GEL POLISH

2 hands one – 1 hand in French / 1 hand in red & one decorated accent nail on both ring fingers

TASK

• This competition is done on natural nails only - duration 60-minutes for both hands - on models.
• The model is to come with manicured nails, prepare the nails at home/hotel.
• Nails ready for gel polish must be enhanced and coated with any type of gel polish product.
• Design element is required on ring finger nail on the red hand. Create a picture-perfect flawless set of nails with decorated /feature nail. Can incorporate texture, colour. Must be hand painted.

 

BOTH HANDS ON MODEL

• Right hand is to be created in a solid red color on the natural nail plate – 4 fingers – can use any colour(s) on feature nail.
• Left hand is to be finished in a traditional French manicure style on the natural nail plate. Ringer finger to feature bridal wedding design over the French nail.

 

 

SCORE SHEET CONTENT

• NAIL SHAPE: The shape of the nails looks consistent & uniform?
• PRODUCT APPLICATION: Application at the base of the nails is clean & even. Product is evenly applied with no product on the skin. No streaks, pits of bubbles.
• SURFACE SMOOTHNESS / NAIL FINISH: Is the finished product smooth and shiny?
• OVERALL LOOK: Is the gel polish on both hands applied thin & natural looking? It does not appear thick & artificial? It appears to be a perfect hand – as if painted in lacquer.
• SMILE LINES: Are the smile lines sharp, with two end points at the same height? Do they fit to the nailbed and are they consistent?
• NAILBEDS: Are the nail beds evenly colored and shaped?
• FEATURE NAILS: Do the designs on the ring finger complement the nails, enhance the overall look & complete the overall design with finesse?

 

 

 ALLOWED

• Any soak off gel polish in a bottle is allowed.
• Use white soak off gel polish in a bottle on the free edge for French.
• A white and transparent pink, clear or cover soak off gel polish in a bottle for the nailbed and a transparent soak off top coat gel polish in a bottle for the finish is allowed.
• A classic Ferrari/bright red soak off gel polish in a bottle is recommended.
• A thin nail art brush to create a smile line is allowed.
• Must add feature design on ring finger on red hand.
• Create bridal wedding nail over the French ring finger.

 

NOT ALLOWED

• No manicure procedure is necessary during this competition.
• Acrylic paint, colour gel, painting gel or gel polish in a jar/bottle/tube, sculpting gel or hybrid/polygel/acrygel is not allowed.
• No touching or pre-blending allowed before the competition begins.
• No glitter, shimmer or frost permitted or any colour with pearl, glitter, or shimmer.
• All colours must be free of pearl and metallic & matt effect.
• Hard gel/sculpting gel, acrylic or hybrid is not allowed.
• No extension of the nail plate/natural nail is allowed. The nail plate/natural nail must be free of product and natural.
• Products without any label are not allowed.

L&P Acrylic Tip & Overlay  -  L&P Acrylic Sculpture

UV/LED Hard Gel Sculpture – UV/LED HARD Gel Tip & Overlay

 – 75-minutes each hand

 

TASK

• Sculpting on the model’s RIGHT hand with only traditional liquid & powder system. Tip & Overlay on the model’s LEFT hand with traditional liquid & powder system. This means there is an opportunity to enter 2 competitions in one sitting – each 75-minutes with a 15-minute break between.
• On the underside of the nail – the judges do NOT need to see white under the 2 red nails, just 3 nails need to be created in a French style pink & white.
• The competitor chooses, if they want to use cover for a nailbed extension or transparent pink or clear for a classic style on all 5 nails. Cover pink products are allowed. No pre-mixing of pink or white powders before the comp starts.
• Competitors can take just one comp on one hand. One-hand competitors will be given 75-min to complete the hand and be positioned in one area together.

 

• NOTE - It is not necessary to create lunula/moons on the nail – there are no extra points for lunulas.

 

• Those doing both hands will be asked to stop after 75-minutes in Acrylic Sculpture, have a 15-minute break before starting on the second hand with Acrylic Tip & Overlay.

 

• For those doing both competitions – the hands will be compared for the Perfect Match competition and judged on four criteria – apex, c-curve, smile line, surface smoothness & application for a maximum of 50 points.

