Nail NATION

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Caroline Rainsford

TPO ban comes into effect in the UK

Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), a photoinitiator that helps gel nail products cure quickly under UV light and maintain colour stability, will be banned from cosmetic products placed on the market in Great Britain from 15 August 2026. This follows the ban of the ingredient within the EU cosmetics market, which was enforced on 1 September 2025. “For product manufacturers, the ‘placing on the market’ deadline is 15 August 2026, and the ‘making available on the market’ (off-shelf) deadline is 14 February 2027,” details Caroline Rainsford, director of science at the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA). “This means that professionals will not be able to purchase products containing TPO after 14 February. However, those operating in Great Britain can still use products they have already purchased after this date.”

Conversations surrounding TPO started at working group level in 2024. “The ban under the EU’s CLP regulation was based on how TPO might behave in a ‘worst case’ situation – for example, when bodies are exposed to a very large amount,” Caroline adds. “This is not how TPO is used in cosmetics.”

Dates to note:

• From 15 August 2026, nail product manufacturers will not be allowed to place products containing TPO on the UK market.

• Distributors will not be able to make products containing TPO available to purchase after 14 February 2027.

• Practicing nail technicians in Great Britain will not be able to purchase products containing TPO after 14 February 2027. However, they can still use products they have already purchased after this date.

CTPA’s website: www.thefactsabout.co.uk provides facts and advice on cosmetic products.

Matt Champney

Image courtesy of Linkedin.com

ELLISONS ADDS GLOSSIFY TO NAIL PRODUCT PORTFOLIO

UK beauty supplier, Ellisons, has expanded its product offering with the addition of nail brand, Glossify. Founded in 2019, Glossify was developed by industry professionals with more than 20 years’ experience, and boasts a loyal customer base.

The Glossify range is available via the Ellisons website, with nail professionals able to purchase the brand’s Gel Polish, Naturabuild Builder Gel, Base and Top Coats, and Nail Lamp. Also available is Glossify’s Endless Summer collection, featuring six seasonal shades inspired by holidays and warm weather. Matt Champney, CEO of Ellisons, comments: “Glossify is an exciting addition to our professional nail range, giving techs access to innovative formulas and products that have been created with salon services, reliability and client results in mind. Its community-led approach closely reflects the needs of modern nail professionals, making it a fantastic fit for Ellisons.”

Browse Glossify products at www.ellisons.co.uk/brands/glossify

REVEALED: the beauty industry’s £28.3 billion contribution to UK economy

The British Beauty Council (BBCo) has published its latest Value of Beauty report, produced by Oxford Economics. It highlights that the UK personal care industry contributed £28.3 billion to the economy in 2025, despite a difficult year for consumer spending and international trade.

Assessing the sector’s contribution to GDP, employment, tax revenues and exports, the report aims to provide robust evidence to inform policy, support industry advocacy and encourage future investment. According to the findings, the beauty and personal care industry generated £14.4 billion in direct GDP and supported a further £13.9 billion through its supply chain and employee spending in 2025. This economic contribution exceeded that of the UK’s creative, arts and entertainment sector, and programming and broadcasting industry.

The report also reveals that the beauty and personal care sector directly employed 422,000 people, generated £4.6 billion in tax revenue and exported £4.2 billion worth of products last year. Value of Beauty forecasts growth in 2026, with supported employment expected to increase by 2.4% to around 609,000 jobs. It also predicts a 3.9% rise in consumer spending on beauty and personal care which, if realised, would increase the sector’s total contribution to the UK economy to an estimated £29.4 billion.

Read the full report at www.britishbeautycouncil.com

Jenny Storey

BBC report highlights inappropriate male behaviour during beauty treatments

A BBC Scotland News report has brought attention to the ‘common problem’ of female beauty professionals receiving inappropriate and sexualised comments and messages from male clients. The report features massage therapists: Maria, owner of Gentle Hands Massage Therapy in East Ayrshire, and Dani of Glasgow-based business, Drift by Dani. Maria stopped accepting new male clients after feeling ‘threatened’ by inappropriate comments. Dani only treats men she knows or who come via trusted referrals, following a client joking that she offered ‘happy endings’, putting her safety and business reputation at risk. Salon and academy owner & spokesperson for the British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC), Jenny Storey, also shares her experiences. She reveals that she feels ‘almost desensitised’ to inappropriate social media messages from men, as they are so common.

