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Iwrite this month’s editor’s letter in the midst of a heatwave, not quite able to believe that it’s time to welcome autumn – and with it, a host of new nail trends and products. Extreme weather has proved challenging for many nail techs across the globe this summer, affecting not only products, but how businesses are run. Therefore, you may feel particularly ready to embrace the new season.

We certainly are at Scratch, after immersing ourselves in the nail colours, finishes and designs you’ll be seeing everywhere this autumn and winter. Check out trends highlights from page 34, where you won’t be surprised to find that cat eye is set to shine. The finish has dazzled nail pros and clients alike for some time, but expect a softer spin on the trend this season. To help you achieve this, we’ve put together a guide to mastering magnetic finishes from page 48.

It’s not just nail looks that are sparkling in this month’s issue: we’ve put the spotlight on two Scratch Stars Awards winners, whose passion for artistry and customer care are awe-inspiring. Mobile Nailist of the Year 2026, Jade Thornhill, shares her secrets to running an award-winning luxury nail business from page 68. Meanwhile on page 62, Gel Polish Stylist of the Year 2026, Dannika Majewski, serves up three design step-by-steps to help you recreate the nail art that helped her scoop the title.

Speaking of shining stars, did you spot our new Nailscopes feature in the last issue of the magazine? Every month, you can discover how celestial events influence the 12 star signs, and the nail styles that align with each. If you’re stuck for personal nail inspiration or know a client that would love a zodiac-themed design, this feature’s for you.

I wish you a season of sparkling success!

Rebecca Hitchon Editor

rebecca.hitchon@scratchmagazine.co.uk

@becca.scratchmagazine

Follow Scratch :

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Read about the cover nail artist and go behind-the-scenes of the photo shoot from page 16.

COVER CREDITS

Anita Chahal-Millar

@chahal8240

Model & hair stylist: Keira Chahal Photographer: Russ Tierney www.splashpointphoto.co.uk

@splashpointphoto

This article appears in September 2026

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This article appears in...
September 2026
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Eds Letter
Iwrite this month’s editor’s letter in the midst
Nail NATION
news & views
PROUD as a Peacock
Award-winning nail artist, Anita Chahal-Millar, shares her passion for extreme styling & process behind this month’s Scratch cover
THE HOT List
Scratch scours the industry for the latest nail & beauty products to captivate clients & lend a helping hand to your services
THE scratch scoop
The Scratch team offers an insight into its antics & unveils events, treatments & news from the nail realm
INTERNATIONAL NAIL SPY
Four Croatian nail pros share industry insights & trends with
Could you be the first Andreia Professional UK nail ambassador?
Showcase your seasonal styling skills for the chance to win a huge prize from Andreia Professional. HELENA BIGGS gets the scoop
STAR sessions
Shoot for success with advice & inspo from North America’s Star Nail Artist – Season 2 champion,
AW26 TREND Triumphs
Image courtesy of Gelish, showcasing the Boujie by Nature
The Social Scene
ZOYA MAC shares social media advice & pointers to raise your business profile & elevate your content
Super Styler
A nail pro from Wigan shares her success story after being crowned HARA Professional Gel Polish Artist of the Year 2025 & Scratch reveals how you could be next to take the title
TECH FOR Techs
REBECCA HITCHON gets the scoop on high-tech launches, decodes hot topics & sources tech-savvy tips for your business
Magnetic magic
Nail pros share top techniques & application tricks for flawless cat eye designs
Plasma POWER
ALEX FOX explores the rise of regenerative beauty with Zemits EvoPlasm: a device that can transform manicure & pedicure services into luxury rituals
Through the Keyhole
Take a peek inside salon setups across the UK&I as Scratch unlocks each door
Which Bit?
Elevate your E-file knowledge & ensure you choose the right bit for each aspect of a nail service with Scratch’s handy guide
BEHIND THE GRAM
Get to know social media nail stars as they offer an insight into their lives & share content creation tips
Styling with THE STARS
Let your skills sparkle with technical & artistic step-by-steps from Scratch Stars Awards finalists & champions
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
Mobile mastery
Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year 2026, JADE THORNHILL , shares the experiences that helped turn her passion into an award-winning luxury business
FOOT notes
Award-winning pedicurist & advanced footcare practitioner, DENISE SPRAGG , shares insights to elevate your treatments
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
NAIL Snaps
Popular styles for short nails Is your client keen to combine beauty with practicality? From minimalist details to statement-making designs, explore four trending ways to style short nail lengths for maximum impact.
Nailscopes
Look to the stars for nail inspiration, as JESS WATTS translates the zodiac into styles & shades to suit every star sign
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Browse the Archive >

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