The Pull & Pulse of NAIL COMPETITIONS

Since January 2003, I’ve had the privilege of orchestrating nail competitions, witnessing first-hand the electrifying energy they bring. These competitions are more than just contests; they’re emotive spaces where aspiring nail artists embrace opportunities, grow and often emerge as champions.

Over the years, I’ve seen competitors evolve into friends, Alex Fox and I’ve had the honour of standing alongside them as a judge. Through these experiences, I’ve encountered incredible individuals, while feeling the electrifying energy within the arena and witnessing the formation of communities, both online and offline.

Exploring the options

Liverpool nail artist, Carrie Williams, scooped a prize from Hara Professional in February’s Scratch Snap competition, in which entrants were required to create a floral nail design.

Competitions in this industry present themselves in various forms, catering to pros at all stages of their careers, across various skill areas. Some competitions, such as Scratch’s fortnightly Creative Challenge and monthly Scratch Snap, take place via social media, meaning you can work on a design from the comfort of the nail desk and around other commitments. They ignite imagination and push your creative skills for personal fulfilment. Instagram.com/truebeautybycarrie

Nails by Gosport-based tech, Emma Cousins, for a #ShowScratch Creative Challenge, which tasked pros with creating a nail design featuring what they love most. Emma depicted cocktails, ice cream, doughnuts and sunshine.

Instagram.com/glowedup_beauty_byem

Emma Laverton

“The first competition I entered was Scratch Snap two years ago,” shares Glitterbels educator, Emma Laverton (@failtefae). “The theme was ‘Jaded’ and I remembered a jade-inspired set that I’d created when training, which I entered for fun. It was free to enter and what did I have to lose? Low and behold, I won that month and it gave me a huge confidence boost. Following that win, I entered Nailympia London’s online categories in 2022 and 2023. I love competing now!”

Photographic contests invite you to collaborate with other creatives, such as photographers, make-up artists and stylists, and encourage skills that support business marketing. Trade show challenges allow you to take a step into a live competition arena, gain valuable feedback and produce results under pressure, to a set brief – with the hope of winning a medal to showcase to clients.

Another way to test your prowess against your industry peers is by entering awards, such as the industryspecific Scratch Stars Awards, local or national business awards. These take into account more than nail skill: often assessing your business acumen, growth and customer feedback.

The winning entry to The Great Scratch Shoot Out 2023 photographic nail competition, by Ania Kesiak.

Hungary’s Laura Családi won first place (division 3) in the Nailympia London 2023 Poster Manicure category with this floral-themed entry.

Sarah Rushworth of The Nail Shed, Bolton, with her Scratch Star Award for Home Nail Salon of the Year 2023.

“Placing in a competition isn’t everything. It’s an honour to compete alongside incredible pros, learn from them and make new connections in the industry.”

Opportunity rocks

For creative nail professionals, competitions offer more than a chance to showcase skills. They provide a platform for forging new connections, seizing career opportunities and pushing artistic boundaries. In the competitive arena, participants can explore innovative techniques, experiment with products and accelerate their personal and professional growth.

Beyond individual advancement, nail competitions play a crucial role in shaping the broader nail industry. They foster a sense of community among professionals, enabling collaboration and camaraderie. Moreover, these competitions inspire ongoing innovation and excellence, driving the evolution of nailcare, styling and design.

This year, Nailympia celebrates its 20th year in the UK, and has expanded its reach to offer opportunities for professionals worldwide. The competitions include online, turn-in and arena events that allow techs and judges to feel the exhilarating atmosphere first-hand, and witness the passion and creativity that fuel this dynamic industry.

Looking back & surging forward

Nail competitions are currently undergoing an unprecedented surge in popularity. Originating in the 1980s as a staple in the global nail sector, these competitions have grown both in scope and importance over the years. Evolving alongside trends, product innovations and techniques, nail competitions have continually adapted, presenting nail professionals with a myriad of opportunities, challenges and inspirations to expand their artistic horizons and hone their skills.

The onset of the pandemic unexpectedly ushered in new avenues with the mass emergence of online nail competitions. This transition has empowered numerous nail professionals, enabling those who may have lacked confidence or faced travel constraints to participate in competitions from the comfort of their workspace. Consequently, there is a burgeoning excitement for competitions within the nail industry globally, driven by the accessibility and convenience that online platforms provide.

Katy Pottle winning the first World’s Star Nail Artist (WSNA) competition in 2023. >

Marian Newman BEM

Marian Newman BEM, industry aficionado, award-winner & experienced judge “Being a nail professional is often an isolating career. On a daily basis, you may just see your clients – and have little to no interaction with like-minded people, other than on social media. This means that it’s easy to become comfortable in your own space, and neglect skill updates and upgrades.

“Entering a competition encourages you to consider your skills and protocols, and your clients will love to hear about your competition journey. I guarantee that every competitor will be a better nail pro after, and the process doesn’t have to be as stressful as you may think. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain by entering a competition.”

Nailympia Mexico 2022 Invent A Nail Shape winners.

Nails by Emma Laverton.

In the realm of beauty conventions and exhibitions, the nail competition arena is a vibrant space where passionate nail artists converge to celebrate their craft and showcase their skills and talents amidst a community of like-minded enthusiasts. Serving as a vital catalyst for industry advancement, these arenas provide a stage where innovation flourishes and industry luminaries are revealed. 

Within the competition arena, countless networking opportunities abound, encouraging the development of enduring relationships and serving as a barometer of industry trends and direction. Competitions stand as a powerful reflection of the industry’s pulse, highlighting emerging trends from diverse nail cultures across the globe.

