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The Scratch team has been particularly elated since The Scratch Stars Party at the start of July, where the UK and Ireland nail industry came together to celebrate passion, talent and community – and the winners of the Scratch Stars Awards 2026 were announced. It’s an especially rewarding part of our roles to recognise the nail professionals, educators and salons raising sector standards, and providing high-quality services to clients and students. All finalists should be incredibly proud of their achievements. You can read 

all about The Scratch Stars Party and see photos from the event 

from page 34.





This month’s Scratch cover spotlights a power couple who are celebrating a remarkable milestone. Samuel and Samantha Sweet, founder of Leeds distribution company, Sweet Squared, are commemorating 20 years providing products and education to nail, beauty and hair pros across the UK and Ireland. With the motto: Love & Respect, and an unwavering commitment to the professional, it is a joy to share their industry journey in this issue.

This edition also welcomes North America’s Star Nail Artist – Season 2 champion, Jessica Vero, as a columnist. We are excited to share the Canadian nail stylist, educator and mentor’s insights and advice over the next year. Read her first Scratch column from page 30, as she joins our roster of contributors helping to elevate your skills. From Scratch Stars Shooting Star Award winner 2026 and social media specialist, Zoya Mac, to footcare expert, Denise Spragg, each columnist is dedicated to ensuring you reap all the rewards that the nail industry has to offer.

Whatever this month has in store for you, I hope it leaves you feeling inspired, energised and excited!

Follow Scratch :

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/scratchmag

@scratchmagazine

@scratchmagazine

@scratch.magazine

@Scratch-Magazine

COVER CREDITS

Photographer: Hannah Lunn

@hannahlunnphotography www.hannahlunn.co.uk

Read our interview with Sweet Squared co-founders, Samantha and Samuel Sweet, from page 16.

This article appears in August 2026

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August 2026
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The Scratch team has been particularly elated since
Nail NATION
news & views
Sweet TALK
As Sweet Squared celebrates 20 years in business, the power couple behind the distribution company & Scratch cover stars share a journey of risk, resilience & rewards
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
INTERNATIONAL NAIL SPY
ALEX FOX talks to two Argentinian nail artists who are making huge strides on international nail soil
BEHIND THE GRAM
Get to know social media nail stars as they offer an insight into their lives & share content creation tips
STAR sessions
Shoot for success with advice & inspo from North America’s Star Nail Artist – Season 2 champion,
A STAR-STUDDED EVENT
Marvel over photos & insider info from the greatest night in the UK&I nail industry calendar & discover the Scratch Stars Awards 2026 champions
TECH FOR Techs
REBECCA HITCHON gets the scoop on high-tech launches, decodes hot topics & sources tech-savvy tips for your business
READERS Gallery
GALLERY Cambridgeshire creative, TIEGHAN BYWATER , spills her career story, ambitions & favourite nail designs
14 nail & beauty podcasts to educate & entertain
Tune in to the industry & discover how to amplify your skills, as REBECCA HITCHON rounds up podcasts for professionals
Styling with THE STARS
Let your skills sparkle with technical & artistic step-by-steps from Scratch Stars Awards finalists & champions
THE SOCIAL SCENE
Revealed: the content you’re probably not filming
Through the Keyhole
Take a peek inside salon setups across the UK&I as Scratch unlocks each door
The extreme & fantasy formula
JESS WATTS rounds up 10 key considerations for extreme & fantasy nail styles, from structure & storytelling to conceptualisation, colour & cohesion
Rich REWARDS
Discover smarter ways to run a beauty business with RICHARD MCCABE , lifestyle salon coach
NAILYMPI COMPETITIONS NEWS
Immerse in competition highlights, interviews & points to note from the Nailympia realm, with its global director, ALEX FOX
FOOT notes
Award-winning pedicurist & advanced footcare practitioner, DENISE SPRAGG , shares insights to elevate your treatments
Breaking Down Barriers
How my daughter’s neurodiversity inspired me to offer inclusivity training
CAT’S claws
Scratch Stars Hall Of Fame pro, CATRIONA LEITH , serves up industry insights & advice for nail sector success
Maltseva Masterclass
Esteemed nail artist, ELENA MALTSEVA , shares how to create the mixed media elements of her Nailympia 2026 campaign design
NAIL snaps
Discover nail styles & shades to note, with JESS WATTS’ edit of what’s trending in the nail world
Nailscopes
Look to the stars for inspiration, as JESS WATTS translates the zodiac into nail styles & shades for every star sign
Looking for back issues?
Browse the Archive >

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