“As much as some people obviously just mean it as a joke, it’s minimising what we do in the industry and it can make people feel really uncomfortable,” she comments. “It doesn’t always happen and it is unfair to tar all men with the same brush, because we’ve got some amazing male clients, but it is important to prepare [staff] for what could happen and how to cope with it.”

Lesley Blair MBE

Lesley Blair MBE, chief executive & chair of BABTAC, states: “We believe no therapist should feel unsafe at work and encourage salons to implement clear reporting procedures, lone working policies and staff training. We are calling for greater respect for beauty professionals and for inappropriate behaviour to be recognised for what it is: unacceptable workplace harassment.”

Debbie Digby

Image courtesy of Instagram.com/debbiedigbysmith

NHBF responds to UK Government’s tax update

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has welcomed the Government’s latest package of tax and customs measures, aimed at improving fairness and tackling tax evasion. However, it’s also urging ministers to introduce wider reforms to better support the UK hair and beauty industry.

The Government’s annual tax update focuses on simplifying and modernising the tax system. Although the package does not include direct tax relief for businesses, it outlines a series of proposals designed to reduce tax fraud and improve digital tax processes.

One of the key measures proposed is action to tackle electronic sales suppression, commonly referred to as till fraud. This would introduce new standards for electronic point of sale (EPOS) and mobile point of sale (MPOS) systems, to help prevent businesses under-reporting sales.

The NHBF welcomes the Government’s efforts to create a fairer system for legitimate businesses, but stresses that any new compliance requirements must be realistic for independent hair and beauty businesses. Debbie Digby, interim president for the NHBF, says: “Businesses that operate responsibly should not be disadvantaged by those who avoid tax and undermine fair competition.

We support action against deliberate non-compliance, but any new requirements must be practical and proportionate. Salons and barbershops should not face unnecessary costs, complicated software changes or additional administration because of the actions of a minority.” The Government has also proposed requiring VAT and PAYE liabilities to be paid by direct debit. While intended to improve tax collection, the NHBF notes that any changes must reflect businesses’ cashflow realities. “Compliance and enforcement are important, but they cannot replace meaningful support for labour-intensive service businesses,” Debbie continues. “If the Government wants thriving high streets, growing employment and more apprenticeships, it must create the economic conditions that allow our sector to invest, recruit and grow.”

www.nhbf.co.uk

Annabelle Taurua

Social media ban for under-16s set to influence beauty preferences

The UK Government has announced a social media ban for children under the age of 16. The restrictions – scheduled to come into force in spring 2027, will block access to social media platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook and X, while preventing under-16s from livestreaming and communicating with strangers online.

The beauty industry is heavily influenced by social media, with trends, communities and beauty practices all fuelled by it. Annabelle Taurua, beauty expert at salon booking software company, Fresha, comments on how the changes could shape future generations’ beauty preferences. “I think we will see a change in the pace at which trends come and go,” she says. “Social media compresses trend cycles into weeks, sometimes days, and that constant churn pushes young people to keep up, rather than develop their own tastes. Without constant access to ever-changing trends, there’s a real opportunity for slower, more personal beauty preferences to emerge.”

