COPIED
2 mins

SCRATCH SOCIAL

THE SCRATCH scoop

The Scratch team offers an insight into its antics & unveils events, treatments & news from the nail realm

Helena Biggs Editorial & partnerships director
Jess Wilkie Art editor
Rebecca Hitchon Editor
Jess Watts Multiplatform writer

A star-studded social

Helena hosted the third annual Scratch Social at Premiere Orlando, Florida, on 31 May. The event offers attendees of the trade show the opportunity to network with members of the nail industry, while enjoying drinks, canapés and music from a DJ. What’s more, the champion of North America’s Star Nail Artist – Season 2 was announced on stage, following a video recap of the contest. Sponsors spoke about the importance of the competition, and judges were present to congratulate the contestants and winner: Jessica Vero. Read more about the event and Jessica’s journey from page 16.

A showcase of creativity in China

Scratch co-founder, Alex Fox, and Helena flew to Shanghai to administer the Nailympia China competition, and while there, cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the Global Nail Art Museum. Conceptualised by Kimi Zhang, host of Nailympia China, the space houses work from renowned nail artists including Hazel Dixon, Valérie Ducharme and Max Braga, and offers visitors an exploration of nail art: from history to styles and techniques. A library features nail art books alongside numerous copies of Scratch, and museum attendees can also learn about nail competitions and events worldwide. Learn more from page 26.

What we’re wearing...

Jess Wilkie opted for a coral gel polish overlay when she visited her go-to nail tech, Hazel Martin of Nail Creations by Hazel, Crawley. The pro used the Nail Order shade, Redrock.

An on-trend lilac hue was chosen by Helena for her recent mani, applied by Rebecca Ellis – aka Beck The Nail Teck of Dartford, Kent. Rebecca added stripes to nails using gold chrome paint from HONA.

Honouring a legacy

Following their trip to China, Alex and Helena jetted to Orlando alongside Scratch publisher, Scott Derbyshire, and attended the Beauty Changes Lives Gala: an evening of ‘glamour, gratitude and giving back’. The annual event brings together leaders, brands, educators and rising professionals shaping the future of beauty, and CND co-founder & industry advocate, Jan Arnold, was honoured with a Legacy Award for her contributions to the nail sector. Following a three-course dinner and awards presentation, Jan hosted an afterparty, where a scarlet corset created by design duo, The Blonds, was on display: the same corset Jan wore on the March 2019 Scratch front cover to mark CND ’s 40th anniversary. Jan had also invited this season’s North America’s Star Nail Artist Top 3 pros to create nail styles for three The Blonds models, which were showcased at the party.

Date for the diary

Rebecca and Jess Watts will be attending Nailtopia, a trade show in Sheffield on 20 September. The event will offer a chance to connect, shop and learn. Tickets are available via www.nailtopiatradeshow.co.uk.

This article appears in July 2026

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July 2026
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Eds Letter
I t’s a time of celebration here at Scratch
Nail NATION
news & views
A champion of creativity
Get to know Jessica Vero: the Canadian tech whose creativity & artistic vision captivated North America’s Star Nail Artist judges & earned her the coveted title of Season 2 champion
THE SCRATCH scoop
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NAILS without borders
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