 

 

SCORE SHEET CONTENT

• SMILE LINE: Consistent shape on all nails, evenly applied so tips match, no shadows, clean line and evenly aligned.
• APPLICATION OF WHITE: Even application, no shadows, or bubbles, consistent across all three nails.
• C-CURVE / CONVEX & CONCAVE: C-Curve should follow the shape of the nail down the entire length of the nail in convex and concave. It must measure evenly on each side. It must be symmetrical and even on all fingers. C-Curve should be 40 - 50% on all 5 nails. EXAMPLE: If the competitor chooses 45% on the first nail, all 5 nails need to have a 45% C-Curve.
• Convex & Concave lower side lines need to be as thick as the hairline or thinner but even on both sides.
• HAIRLINE / FREE EDGE THICKNESS: The nails must be consistently thin throughout the entire nail and be uniformly thin on each nail. And no thicker than a business card.
• APEX / ARCH: High point of apex & arch must be consistently placed on each nail with correct placement for the resulting nail. Not overly pronounced & elegant.
• CUTICLE AREA: No cuts or irritation around skin. Points will be deducted for any damage to the skin during the nail competition. Even product application with no ledge or missing product.
• NAIL SHAPE: The shape of the nails looks consistent and uniform looking down from above the nail.
• NAIL LENGTH: Proportion of pink to white is the same across all 3 nails and overall length of the nail matches in proportion to the fingers across all 5 nails. The nailbed from the proximal fold (top view) to the deepest point of your smile line (top view) should be as long as the end point of your smile line (sideview – lateral sidewall) to the end point of the nail/hairline (sideview).

EXAMPLE: 10 mm nailbed – top view = 10mm white extension sideview (end points of your smile line lateral) and 5mm top view deepest point of your smile line to hairline. Competitors can go longer or shorter if they want to as long as they stay consistent.

• UPPER ARCH / EXTENSION: From the nail’s side profile, the extension must complement the upper arch of the nail and be even on all nails. Therefore, uniform on each side from the above view.
• LOWER ARCH / LOWER SIDELINES: The lower side lines should be even, neat and extend straight out from the lateral fold on both sides. They must be uniform on each side, above and side view. No step or ridges on sidewalls.
• PRODUCT CONTROL PINK: Even application of product. No shadows, air bubbles and pits. Sharp division of color at smile line and a good blend to the nailbed towards the cuticle area.
• SURFACE SMOOTHNESS: No file lines or demarcations. Finished product is smooth. No bumps. No dips. No rough or dull spots.
• HIGH SHINE FINISH: Unpolished fingers should have a high gloss shine like a glass finish.
• POLISH: Applied close and even at cuticle. No streaking in polish. Sides and tip of edge covered. No polish on skin or under the nail.

 

POLISH

• Competitors must polish 2 fingers on each hand (thumb and pinkie) of the model with a red cream polish/lacquer only – no base coat, ridge filler color gel, gel polish or top coat may be used.
• The polish may be of the competitors’ choice but without any metallic effect, glitter, matte or pearl effect.

 

ALLOWED

• Cream, lotion, oil and polish dry products may be used.
• Water and soap may be used in finishing.
• For sculpture a roll of ONLY & EXACT 25 forms per comp. Floor judges will be closely inspecting every form.
• You are only permitted to use natural or clear tips in Acrylic tip & overlay category.
• E-Files are allowed.
• No UV gel products/sealers to be used on the L&P acrylic categories.
• Adhesive is only allowed for tip & overlay.
• The nail bed can be extended.

 

NOT ALLOWED

• No mixing of camouflage cover pink or whites before and during or before the competition in the arena. All overlay products and material must be in original packaging – with clear correct label.
• Excess lotion and oil will afford point deductions. If a competitor is seen cleaning hands and nails after the competition is closed with any product, such as canned air, it is immediate disqualification.
• No tip sizing, touching, or pre-blending allowed before the comp begins.
• Competitors may not touch the nail tips prior to the start of the competition.
• Every competitor must arrive with an organized tip box with at least 10 tips of each size in each allocated size compartment of the box. A disorganized tip box will be removed from the desk by a floor judge. Tips need to stay in the box until the competition starts.
• No adhesive for the acrylic sculpting category and must not be on the nail desk.
• No hybrid/any kind of acrygel, dip system and no gel polish products are allowed in these traditional competitions.
• No tools, cutters or e-files to aid the creation of smile lines are to be used. Hand file or brush to be used.
• No paint-on French is allowed. French needs to be sculpted.
• No gel polish, thin color gel (white or cover) or dip systems to be used. Camouflage needs to be sculpted.

