Scratch Magazine November 2023

Nails that Rock

Be transported back to the era of Mods & Rockers with tales & design insights from this month’s front cover shoot

REBECCA HITCHON REPORTS

With a nail career spanning 23 years, during which she has won multiple awards and received international recognition, Anita Chahal: the creative mindset behind this month’s front cover, admits to being consumed by her love for the craft. “I eat, sleep, breathe and dream nails, and throughout hard times, disappearing into the nail world has been my solace,” she admits. “Nails is not just a job for me; it’s a passion that allows me to be creative, meet new people and share my journey and skills.”

Anita has lived in Scotland, Wales and Spain, and in all destinations, her love for nail styling has remained constant. She has grabbed opportunities to teach, including mentoring students for WorldSkills championships, and judge nail work internationally. But it’s her love for competing that drives her, having scooped awards at Nailympia London and Germany, Professional Beauty Nail Competitions and the UK Hair and Beauty Awards since starting her competition journey in 2016. Most recently, she achieved third place in The Great Scratch Shoot Out photographic nail competition. “The recognition doesn’t feel real, and I am so grateful. It serves as a reminder to believe in myself and learn from feedback, so I can come back fighting at the next competition,” says Anita.

“It’s also shown me that extreme nails are my specialty. They motivate me and allow my imagination to run wild. I have even developed my own style, with a love for abstract designs and needle ends,” she continues. “I enjoy that there are no limits to creativity with extreme styling; anything goes, as long as the the nails are balanced and elegant in their design.”

Go to the November issue to read more!