For the nail industry, this could mean fewer viral nail designs driving demand, and a greater focus on timeless styles and personalised nail art. “I expect we’ll see a shift from the clinical, adult-influenced looks that have dominated, towards more age-appropriate and playful styles,” Annabelle continues. “I’d love to see some echoes of ‘90s beauty culture creeping back in. Before social media, trends spread through friends, magazines and TV, and the looks that came out of that were a lot more individual and far less polished.”

www.fresha.com

pleasure

Angel My Linh

Image courtesy of Sebastian Arriagada (@seebasschin)

Naomi Osaka serves up TGB nail style at Wimbledon

British tennis tournament, Wimbledon, delivered many standout style moments – and player, Naomi Osaka’s opening look proved that performance and fashion can work seamlessly together: right down to the details of her manicure. Known for sporting clever and striking clothing, Osaka paired a kimono-inspired outfit with a chic magnetic nail look created by nail artist, Angel My Linh of @angelsnailz. The dazzling design was crafted using products from The GelBottle Inc (TGB), and showcased BIAB™ (Builder Gel In A Bottle) – a system praised for its durability, longevity and adaptability.

Image courtesy of Instagram.com/angelmylinh

Angel My Linh used TGB BIAB™ in Dolly to create a clean, flattering base, before adding pigmentless cat eye gel polish, Sterling Magnetic, for an eye-catching shimmer. “My favourite thing about magnetic gel polishes is that they create fun, cute nails that look much harder to achieve than they are,” comments Angel My Linh. “They’re subtle but still provide drama.”

The final result was a manicure that balanced elegance with endurance – a fashion statement designed to ace the court, just like its wearer.

www.thegelbottle.com

The Manicure Company doubles Zero Builder Gel™ shade range

Irish nail brand, The Manicure Company, has added eight shades to its Zero Builder Gel™ In A Bottle range. First launched in 2024, the builder gel formula has captured attention for its ‘zero’ allergens list, and is free from HEMA, Di-HEMA, HPMA, TPO and IBOA. Produced in the USA, the product boasts a minimum of three weeks’ wear, a self-levelling formula and can be used to create strong and durable nail overlays, alongside short to medium-length enhancements with forms or tips. “We created Zero Builder Gel™ In A Bottle because we believe that everyone deserves beautiful, long-lasting nails – regardless of sensitivities or allergies,” says a spokesperson for The Manicure Company. “These eight new shades give nail technicians and their clients even more choice, with a formula they can trust completely.” The vegan and cruelty-free builder gel collection now boasts 16 versatile shades – from subtle nudes to bold brights, designed to suit a range of skin tones.

Zero Builder Gel ™ In A Bottle is available www.themanicurecompany.com

Jenni Coles

PersoNAILity unveils Mediterranean-inspired gel polish collection

PersoNAILity, the nail brand founded by celebrity manicurist, Jenni Coles (née Draper), is embracing summer’s Mediterranean nail trend with the launch of the Riviera Collection. Inspired by the glamour, warmth and effortless elegance of the Mediterranean Riviera, the collection features five gel polish shades that capture the sun-drenched landscapes, sparkling coastlines and crystal clear waters of some of the world’s most idyllic destinations. Completing the range is a Fibre-infused Builder Gel, designed to deliver strength, structure and durability. Jenni Coles comments: “We wanted to create a collection that feels like an escape, and the shades are inspired by some of the most beautiful destinations along the Mediterranean coast. Just as importantly, we’ve continued to evolve our formulas.”

Boasting HEMA and TPO-free formulations, the collection has been allergy tested and promises ‘full coverage in just one coat’. The five gel polish shades are Olive, an earthy green; Limone, a soft citrus yellow; Azure, a vibrant blue; Paloma, a bold coral-pink, and Sparkling Rosé, a blush shimmer. The collection is rounded out by Fibre-infused Builder Gel, Gelato, which has a milky white finish. The Riviera Collection is available for £80 inc VAT. The gel polishes are £12.99 inc VAT each, while the Fibre-Infused Builder Gel is priced at £15.99 inc VAT.

