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I t’s a time of celebration here at Scratch . Following the announcement of Jessica Vero as the North America’s Star Nail Artist (NASNA) Season 2 champion, her breathtaking artistry – featured on The Blonds models at the Beauty Changes Lives Gala in May – adorns this month’s front cover. The Canadian pro expertly crafted nail masterpieces to briefs over six months, demonstrating skill, consistency and passion.

As well as a monetary prize, Jessica has earned the title of Scratch columnist – and will kickstart her print column from next month, following her winner interview on page 16. That means that this issue marks NASNA Season 1 champion, Anastasia Totty’s final Star Quality spread, which you can read from page 86. I, along with the rest of the Scratch team, would like to thank Anastasia for sharing her valuable industry insights and tips over the past year.

As I write, the team is finalising details for The Scratch Stars Party on 5 July, at which the winners of the Scratch Stars Awards 2026 will be announced. If you’re unable to attend the event, keep an eye on our social media platforms on the night for the winner reveals. A new class of champions are set to join the awards’ community, so expect inspiring technical and artistic step-by-steps from them in future Styling with the Stars features. This month, Scratch Stars Ultimate Polish & Paint Artist, Danielle Brindley, has served up a masterclass in chrome floral nails on page 50.

Also in this issue, learn about Shanghai’s innovative Global Nail Art Museum, gain an insight into the science behind gel polish and brush up on your nail service safety and hygiene knowledge. As always, Scratch is dedicated to bringing you the latest nail industry news, style inspiration and expert advice to help you succeed.

rebecca.hitchon@scratchmagazine.co.uk

@becca.scratchmagazine

Follow Scratch :

#ShowScratch /scratchmag @scratchmagazine

@scratchmagazine @scratch.magazine @Scratch-Magazine

COVER CREDITS

Nail artist: Jessica Vero for the Jan Arnold x Beauty Changes Lives x The Blonds collaboration.

@jessveronails

Creative direction: Tamara Di Lullo

@tamaradilullo

Model: Vlada, represented by Modern Muse Models

@modernmusemodels

Photographer: Chad Husar, Studio This Is Photography

@studiothisisphotography www.studiothisis.com

Read our interview with Jessica Vero and learn about the creative process behind these nails from page 16.

This article appears in July 2026

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July 2026
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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
The Scratch team offers an insight into its antics & unveils events, treatments & news from the nail realm
THE HOT List
Scratch scours the industry for the latest nail & beauty products to captivate clients & lend a helping hand to your services
NAILS without borders
ALEX FOX shares an inside look into a trip to Shanghai, where competing, couture & culture combined in a three-day celebration of nail artistry
Street Smart
Are you thinking of opening a high street salon? JESS WATTS explores what you need to know before taking your business to town
50 years of sparkle
As Studex marks its golden anniversary, ALEX FOX explores the brand’s five decades at the forefront of piercing services
FOOT notes
Award-winning pedicurist & advanced footcare practitioner, DENISE SPRAGG , shares insights to elevate your treatments
The science behind the GEL POLISH SYSTEM
From ingredient information to longevity advice, Scratch compiles gel polish insights from experts & product points to note
Styling with THE STARS
Let your skills sparkle with technical & artistic step-by-steps from Scratch Stars Awards champions
The Social Scene scratch
ZOYA MAC shares social media advice & pointers to raise your business profile & elevate your content
A LEADING LINEUP
Get to know the industry experts that have decided the fates of this year’s finalists in the 10 business & specialist categories
BEHIND THE GRAM
Get to know social media nail stars as they offer an insight into their lives & share content creation tips
Nailympia NEWS
Immerse in competition highlights, interviews & points to note from the Nailympia realm, with its global director,
Rich REWARDS
Discover smarter ways to run a beauty business with RICHARD MCCABE , lifestyle salon coach
READY, SET, sculpt!
JESS WATTS spends a day learning about L&P acrylic application from Kym Moody, member of the Scratch Stars Ultimate Nail Team : Hazel Dixon Nail Artist Academy
Polished protocols
REBECCA HITCHON quizzes esteemed educators on how to promote safety & hygiene throughout nail services
Maltseva Masterclass
Esteemed nail artist, ELENA MALTSEVA , shares how to create the mixed media elements of her Nailympia 2026 campaign design
CAT’S claws
Scratch Stars Hall Of Fame pro, CATRIONA LEITH , serves up industry insights & advice for nail sector success
Day-to-day: dealt with
Discover how Timely is helping pros across the globe run their businesses with control & confidence
BRAND WATCH
Get to know the names behind companies & brands that are attracting attention across the nail sector
Down Breaking Barriers
Nail techs share how they navigate challenges to flourish in their careers
STAR Quality
North America’s Star Nail Artist Season 1 champion, ANASTASIA TOTTY , shares tips & tales from her colourful career
NAIL Clippings
JESS WATTS uncovers the hottest nail topics &
Fingernails in Focus
Bring the beautiful game to nails with World Cup-inspired styles from global pros & Scratch Stars Awards 2026 finalists
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