JUDGMENT DAY

Forty nail pros from across the UK & Ireland descended on London to compete in the Scratch Stars Awards technical & artistic categories. Join Scratch behind-the-scenes of the judging day as finalists sought to scoop a top title

For 12 years, Scratch has been committed to rewarding and recognising excellence in the UK&I sector via its annual Scratch Stars Awards. The competition focuses not just on impressive technical skill, but business acumen, industry knowledge, passion and client care.

Awards entry opened on 1 February, with application forms requiring not just nail photos, but answers and evidence of business success and management. When entry closed, the Scratch team assessed submissions before unveiling five finalists in each of the 18 Scratch Stars Awards categories for 2024.

These categories cover various facets of the industry, recognising exceptional educators, salons, teams, social media stars and those with dazzling technical and artistic skills. Finalists in the former categories are required to submit evidential information or undergo a mystery shop: the results of which are judged by specially selected industry experts on a remote basis. Technical and artistic finalists are required to attend a live judging day, which was hosted on 20 May this year at The London College of Beauty Therapy (LCBT).

These 40 finalists for 2024 received a task brief, specific to their category, in advance of the date. In one hour, they were required to craft nails to the designated brief, while an experienced judging panel scored on a number of criteria. They then stepped into a five-minute interview session, where they were asked three questions regarding business scenarios to assess their industry acumen and response to real-life situations.

The judging team L-R: Belinda Price, Roxanne Campbell, Paige Chohan (observer), Kym Moody, Giorgia Cappella, Scarlett Senter, Samantha Sweet, Kirsty Meakin, Becky Willett, Katie Clark, Hazel Dixon, Liza Smith, Kelly-Marie Daly, Katy Pottle, Jojo Wickens, Leila Monroy, Debbie Willis, Sara Pinto, Tina Bell, Vivien Carrick & Alex Fox (invigilator).

“I feel incredibly proud that I pushed myself out of my comfort zone. The Scratch Stars Awards offers an amazing opportunity to compete alongside so many talented techs in front of industry leaders.”

The expert judging panel comprised past Scratch Stars Awards winners, esteemed educators put forward by this year’s event sponsors and highly skilled professionals, who lent their expertise to assessments.

The morning session

Divided across two rooms, finalists in the Gel Polish Stylist of the Year, One Stroke Artist of the Year, Polish & Paint Nail Artist of the Year and Nail Stylist of the Year categories picked up their tools and set to work, producing colourful, stylistic creations within one hour that astounded judges.

In a third room, Natural Nail Specialist of the Year finalists were undergoing the first of three tasks: a consultation on a model’s nails in front of a four-strong judging panel. These judges listened to each tech’s interaction with the model and scored on noted perceptions and the quality of the consultation form.

When time was up, judges completed their scoresheets, which were invigilated by Alex Fox, global director of Scratch’s sister brand, Nailympia, to ensure fairness. They moved onto designated tables to quiz finalists and score on their interview responses. Once complete, finalists could pack away their kit and leave the venue, knowing that their fate in the Scratch Stars Awards had been sealed, and would be unveiled at The Scratch Stars Party eight weeks later.

“I was in awe of the amazing talent that was showcased; all finalists should be incredibly proud of themselves. The hard work, determination and passion shown was heartwarming, and the models were patient and supportive.”

Afternoon antics

The second half of the judging day welcomed finalists in the Gel Tech of the Year, Mixed Media Artist of the Year and L&P Tech of the Year categories. Natural Nail Specialist of the Year finalists returned for a practical task: a manicure on their chosen model.

Mixed Media finalists were required to showcase extreme nail art on three supplied nail tips to the theme: The Olympic Games, using a minimum of two mediums. Creativity reigned within the hour session, with inspiring, detailed and colourful results.

L&P and gel stylists showcased their sculpting and tip & overlay skills, fashioning pink & white salon-style nails and showcasing polish application skills on the index and pinky fingernails.

When tools were downed, finalists took it in turns to be quizzed by judges in interview sessions, which included a question on how to handle client feedback and reviews, both positive and negative, to continually improve their services and reputation.

At 3.30pm, judges handed in their final scoresheets, ready for sums to be totalled for each finalist, and a winner to be uncovered.

“What an amazing day! It was so nice to meet fellow finalists and judges. The rooms were filled with amazing nail artists and it was a privilege to be there."

THE SCRATCH STARS PARTY 2024

SUNDAY 21 JULY 2024 7PM12.30AM THE UNDERGLOBE AT THE SWAN, LONDON

The biggest night in the nail industry calendar welcomes nail pros and their peers to a stunning London venue, to celebrate the sector and congratulate the 2024 Scratch Stars champions.

DJ, producer & former England Rugby Union player, James Haskell, will host the event alongside Scratch’s Helena Biggs, and guests can enjoy live performances from Shola Ama and DJ Luck & MC Neat, canapés, fun activations, a goody bag and so much more! Tickets include a one-hour Prosecco reception and two-hours of complimentary house drinks.

INSIDE NEXT MONTH'S ISSUE...

Meet the industry aficionados who'll be lending their expertise across the remaining 10 Scratch Stars Awards categories for 2024, including Nail Salon of the Year, Mobile Nailist of the Year and The Nail Business Mentor Award.