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Scratch Magazine

I t’s an exciting time for the Scratch team, as our calendar is filled with events. Through my attendance at these, alongside spending time on social media, I’ve noticed something: a desire for community. The importance of this cannot be denied – particularly for nail techs who work on a self-employed basis. Nail techniques, client behaviours and product formulations are constantly evolving, so the need to connect and network is strong. At Scratch, we understand the significance of community – and try to foster it by not only running competitions and events, but creating content that keeps you connected to the nail industry.

For example, from page 50 we share how you can help challenge negative stereotypes and open yourself up to a new client demographic, by supporting a male nail painting initiative. Then on page 56, we explore nail trends, businesses and events that are making an impact across the globe – from the Netherlands to South Korea.

There are so many rewards to reap by being an active member of the nail industry. Take our North America’s Star Nail Artist – Season 3 Top 25: professionals pushing their artistry to the limit. As a result of putting themselves out there, they’re raising their global profiles, developing their skills and creativity, and trying new products and techniques. Discover who made the shortlist from page 44.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Elena Maltseva, who has dedicated her time and international competition expertise over the past four issues to support the skills of Scratch readers. She has revealed how to create intricate hand-painted, mixed media and 3D work from her Nailympia 2026 campaign design, and you can find her final tutorial on page 34.

As you immerse in this issue, I hope you feel connected to the nail industry – and the talented and dedicated pros that make it a truly amazing community to be part of.

Rebecca Hitchon Editor

rebecca.hitchon@scratchmagazine.co.uk

@becca.scratchmagazine

Follow Scratch :

#ShowScratch /scratchmag @scratchmagazine

@scratchmagazine @scratch.magazine @Scratch-Magazine

Images courtesy of Glitterbels

Nail shades shown are Afternoon In

The Saloon, Arizona Sunset, Cactus Cutie, Saddle Up, Spur Of The Moment and
Turquoise Sky from the Cowgirl Club collection.

Available via www.glitterbels.com

This article appears in October 2026

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This article appears in...
October 2026
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I t’s an exciting time for the Scratch
Nail NATION
news & views
The Suite Life
Immerse in the inspo behind The GelBottle Inc’s Penthouse nail colour collection, which takes seasonal styling to new heights on this month’s 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
Plus Points
Gelish has enhanced its nail game with Color Plus: a vibrant gel nail polish range that promises to elevate the service experience. HELENA BIGGS gets the scoop
CLAWS FOR alarm
Nail spooky season with Scratch’ s roundup of ghostly nail art guides & spine-chilling step-by-steps
Journey through colour
As OPI embarks on its ‘Road to 150’, UK&I team members share their favourite shades returning to the OPInventory
STAR sessions
Shoot for success with advice & inspo from North America’s Star Nail Artist – Season 2 champion, JESSICA VERO
Maltseva Masterclass
Esteemed nail artist, ELENA MALTSEVA , shares how to create the mixed media elements of her Nailympia 2026 campaign design
GEL SYSTEM SOS: A troubleshooting guide
Ensure slick, strong & safe gel finishes as experts share common system issues & how to prevent them
Freedom Footcare
ALEX FOX gets an inside look at Footlogix ® ’s transformational performance in the salon setting
MEET THE TOP 25 North America's Star Nail Artist
Revealed: the talented nail aficionados from across North America competing for the coveted NASNA – Season 3 champion title
CAT’S claws
Scratch Stars Hall Of Fame pro, CATRIONA LEITH , serves up industry insights & advice for nail sector success
MAN-I Movement
Help challenge negative male stereotypes with an insight into Hard As Nails: a nail painting campaign curated with the support of salons in mind. REBECCA HITCHON discovers more
Rich REWARDS
Discover smarter ways to run a beauty business with RICHARD MCCABE , lifestyle salon coach
Precision Under Pressure
Explore the craft & courage behind STALEKS: a Ukranian nail tool brand that boasts success worldwide
INTERNATIONAL NAIL SPY
ALEX FOX explores nail trends, innovations & events across the globe
The Social Scene
Capturing glitter & cat eye finishes effectively on camera
BEHIND THE GRAM
Get to know social media nail stars as they offer an insight into their lives & share content creation tips
FOOT notes
Award-winning pedicurist & advanced footcare practitioner, DENISE SPRAGG , shares insights to elevate your treatments
Mature matters
Nail techs share how they accommodate mature clients to ensure comfort & confidence – plus healthy nails & skin
Styling with THE STARS
Let your skills sparkle with technical & artistic step-by-steps from Scratch Stars Awards finalists & champions
FUNGI: the facts
Industry expert, Vitaly Solomonov, interviews microbiologist, Dr. Philip Geis, about microbial myths, foot fungus & how nail pros can ensure safety
Breaking Down Barriers
Nail techs share how they have navigated challenges to flourish in their careers
Nailympia COMPETITIONS NEWS
Immerse in competition highlights, interviews & points to note from the Nailympia realm, with its global director, ALEX FOX
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 nail inspiration, as JESS WATTS translates the zodiac into styles & shades to suit every sign
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