I
t was a day full of excitement, creativity and camaraderie, as nail pros from the UK and Ireland gathered at Stockport College to compete at the
Scratch Stars Awards
practical judging day. Supported by the
Scratch
team, finalists in the nine technical and artistic categories put their composure and skills under pressure in front of expert judges, all hoping to secure one of the industry’s most coveted accolades: a
Scratch Star
.
On 11 May, finalists arrived to a grand welcome from college staff and posed for photos, before heading to their assigned rooms to set up their kits. Judges were briefed on the events of the day, which took place over two sessions, and made their way up to their specified judging rooms with scoresheets in hand – ready to cast their eyes over the nail setups and competition creations.
Stockport College provided the perfect home for the event, with spacious, modern facilities allowing competitors, judges and the Scratch team to work efficiently throughout the packed schedule. Three competition rooms reserved by the college each housed finalists in two categories, who were re-read their tasks before each session began. The atmosphere inside each space was a blend of intense concentration, nerves and excitement. Tables were lined with products, brushes and design plans, while competitors transformed blank tips or models’ nails into masterpieces under strict time constraints.
Judges circulated carefully around each workstation, scrutinising details from smile lines and apex placement to colour blending, symmetry and finish. Despite the competitive environment, there was a strong sense of community and mutual respect among the finalists. They supported each other during the day, sharing encouragement between sessions and celebrating the opportunity to work in front of expert judges.
For many finalists, simply reaching the practical judging stage represented a significant achievement. Months of preparation, practice and concept development had gone into each entry, with competitors refining techniques and rehearsing timings in advance of the live assessment. These categories showcased not only extraordinary creativity, but the technical discipline required to excel professionally in nail environments.
As the Scratch Stars Awards recognises amazing all-rounders, there was an additional aspect of each assessment: a five-minute interview. Each finalist was seated in front of four judges following their practical task, and asked the same three questions. Their answers were scored and contributed to their overall points from the day.
Scan to view
Scratch’s Instagram
reel from the judging day:
THE MORNING SESSION
Natural Nail Specialist of the Year and Pedicurist of the Year finalists were assessed on their client consultations, in their first task of the day. One by one, they were introduced to a model, provided by Stockport College, and asked questions relevant to their needs, which were scored by four judges.
In an adjacent room, the first Scratch Stars Builder Gel Tech of the Year practical session took place, as the category was introduced to the awards programme this year. Competing on the opposite side of the space were five Polish & Paint Nail Artist finalists, who got creative on three supplied nail tips to a design brief of ‘Country & Western’.
The college’s nail room hosted finalists in the Gel Tech of the Year and Nail Stylist of the Year categories, who showcased their application and enhancement skills. When tools were downed, all finalists were invited to an interview stage, where they were asked questions to determine their professional prowess. Answers to scenario-based pointers were scored by judges, while models’ nails were photographed and techs packed up their kits.
For the judges, the standards on display proved how far the nail industry continues to evolve. Innovation in techniques, finishes and artistic interpretations demonstrated the passion and dedication among UK and Ireland nail techs, while the professionalism shown throughout the day reflected the high standards associated with the Scratch Stars Awards.
The experience offered finalists more than the chance to win a trophy. Competing live in front of respected judges and peers represented a valuable career milestone, recognition of talent and an opportunity to showcase their skills on one of the sector’s biggest stages. It also afforded networking opportunities and a chance to catch up with industry friends.
Now, with judging complete, finalists and supporters alike eagerly await The Scratch Stars Party on 5 July, at which it will be revealed who has scooped Scratch Stars Awards.
Scratch
would like to give a special thanks to the incredible team at Trafford & Stockport College Group for their support and hospitality, and to Shaun Booth for his assistance during the event.
THE AFTERNOON SESSION
Natural Nail Specialist and Pedicurist finalists returned in the afternoon for a practical assessment, where they performed nail and skincare services on their own models. Creativity flowed alongside these care-based treatments, as the Mixed Media Artist of the Year contenders pulled out their palettes and crafted a ‘Football World Cup’-themed design atop three provided nail tips.
Down the corridor, artistry was seen in the nail room amongst the Gel Polish Stylist of the Year finalists, who had an open brief to create a flat nail design. Scenes of space and seasonal styles were showcased, much to the fascination of judges. Meanwhile, the other side of the room saw five pros in the L&P Tech of the Year category sculpt a stiletto nail alongside slick French enhancements, created using either the Tip & Overlay or sculpting methods.
Before the day wrapped, the fabulous finalists took it in turns to sit in front of judges and answer three interview questions, which were different to those in the morning session. They could then take a deep breath and begin their journeys home, while the judges marked a successful day with a drinks reception and admiration of photos of the day. These came courtesy of college staff, who shared snaps on an impressive video wall.
THE JUDGES
Scratch
would like to thank the esteemed panel of judges who lent their time and expertise to the event: Alex Fox, Antony Buckley, Catriona Leith, Charli Jepson, Charlotte Lowe, Danielle Brindley, Denise Spragg, Emma-Jane Heir, Jade Barber, Jacqui O’Sullivan, Jiak Hing, Katie Clark, Kayleigh Mackinnon, Kayley Cairns, Kirsty Meakin, Kym Moody, Michelle Brookes, Michelle Thompson, Nina Lewis, Paulina Zdrada, Rebecca Orme, Sara Pinto, Sean O’Sullivan, Victoria Taylor.
INSIDE NEXT ISSUE…
Meet the judges of the 10 business and specialist categories.
The winners of the
Scratch Stars Awards
will be announced at
The Scratch Stars Party
on Sunday 5 July at The Underglobe, London. For tickets, visit bit.ly/scratchstarsparty26
All photos courtesy of Jon Bradley Photography, www.jonbradley.co.uk
Scan to view more snaps from the judging day:
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