 

PERFECT MATCH

TASK

What does perfect match mean? If the participant enters the category Acrylic Sculpture (right hand) and the category Acrylic Tip & Overlay (left hand) on the same model, the judges will score both hands and assess the evenness of the nails. The more both hands (sculpture and tip & overlay) are alike, the higher the scores will be. There are no extra fees to enter this competition.

 

SCORE SHEET CONTENT

• APEX: Consistently & correctly placed for the chosen length.
• C-CURVE: Follow shape of the nail the entire length of nail.
• SMILE LINE: Clean & Consistent
• SURFACE SMOOTHNESS & APPLICATION: Is the application consistent, even, no shadows, air bubbles, dips, bumps, pits, rough or dull spots. Sharp division of color at smile line.

 

 

JOY OF NAILS – 75-minutes – 3 fingers

TASK

• 3 fingers only – competitor can work on his/her own hand or a model. Please design 3 nails (no pinkie or thumb included).
• Liquid & powder, sculpting gel, acrygel, tip & overlay, sculpting on natural nails are all acceptable – anything is allowed.
• Looking for desirable & gorgeous shapes, design, beauty, style & skill.
• Inviting professionals to show their most favored and best nail designs, shapes, and styles.
• No restrictions on shape and length.
• These nails can be commercial salon nails; they can be extreme; they can be fantasy; they must be original and inspirational.
• Each nail must be different in length, shape, and design. Points will be deducted if 3 different nails are not shown.
• They will be judged on the skill of a true nail professional. The judges will be looking for the ‘wow’ factor. The more skills and creativity used, the better. It’s a showcase for what YOU can bring to the nail industry to innovate and inspire.
• This competition is designed to showcase a range of your creative and technical skills. This is an aspirational competition where you show other nail professionals what you are capable of.

 

SCORE SHEET CONTENT

• LENGTH, SHAPE & DESIGN: Skills to be demonstrated on each individual nail – each nail to be in a different length, shape & design.
• STRUCTURE, SHAPE & BALANCE – Top view: Looking from above onto the nail – is the shape perfectly in line with the finger? Is the nail even & balanced?
• UPPER ARCH, LOWER ARCH & APEX – side view: From the side view is the upper arch & lower arch perfect? Is the apex in the appropriate place for the chosen nail shape?
• TECHNIQUE & ARCHITECTURE: Are 3 obvious structures showcased
• CRYSTAL STYLING: Does the crystal placement enhance the nail design? Are there no more than 20% crystals on each nail? Are the crystals adhered cleanly to the nail?

 

ALLOWED

• Anything can be applied to the nails.
• All nail work is to be done on the comp floor.
• Using tips is allowed.

 

NOT ALLOWED

• No more than 20% crystal embellishment on each nail.
• No pre-tailoring or touching of tips or forms etc.
• All nail work is to be done on the comp floor - no pre-made work allowed.

 

 

STILETTO NAILS  – 2 hours – 1 hand

 

TASK

• Nails to be sculpted on forms only on the right hand of the model or your own right hand.
• Nails can be made using L&P Acrylic or Sculpting Gel systems.
• Pinkie and thumb nails must be pink & white with crisp smile line.
• Artwork can be applied on the surface or encapsulated. If artwork is applied to the surface, it must be no more than 1/4inch (0.65cm) in height.
• Stiletto Nails offers opportunity to demonstrate perfect structure plus showcasing creative art and design skills.
• A traditional stiletto nail tapers symmetrically and consistently in a straight line from the natural free edge into a sharp point. From the side view, the free edge must extend straight out from the lateral folds to its point. A true stiletto ends in a point.
• All designs must be original and not seen in previous competitions or images.
• Gel competitors must bring a UV or LED gel lamp.
• ONLY & exactly 25 forms on the nail desk.

