SEASON 2

NORTH AMERICA'S

Star Nail Artist

Check out the encore-worthy entries for the third NASNA challenge, which invited contestants to transform a memorable melody into a striking nail art design

The 25-strong shortlist of North America’s Star Nail Artist (NASNA) competitors was whittled down to 16 at the end of last year, and the first challenge of 2026 saw them get further in tune with their tools to craft nail designs worthy of a mic drop.

Following eliminations after Challenges 1 and 2, the contestants still in play were set an exciting task by sponsor brand, MelodySusie. It invited them to use their nail tools as instruments and paint ‘the music of [their] souls onto fingertips’. With two weeks to perfect their pitches, the results hit all the right notes, showcasing imagination, avant-garde styling and exceptional skills.

Photos of the entries were submitted by the creators, who hail from the USA and Canada. Each was paired with a write-up to define the concept, and a video to demonstrate the creative process, so the judging panel could make detailed assessments before scoring.

The results saw five contestants enter the Wild Card stage and complete a further nail task to fight for their place in the contest. Two were eliminated, while three joined their fellow competitors, ready to battle it out in the next nail art challenge and move closer to being crowned NASNA Season 2 champion on May 31.

THE TASK: My Memorable Melody Create a five-nail design that functions like sponsored by five movements of a musical composition. Each nail should have its own beauty, but the overall design must form a cohesive visual story. Nails can be whatever shape desired, and the minimum length of each should be 5cm from the cuticle area to allow sufficient space for detail.

The design must include at least three MelodySusie-exclusive colours (provided), and three or more of the following techniques:

• 3D construction: use of builder gel, 3D sculpting gel, acrylic powder or similar materials to create dimensional elements.

• Colour rendering: advanced use of ombré, marbling, hand-painted art or layered colour techniques to express rhythm and emotional flow.

• Texture contrast: creative combinations of matte, glossy, chrome or mirror finishes to simulate musical tones or instrument textures.

• Detail work: fine line work executed with detail brushes for precision and refinement.

THE ENTRIES

HIRSCH HUNTY

MELODYSUSIE MUSINGS: “Music is an art of time, while nail art is an art of space. When a memorable melody plays in our minds, it often evokes specific colours, textures and emotions. Is it a gentle lullaby from a childhood afternoon, the neon rhythm of a city experienced for the first time, or the triumphant music that plays after a nail competition win? Capture the melodies that echo in memories and transform them into miniature visual landscapes on the fingertips.”

CATHY TORRES

YULIIA KOVALCHUK

MELISSA WHIFFEN

JACQUELINE MCCLEMENT

MARIA QUESADA

JESSICA VERO

KELSEY MCQUAY

KLYSTA PESINA

ERIN PASCHKE

HOPE JUNG

SHERIDAN MOORE

SHAYNA OSAZUWA

‘‘ With two weeks to perfect their pitches, the results hit all the right notes, showcasing imagination, avant-garde styling and exceptional skills. ‘‘

LINA RACQUEL

MICHELLE SOTO

SIERRA PAGAN