Browse the collection at www.personality.co.uk

NAIL & BEAUTY BITES

Salon software company, Phorest, scooped the bronze award for Best Customer Experience – Private Sector at the eir business Chambers Ireland Awards 2026. The judging panel praised the company’s ability to ‘pair AI product innovation with a deeply human, community-led customer philosophy’. www.phorest.com

Nail scientist & chemist, Doug Schoon, hosted a two-day conference in June, led by director of Nailart France Events, Cécilia Gimenez. The event welcomed professionals from 16 countries to explore the latest findings from Doug’s nail industry research. His next event, a seminar hosted by Cordoza Nail Supply, begins August 31 in Oregon, US. @doug_schoon

Personal care brand, Shark Beauty, has been announced as a British Beauty Council patron. The provider of hair, skincare and beauty tools will work alongside industry leaders, policymakers and businesses to champion the beauty sector’s economic contribution, support emerging talent and drive innovation. www.sharkninja.co.uk

Image courtesy of Instagram.com/staceymachin

Beauty booking platform, Fresha, has reported a 171% increase in searches for pistachio nails over the past three months, cementing the trend as one of this season’s biggest styles. The soft green hue is perfect for adding a colourful twist to French tips and floral nail art.

Scan to view our gallery of pistachio nail inspo.

Dr Helen Pankhurst CBE

Image courtesy of Linkedin.com

Thea Green

Image courtesy of Instagram.com/theanailsinc

Nails.INC launches suffragette-inspired charity collection

UK nail brand, Nails.INC, has partnered with women’s rights charity, Centenary Action, to launch a limited edition nail polish set celebrating the anniversary of the 1928 Equal Franchise Act. Centenary Action was established in 2018 by Dr Helen Pankhurst CBE – granddaughter of suffragette activist and writer, Sylvia Pankhurst, and great-granddaughter of Emmeline Pankhurst, leader of the British suffragette movement. It works to ‘dismantle barriers to women’s political participation’.

To celebrate the 98th anniversary of the Equal Franchise Act – a law which gave women voting rights on the same terms as men, Nails.INC has created a three-piece nail polish collection featuring the suffragette colours of purple, white and green.

Dr Helen Pankhurst CBE comments: “The suffragettes understood that style can be a form of communication. Through the iconic colours of purple, white and green, they used visual symbolism to build a movement, challenge stereotypes and inspire action. I’m delighted to see those colours celebrated in this collaboration, and that 50% of all proceeds will be donated to Centenary Action to advance equal representation. It’s a wonderful reminder that the legacy of the suffragettes is best honoured through deeds, not words.”

Nails.INC founder, Thea Green MBE, adds: “Nails are universal – they transcend age, background and status. That’s what brought us to Centenary Action. The suffragette colours have always carried meaning, so we wanted to give women a way to wear that meaning today, and to make sure every purchase does something real.”

The nail polish set is available at www.nailsinc.com

Jess Gregory

ENGLAND FOOTBALLER, ALESSIA RUSSO, NAMED OPI UK&I AMBASSADOR

OPI has announced a partnership with England and Arsenal footballer, Alessia Russo, unveiling her as a UK & Ireland brand ambassador. Russo was part of the England women’s football team (the Lionesses) when they won the UEFA Women’s Euro in 2022 and 2025, and was awarded an MBE in the King’s 2026 birthday honours list in July.

Her role with OPI will see her feature in UK and Ireland campaigns and content, championing confidence, individualism and self-expression. A statement from OPI explains that the collaboration ‘celebrates the coming together of beauty and sport, with a purposeful mission to empower women to feel their best, confident selves: on the football pitch, in the workplace or in everyday life’.

Alessia Russo MBE comments: “Confidence is such an important part of performing at your best, both in sport and everyday life. I’ve always believed that self-expression and authenticity go hand in hand, which is why I’m excited to be partnering with OPI. It’s a brand that celebrates individuality and empowers people to feel confident in who they are.”

In a video for @opinailsuk, the footballer adds: “OPI helps me stay in touch with the feminine side that I love. Before every big game or tournament, I’ll always have a nail design or bright nail colour.” Jess Gregory, associate brand director at OPI UK&I, shares: “Alessia embodies confidence, determination and authenticity. She is inspiring the next generation through her success on the pitch and the positive influence she has off it. We are thrilled to welcome her to the OPI family.”

OPI products are available via uk.wella.professionalstore.com