 

SCORE SHEET CONTENT

• LENGTH: Is the length across all 5 nails in proportion to each other?
• NAIL SHAPE: The shape of the nails are consistent & uniform. The point of the stiletto needs to be in line with the knuckle of the hand.
• FREE EDGE THICKNESS: The nails must be consistently thin throughout.
• SMILE LINE: On the pinkie & thumb nails are the smile lines consistent, deep, clean, crisp & evenly high?
• PRODUCT CONTROL: Even application, no shadows, air bubbles or pits.
• SURFACE SMOOTHNESS: Is the surface smooth or does it have bumps, dips, rough or dull spots?
• CUTICLE AREA: No cuts around skin, seamless transition (no ridge) of product onto nail plate.
• SIDEWALLS – Top view: The sidewalls should extend out into a well-proportioned sleek point.
• APEX/UPPER ARCH – Side view: Apex must be consistently placed on each nail with correct placement. Upper Arch needs to be elegant and balanced.
• DESIGN INVENTION: Is the decoration/design on the 3 nails fresh and stylish? Evaluate the complexity?
• CREATIVITY: Are you seeing creative/skillful use of art media & techniques?
• FINISH WORK: Are the nails capped in sealer with a high gloss finish?
• LENGTH & STRUCTURE: The application and length can be designed to the competitor’s desire and ability.

 

ALLOWED

• Hybrid/Poly-/Arcygel or dip system or using two systems is allowed.
• E-Files are allowed.
• Water and soap may be used for finishing.
• Oil, lanolin, cream, lotion, and polish dry products may be used.
• Paint, striper foils, rhinestones and bullion are allowed.
• Color foils (plain only) can be used for design.
• Products used can have color or glitter added if desired.
• Gel sealers/ top coat are allowed in a bottle or jar.

 

NOT ALLOWED

• Any debris or dust under the nails – it will lose points.
• No tips permitted.
• No decals allowed. This means no pre-designed or printed appliqués or decals to be used.
• No stamping of art allowed

 

SALON NAILS - 60-minutes – 1-hand (left)

TASK

• Show your skills as a salon nail professional: everyday nails for everyday clients.
• The nail enhancements must be finished in a natural/blended baby boomer pink & white or French style pink & white – gel top coats and sealants are allowed. No nail polish/lacquer..
• Choose between one of these artificial systems: L&P Acrylic, Sculpting Gel, fiberglass, hybrids, acrygels then shape, style and lengthen nails accordingly. Discard other systems – choose one system and stick with it.
• 60-minutes to complete one left hand of salon-style nail enhancements on your model or your own left hand.
• The nail enhancements must be finished in a French style pink & white – gel top coats and sealants are allowed.
• Nailbed extension with cover powder or gels can be used if appropriate for the ‘client’.
• RING FINGER on the model’s left hand or ring finger on your own hand is to be embellished to create a feature nail. This nail must complement the overall look, not detract, but enhance the complete look and can be embellished in any way you choose.

 

SCORE SHEET CONTENT

• LENGTH: Is the nailbed extended? The free edge length should not be longer than 50% of the nailbed. EXAMPLE: nailbed = 10 mm means free edge white extension = max. 5 mm Are the nails even?
• SHAPE: Does the shape enhance the nail & finger and are all 5 nail shapes even?
• COLOR: Does the color of the nail enhance the skin tone & nail style?
• APEX: Is the apex appropriate to the length of the nail, strength, and longevity and even on all nails?
• C-CURVE: Is the overlay even throughout and has a fine hairline/free edge? No thicker than a credit card?
• FINISH: Is the finish of the nail smooth, even, glossy and with no imperfections in or on the surface of the overlay? (Matte Top Gel, Glitter Top Gel or similar is not allowed.)
• SMILE LINE: Are the smiles sharp, crisp, and even across all nails?
• OVERALL: Score on the improvement of the nails.
• FEATURE NAIL: Does the design on the ring finger complement the nails, enhance the overall look & complete the overall design with finesse?

 

ALLOWED

• Foils, glitters, rhinestones, powders, hand painting are allowed only on the ring finger feature nail.
• Cleansing and moisturizing products (oils, creams, lotions, etc.) are allowed.
• Competitors are required to use professional products with an original label.
• A roll of ONLY & exactly 25 forms is allowed. Floor judges will be closely inspecting every form.
• The form and shape can be almond, oval, square or squoval.
• Top coats/Sealer allowed on every system.
• Sculpting or tip & overlay techniques to be used only.

 

NOT ALLOWED      

• No white tips. Use clear or natural tips only.
• No glitter, colored powder, additives etc. to be used – judges are looking for the most natural set of French nails that suit the hand shape and skin tone. (NOTE: This rule does not apply to the ring finger.)
• No matte top coat.
• No gel polish or dip systems to be used.
• No embellishment or encapsulation – judges want to see natural looking enhancements in any shape. The competitor is to choose the most relevant shape to suit the fingers and nail condition. (NOTE: This rule does not apply to the ring finger.)
• No decals, pre-designed or printed appliqués to be used.
• No pre-designed flowers are allowed.
• Competitors are not going to polish, no nail polish/lacquer color is allowed.
• No Stamping of art allowed.
• No tip sizing, touching, or pre-blending allowed before the comp begins.
• No tools or cutters to aid the creation of smile lines are to be used. Smile lines are to be created using a brush and/ or hand file only.
• Excessive use of oil is not permitted. Judges will deduct points for excess oil.
• No molds or molds labelled as nail forms – just nail tips & paper sculpting forms allowed.