Much like the evolution witnessed in the make-up and hair industries over decades, the competition arena serves as a fertile ground where creative visions are brought to life. Armed with an extensive array of tools and products, competitors transform the arena into a canvas for imaginative expression, giving rise to an eclectic array of nail designs. From elaborate, fantastical structures to meticulously crafted traditional styles, the spectrum of creations spans a wide range of possibilities. These include intricate 3D figurines, delicate one stroke blends and flawlessly applied polishes in vibrant hues.

The diverse landscape of nail competitions worldwide mirrors the multi-faceted nature of the nail industry itself, providing a platform for artists to showcase their expertise and push the boundaries of what is achievable in nail artistry.

Boosts & benefits

Beyond honing technical skills that enhance in-salon services, competitions provide a unique platform for unleashing creativity past the confines of a traditional salon setting. Here, nail technicians break free from routine constraints, tapping into their artistic potential and showcasing their talents to a wider audience.

Competitions serve as catalysts for personal growth, challenging technicians to explore uncharted territory and express their artistry in novel ways. As well as individual development, participants gain industry recognition, often evolving into experts and mentors themselves. This acknowledgment not only positively impacts their salon businesses, enhancing marketing efforts and attracting potential clients, but opens doors to diverse opportunities within the nail industry.

Winning awards elevates status, facilitating treatment menu expansion and justifying price adjustments, while also potentially leading to roles as brand ambassadors, educators or contributors to fashion events and editorial shoots.

The allure of trophies and recognition motivates aspiring nail artists to follow in the footsteps of champions and seek to achieve similar success in their own journeys. As they embark on this path, they find inspiration in the stories of past winners, fuelling their passion and dedication to the craft.

Feedback & review

Competitors can request feedback from judges post-event, either immediately after or by contacting the organiser with their score sheet and photos. Online competitions often provide feedback during judging, offering insights into strengths and weaknesses for future improvement.

Marketing & promotion

Winning or placing in a nail competition can be a powerful marketing tool. Draft a press release highlighting your win and its significance to the industry, including personal quotes and contact information. Share the news on social media platforms with engaging visuals and videos to maximise reach. Display certificates, medals and trophies in your salon space and consider raising prices to reflect your award-winning status.

Career advancement

Success in competitions can elevate your standing in the nail industry, opening doors to opportunities such as education, brand ambassadorship, international travel and collaboration with industry experts. Transitioning into judging roles further solidifies your expertise and influence within the industry.

Alisha Rimando

Alisha Rimando, founder & CEO at GlossaryLive.com & head booth judge, Nailympia Competitions “Competing confirmed my love and commitment to the nail industry. It drove me to perfect my skills and understand every Alisha Rimando detail of my craft, from products and tools to application and technique. Every piece and part, no matter how small, was important to the outcome. This created a passion in me to understand everything. I actually got worse before I got better, but that’s part of the process.

“During my 10 years as a competitor, I became part of a community I didn’t know existed. I made friends with the most passionate people I’d ever known and found my place, my family and my career. You wouldn’t think all this would happen from a nail competition – but it did. Competitions change people’s lives and course. They open eyes and light a fire. After 28 years, there is still a passion that rumbles inside when I see artists competing. I love knowing what they’re feeling as they work, as it’s electric, contagious and inspiring. If you’re considering competing, don’t think; just do it! And if you’re not ready, find a competitor and ask to be a model. There’s plenty of learning to be had on that side of the table.”

Belinda Price

10 top tips for nail competition preparation

1. Research & choose a theme

Explore the plethora of available competitions and select one that resonates with you. Use search engines or platforms like Pinterest to gather inspiration for colour palettes and intricate details that bring your artistic vision to life. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a newcomer, competitions offer an ideal platform to explore creativity and refine skills in nail art.

2. Seek guidance from experienced mentors & take competition classes

Connect with past competitors or winners, who can offer valuable insights and strategic advice. Consider joining competition classes led by champions to accelerate your progress and prepare for the unique challenges ahead.

3. Practice diligently

Hone your skills through consistent and focused practice, utilising every opportunity to refine techniques and perfect timings. Practice on willing clients to simulate real competition conditions, emphasising the importance of time management and synchronisation with your model. “Seasoned competitors will dedicate hours to perfecting a set of flawless competition nails,” shares Belinda Price, OPI UK&I education manager. “Focus on one element each day: shape one day, prep the next and so on.”

4. Engage a supportive network

Rally the support of your loved ones, involving them in your competition journey to boost confidence and create a positive atmosphere.

5. Select an ideal model

Choose a model with great nail beds, hands and a relaxed personality to enhance the presentation of your work. Maintain a supportive relationship with your model throughout the process. “Make sure you choose a model who can keep you calm during the competition, and that you have a supportive team around you in the run-up,” suggests Belinda Price.

6. Stay updated on rules & regulations

Familiarise yourself with competition rules and score sheets to tailor your preparation and maximise your chances of success. “Read the rules, read them again and keep them with you while planning and working on your entry,” suggests Emma Laverton. “If competing in an online competition, double check the rules for anything such as ‘must have a gap between nails’ or ‘must be placed on a white background’, before you submit your photos. Missing details can cost precious points, which can be the difference between placing and not placing. Judges want to see that you take competing seriously and can follow directions.”

7. Utilise client relationships

Share your competition goals with clients and encourage their involvement in the process. Their support can be a driving force behind your success.

8. Refresh your skills

Keep informed about the latest trends and techniques in the nail industry through continuous learning and adaptation.

9. Network within the industry

Build connections with professionals in the nail industry to exchange ideas, gather inspiration and receive guidance.

10. Maintain a positive mindset

Cultivate a positive mindset throughout your preparation, staying focused on your goals and approaching the competition with confidence in your abilities.