facial skincare-level results’ to hands.
www.margaretdabbs.co.uk
Luxury nail salon brand, Townhouse, has opened Townhouse Broadgate Central - bringing its signature interiors and full treatment menu to the vibrant London destination. “It’s a location that brings together work, lifestyle and community in a really unique way,” says founder, Juanita Huber-Millet, “and we’re proud to be part of that.”
To celebrate a milestone anniversary in the industry, nail brand, Leighton Denny, has released the 21st Anniversary Limited Edition Holographic Crystal Nail File. The popular tool has received a sparkling upgrade ‘designed to captivate both loyal fans and a new generation of beauty lovers’. www.leightondenny.com
NYC NAIL ARTIST BRINGS CUSTOM MANIS TO THE WRESTLING RING
Nails for Sukeban world champion, Ichigo Sayaka by Mei Kawajiri.
New York-based Japanese nail stylist, Mei Kawajiri (@nailsbymei), is known for her creative, sculptural nail artistry and an A-list clientele – having adorned the nails of girl group members, KATSEYE, and rapper & actor, Bad Bunny.
In May, the pro stepped out of the studio and into the ring, bringing her signature artistry to female wrestling league, Sukeban‘s sold-out World Championship Fight at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Mei created custom nail looks for 20 female wrestlers competing on the night, with each design carefully crafted to complement their characters. From strawberry nail art to lace detailing and 3D embellishments, Mei produced over 400 press-on nails for the athletic entertainers. Sukeban – meaning ‘girl boss’ in Japanese – draws much of its inspiration from 1960s and ’70s Japanese culture, and that rich visual heritage was woven into every set Mei created.
The event was ‘a bold collision of sport, style and beauty’ and nails were part of the spectacle. Mei revealed that her secret weapon for keeping every mani looking immaculate from the first bell to the final match was Cuccio Revitalising Milk & Honey Cuticle Oil, available via www.cuccio.co.uk.
Studex celebrates National Piercing Day 2026
Amirah Ibrahim
Image courtesy of Linkedin.com
National Piercing Day 2026 gave piercing company, Studex, the perfect opportunity to celebrate the professionals at the heart of its network – and the brand made the most of the opportunity.
Held on 16 May, the annual occasion was marked by Studex with a dedicated campaign encouraging beauty salons and professionals to host in-store events. To support its ‘Piercing Partners’ – the professionals offering Studex piercing services, the brand launched a dedicated webpage packed with practical information, inspiration and advice on how to make the most of the day.
More than 30 exclusive National Piercing Day event packs were distributed to Piercing Partners who had planned events for their clients. Each pack was carefully curated to ‘elevate the in-store experience and inspire creativity’ while showcasing the ‘confidence and joy that piercing can bring’.“Throughout the day, we were thrilled to see so many partners embracing the occasion – from creating beautifully decorated areas to promoting special offers and celebrations,” the Studex UK team said in a statement. “The enthusiasm and participation across the network highlighted the shared passion for safe, stylish and meaningful piercing experiences.”
Amirah Ibrahim, marketing executive at Studex UK, added: “We loved seeing so many of our partners celebrating and taking part in a day dedicated to self-expression, style and the joy of piercing. Excitement around National Piercing Day continues to grow each year, and it’s inspiring to see the creativity and commitment from our Piercing Partners.”
Read more about Studex on page 38. www.studexuk.com
Nail tool brand scoops top spots in TikTok Shop UK rankings
Katie Clark
Katie Barnes Tool Range was launched in 2018, and founded by decorated nail pro & educator, Katie Clark (née Barnes) – winner of the Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year category in 2016 and finalist for 2026.
One of the team’s biggest marketing tools is its social media presence. Posting regularly on a variety of platforms, Katie Barnes Tool Range has developed a loyal following, promoting its products via trends, follower engagement and behind-the-scenes insights. Known for viral launches and live shopping events, the brand has seen rapid growth on TikTok in particular, and has now been named the #1 Nail Brand on TikTok Shop UK. It has also secured the top nail brand positions for Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) and Units Sold. To add to this, two Katie Barnes Tool Range products have scooped top spots as #1 Selling Nail Product and #1 Selling Light: the KB Curved Cuticle Scissors and KB Flexible Desk Light respectively. Also staking its claim on the wider beauty category, Katie Barnes Tool Range has been named #33 Highest GMV Shop (in the last three months), #138 Shop Overall (across TikTok Shop UK) and #5 Highest GMV – Lighting Category.
“We’re competing against huge beauty companies with massive teams and budgets,” says Katie Clark. “To see a professional nail brand reach these rankings on TikTok Shop UK is incredible. It shows the power of the nail industry, the community behind the brand and demand for professional tools.” A statement from the brand adds: “The success reflects the continued growth of the professional nail industry within mainstream e-commerce and social commerce spaces,” and proves how ‘education-led, specialist brands can compete on a national scale alongside global beauty giants’.
Browse the brand’s product offering via www.katiebarnesacademy.com.
DATES FOR THE DIARY
5 July
The Scratch Stars Party
Party into the late hours with members of the nail community 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.
Final tickets are available 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, The 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