 

TURN IN ENTRIES

 

TO STILETTO & BEYOND was – Invent a Nail Shape

 

TURN IN / POSTAL

THEME:

 

TASK

• Not a floor/live competition – hand in to the organizer prior to the deadline for judging & display.
• This is your chance to show the nail world how creative, imaginative and skilled you are. Design your own style nail and sculpt it.
• This requires just one nail of any length over 2 inches/5cm from the cuticle. This is extreme nail shaping sculpture with art expression.
• Any nail product may be used with crystals/rhinestones/bullion etc. accepted for bling and design purposes.
• Go wild and create a stunning nail shape with design, underneath, to the side – wherever.
• Judges want to see an invention and imagination at play. Create a new, jaw-dropping styled nail.
• This offers the opportunity to demonstrate beautiful structure plus showcasing creative art and design skills.

 

SCORE SHEET CONTENT

• OVERALL LOOK STRUCTURE: Has this got a strong structural shape? Assess the complexity of the nail structure, shape, form & architecture.
• DIFFICULTY: The complexity of the design is evaluated on its degree of expertise & skill. Assess the degree of difficulty shown.
• ARCHITECTURE: Depth & dimension of the architecture. Evaluate the complexity of this architecture.
• STRUCTURE, SHAPE & BALANCE: Top view. Looking from above onto the nail – is the shape perfectly in line with the finger? Is the nail even & balanced?
• WORKMANSHIP: Assess the degree of difficulty shown.
• ART & COLOR THEORY: Assess the color palette chosen and the art expression elements.
• DETAILING: Are the fine lines crisp, is the art finished to a high standard of complexity and is it detailed?
• FEATURE & DESIGN ELEMENTS: Is this nail showcasing any crazy 3D element or feature that enhances the design and makes it stand out from the crowd?
• PRODUCT CONTROL: Even application, no shadows, air bubbles or pits.
• SURFACE SMOOTHNESS: Is the surface smooth or does it have for example: bumps, dips, rough or dull spots. Or, if the design affords, is the texture harmonious & flowing across the entire surface.
• DESIGN INVENTION: Is the decoration/design on the nail fresh & stylish? Evaluate complexity?
• CREATIVITY: Are you seeing creative/skillful use of art media & techniques?
• ORIGINALITY: The overall look must be an original interpretation of the theme & serving an impact with its delivery.

 

ALLOWED

• Anything is allowed. The more techniques, skills, and creativity you show, the better.
• Display long nail in a frame, stand or on an artificial hand or finger.
• Judge must be able to touch nail to assess it from all angles.

 

NOT ALLOWED

• No restrictions on shape – anything goes.
• All entries must be new to Nailympia and can only be entered one time. No repeat entries from prior years allowed.
• The work must not have been published, on social media or entered any competition or published in any journal beforehand.
• No entries that have been changed from previous competitions allowed.
• A maximum of ONE entry per competitor is allowed.
• Large display case or frame. Make frame or case just a few inches large than the nail.
• No decoration of the frame / display case.

 

 

BOXED FLAT ART on 10 Nail Tips – 5 sizes

THEME: Chinese-style watercolor with calligraphy

 

TASK

• Not a floor/live competition – turn-in on the day or post to the organizer prior to the deadline.
• Hand painting only – no airbrushing.
• This competition is an ‘art painting’ format. Nails to be designed on 5 different sized nail tips and placed together but not touching in a frame or display box.
• No decoration added to the display. No extra points for this.
• Do not stick the 10 nails together to create one large canvas or push them together – there must be an obvious gap between the tips and there must be at least 5 different sized tips used (5 different lengths). This is art on many tiny canvases.
• All entries must be accompanied by a typed description (50 words MAXIMUM) of the work involved on one small sheet of paper/card, including types of nail art media & techniques used. Points will be deducted if no description is provided.
• Send your box via mail, courier or with another tech if you can’t be at the event in person.

