Super Styler

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Super Styler

A nail pro from Wigan shares her success story after being crowned HARA Professional Gel Polish Artist of the Year 2025 & Scratch reveals how you could be next to take the title

Alyx Olivia Mills came across HARA Professional, a brand with a 50-year history offering nail, wax, lash and brow products, via the pages of Scratch . She followed the company’s account on Instagram and, one year ago, saw a post with an incredible opportunity: to receive HARA nail products and be in with the chance of winning a huge prize package.

The brand has hosted an annual competition to find its Gel Polish Artist of the Year since 2024, and invites professionals to showcase their skills by creating salon-style designs using its builder gel and gel polish systems, and submit a short video reel. Alyx beat 51 entrants to take the title in 2025, scooping £2,500 worth of HARA Professional products and a brand ambassadorship. “We were impressed by Alyx’s creativity, precision and attention to detail,” shares Kayleigh Mackinnon, HARA brand educator. “Her work was beautifully presented, technically strong and she showed a genuine passion for developing her skills.”

So what’s the story behind this super styler, and what has she enjoyed since her win? Let’s find out…

Alyx Olivia Mills

Detail your journey into the nail industry…

I worked as cabin crew for Monarch Airlines, then Thomas Cook, but they both faced the same fate of bankruptcy, which led me to being made redundant twice. After experiencing the uncertainty of working for companies I couldn’t rely on, I decided to my own boss.

I have always been creative, and studied Art at college for two years before completing a foundation degree in the subject. I sought a career that would allow me to express my artistry, and the nail profession offered the perfect combination of creativity, independence and flexibility.

Describe your nail space…

I work from a private home studio, which I’ve designed to be welcoming and comfortable, with a professional yet homely atmosphere. I want clients to feel that their appointments at Alyx Olivia Beauty are a chance to enjoy some time for themselves – as well as receive great nail services. Builder gel enhancements are requested most, with a solid colour overlay to finish.

Share your HARA Professional competition experience…

I was hesitant to enter as I’d never participated in a nail competition before, but decided to embrace the opportunity – and never expected to win! My favourite aspect of any nail service is cuticle work, so I loved being able to showcase this up close on video before painting a bold overlay, plus a French finish over builder gel.

HARA Professional’s products combine quality with consistency, and this allowed me to create beautiful results for the competition. I particularly enjoy using the brand’s Builder Gel and Thick Gel Polish Top Coat.

Alyx with Adam Swain.

Describe how it felt to be crowned HARA Professional Gel Polish Artist of the Year 2025…

Adam Swain, the brand’s beauty marketing & category assistant, called to tell me the news. I was in between clients on my last working day before taking some time off to get married, and was delighted to have won. It truly was the perfect way to start my wedding celebrations.

I was then told I could choose my prizes: salon furniture, professional equipment or HARA Professional products to the value of £2,500. I chose a beauty bed, as pedicures are popular with my clients and it would aid their comfort. I also selected nail tools, gel polish shades and eyebrow wax.

Unboxing the HARA Professional prize.

What does your role as HARA brand ambassador entail?

The team regularly sends me products to sample and create designs with, including new season colours. I get so excited when I’m asked to create a video using HARA products!

Alyx’s chosen prize included products and equipment for her studio.

What advice would you give to this year’s competition hopefuls?

Believe in yourself and submit an entry. Don’t overthink it or doubt your abilities – just have fun, be creative and let your personality shine through. I never expected to win, and it has given me such a huge confidence boost.

Could you be HARA Professional’s Gel Polish Artist of the Year 2026?

HARA Professional’s Gel Polish Artist of the Year competition gives nail professionals an opportunity to showcase their creativity, technical ability and passion for the industry.

One winner will scoop a prize package worth £2,500, including a choice of salon furniture, equipment or a collection of HARA Professional products. They will also be featured in Scratch magazine and invited to become a HARA Professional brand ambassador.

HOW TO ENTER

1 Claim your free HARA Starter Kit.

To create the competition entries, HARA Professional is offering entrants a free starter kit, containing HARA Ultra Bond Primer, Base Coat and No Wipe Top Coat, a HARA Builder Gel and two HARA Gel Polish shades.

To claim your kit, email info@haraprofessional.com by 12 October with:

• Proof of your professional nail qualification or current public liability insurance.

• Your chosen HARA Builder Gel shade.

• Your two chosen HARA Gel Polish shades.

2 Create two nail sets (five nails each) using HARA Professional products.

Set one – Builder gel French. Use HARA Builder Gel as the base and complete the set with any colour or style of French design. Your entry should demonstrate excellent structure, shape, balance and attention to detail.

Set two – Full colour, bold or bright. Choose a bold or vibrant HARA Gel Polish shade and create a flawless full-colour application with maximum impact.

Builder gel enhancements with a French finish by Alyx for her 2025 entry.

Alyx’s 2025 entry: bold red nails.

3 Create a video reel.

Create a short video showing the application processes of the nail styles on one finger each. Use this opportunity to demonstrate your technique, precision and creative process.

“The HARA Gel Polish Artist of the Year will combine strong technical ability with creativity, precision and attention to detail. Their work should be beautifully finished, professionally presented and they should demonstrate a genuine passion for the nail industry, as well as the confidence and personality to represent HARA Professional. This competition is a fantastic opportunity for nail pros to showcase their skills, challenge themselves creatively and gain valuable industry recognition.” Avril Lewis – HARA sales manager

“Entrants should read the brief carefully, focus on flawless preparation and application, and submit clear photographs from various angles. Good lighting and an engaging application video are also essential. The winner will represent HARA Professional, create inspiring content and showcase their work using HARA products. They may also support campaigns, launches, events and educational activity, while helping us engage with and inspire the wider professional nail community.”

Kayleigh Mackinnon – HARA brand educator

Judging: Entries will be judged by Avril Lewis – HARA sales manager, Kayleigh Mackinnon – HARA brand educator, Helena Biggs – editorial & partnerships director at Scratch, and HARA brand ambassadors. They will base their judgements on creativity, structure, application skills and technical precision.

Entry deadline: 31 October 2026.

Winner announcement: The third place nail pro will be announced on 18 November, second place on 19 November and first place on 20 November.

How to enter: Visit bit.ly/haragpa-2026 or scan here