 

 

SCORE SHEET CONTENT

• FIRST OVERALL IMPRESSION: ‘WOW’ factor on first impression. Assess artistic skill & creativity.
• COMPOSITION: How well does the design draw the eye from nail to nail?
• LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY & WORKMANSHIP: The complexity of the design is evaluated on its degree of expertise & skill.
• CONTINUITY OF DESIGN FLOW: How well is the theme carried through on all nails, does the design flow together, does it belong?
• FINISH & PRODUCT CONTROL: Are there any irregularities in the paint finish? Is the application even & skilled; is this a work of art?
• ORIGINALITY: The overall look must be an original interpretation of them & serving an impact with its delivery.
• CONTINUITY OF THEME: How well is the theme carried through on all 10 nail tips? Does the theme appear continuously? Does the design match the typed theme that has been given on the written description?

 

ALLOWED

• It´s a chance to go wild with nails & imagination but keep a style.
• Art acrylic paint and gel paints are allowed.
• Contestants use only artistic painting or one stroke.
• All entries must be submitted during check-in/registration.
• All entries must be accompanied by a typed description (50 words MAXIMUM).

 

NOT ALLOWED

• All entries must be new to Nailympia and can only be entered one time. No repeat entries from prior years allowed.
• The work must not have been published, on social media or entered any competition or published in any journal beforehand.
• No decoration or acrylic product L&P can be used; if this happens, there will be a 10-point deduction. This is flat painted art only.
• Any embellishment of actual tips, whether attached to the tip or not, will be considered a violation and 10 points will be deducted.
• Do not stick the 10 nails together to create one large canvas or push them together.
• No entries that have been changed from previous competitions allowed.
• A maximum of ONE entry per competitor is allowed. No entries left after the close of the competition will be returned to the competitor. Unless organized beforehand with relevant postage and packing.
• Do not decorate or embellish the display case or frame.
• Displays cannot be larger than 10 inches in either direction and no more than 4 inches in height. Having a display any larger may result in it not being displayed and if it’s too large, it may not be accepted. This is left to the discretion of the Nailympia team. The displays are measured by the judges.

 

 

MANICURE POSTER – 2 hands

THEME: OPEN

 

TASK

• Not a floor/live competition – send to the organizer prior to the deadline. Mjust depict at least one hand and 5 nails.
• All entries must be new to Nailympia and can only be entered one time in this competition. Must be an original photograph that has not been previously published or displayed in public or social media.
• It is the whole picture that will be judged, not just the work on the nails. Points will be awarded for the nail finish and overall wow factor. The style, background and theme of the picture will also be judged.
• Think nail magazine cover when creating this poster.
• Image must be in color.

 

 

SCORE SHEET CONTENT

• INSTANT IMPACT: Does the image have a ‘wow factor’ that commands attention? Are your eyes drawn to the nails in the overall image?
• CLARITY OF IMAGE & NAILS: Is the image finished professionally without too much post-production work that makes it look contrived and

unrealistic?

• OVERALL STYLING: Have all the elements of the image been considered and well executed with thought & consideration- the hair, make-up, props, model choice, the nails etc. Or for hand only imagery - is the styling strong, powerful with a magnetic draw for the eye?
• ORIGINALITY: The overall look must be an original interpretation; unusual & creative. Do you feel this is a new & exciting direction for nail imagery?
• USE OF COLOR & LIGHTING: Is the use of lighting clever? Has it added depth, dimension, highlights & shadows to the frame to bring the story to life? Has the lighting affected the overall feel & projection of the image & the observer’s response to it?
• EXECUTION OF CONCEPT: Assessing the styling, props, overall look & nail design, has the whole image been well brought together as an idea? Does it work as a nail image?
• NAIL FINISH: Is the nail finish beautiful, talented, creative, sharp, clean, crisp & skilled? (Glossy or matte depending on the intention of the creator). Pay close attention to the cuticle area and surrounding skin to observe the precision of the result.
• PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATION: Does this image work as a nail magazine cover? Does it speak for & represent the professional nail industry in an authentic, true yet exciting fashion?

 

ALLOWED

• Finishing on nails can be in any media. It´s a chance to go wild with nails & imagination but keep a style.
• Can depict hands, fingers, feet nails, toes, full body, part body, face, more than one person.

 

NOT ALLOWED

• All entries must be new to Nailympia and can only be entered one time. No repeat entries from prior years allowed.
• No black and white image.
• The work must not have been published, on social media or entered any competition or published in any journal beforehand.
• No entries that have been changed from previous competitions allowed.
• A maximum of ONE entry per competitor is allowed.

 

PEDICURE POSTER 

THEME: OPEN

 

TASK

• Not a floor/live competition – send to the organizer prior to the deadline. Must depict at least one foot.
• All entries must be new to Nailympia and can only be entered one time in this competition. Must be an original photograph that has not been previously published or displayed in public or social media.
• It is the whole picture that will be judged, not just the work on the nails. Points will be awarded for the nail finish and overall wow factor. The style, background and theme of the picture will also be judged.
• Think nail magazine cover when creating this poster.
• Image must be in color.

 

 

SCORE SHEET CONTENT

• INSTANT IMPACT: Does the image have a ‘wow factor’ that commands attention? Are your eyes drawn to the nails in the overall image?
• CLARITY OF IMAGE & NAILS: Is the image finished professionally without too much post-production work that makes it look contrived and unrealistic?
• OVERALL STYLING: Have all the elements of the image been considered and well executed with thought & consideration- the hair, make-up, props, model choice, the nails etc. Or for foot only imagery - is the styling strong, powerful with a magnetic draw for the eye?
• ORIGINALITY: The overall look must be an original interpretation; unusual & creative. Do you feel this is a new & exciting direction for nail imagery?
• USE OF COLOR & LIGHTING: Is the use of lighting clever? Has it added depth, dimension, highlights & shadows to the frame to bring the story to life? Has the lighting affected the overall feel & projection of the image & the observer’s response to it?
• EXECUTION OF CONCEPT: Assessing the styling, props, overall look & nail design, has the whole image been well brought together as an idea? Does it work as a nail image?
• NAIL FINISH: Is the nail finish beautiful, talented, creative, sharp, clean, crisp & skilled? (Glossy or matte depending on the intention of the creator). Pay close attention to the cuticle area and surrounding skin to observe the precision of the result.
• PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATION: Does this image work as a nail magazine cover? Does it speak for & represent the professional nail industry in an authentic, true yet exciting fashion?

 

ALLOWED

• Finishing on nails can be in any media. It´s a chance to go wild with nails & imagination but keep a style.
• Can depict hands, feet, toes, full body, part body, face, more than one person.

 

NOT ALLOWED

• All entries must be new to Nailympia and can only be entered one time. No repeat entries from prior years allowed.
• No black and white image.
• The work must not have been published, on social media or entered any competition or published in any journal beforehand.
• No entries that have been changed from previous competitions allowed.
• A maximum of ONE entry per competitor is allowed.

 

 

 

FULL COVER CREATIVE – 10 full cover nail tips

 

TASK

• Hand in to the organizer or mail in prior to dates below.
• This is a commercial competition.
• Place 10 nails in a presentation box – long, thin with space between every nail.
• Nails to be designed on 5 different sized nail tips and placed together but not touching in a display/presentation box.
• The largest 2 nails must not exceed 1 inch in length. Must be wearable length for evening wear.
• The tips must be displayed in a simple way with a short explanation or visual sketch of how the design fits the brief / theme.
• The finished nail designs should include suitable shape and length for evening wear.

 

 

SCORE SHEET CONTENT

• BRIEF FIT: How well do the 10 nail designs fit the brief - has the design been interpreted with imagination, skill and creativity?
• WORTH: Are these nail designs worthy of evening wear? Are they of commercial value?
• ORIGINALITY & IMAGINATION: How original are the designs? Has the nail stylist shown a unique imagination and approach?
• PRACTICAL USE: How practical are the designs for a commercial commission? Are they stylish, elegant, fancy and skilled work?
• OVERALL LOOK: Do the nails complete the picture and act as a complementary accessory – wearable art?
• DESIGN INVENTION: Is the decoration/design on the nail fresh & stylish? Evaluate complexity.
• LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY & WORKMANSHIP: The complexity of the design is evaluated on its degree of expertise & skill.
• NAIL FINISH: Is the nail finish beautiful, talented, creative, sharp, clean, crisp & skilled? Are there any irregularities in the paint finish? Is the application even? Is the finish appropriate to the design of the theme?
• LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY & WORKMANSHIP: The complexity of the design is evaluated on its degree of expertise & skill.

Are there any irregularities in the paint finish? Is the application even? Is the finish appropriate to the design of the theme?

• ORIGINALITY: The overall look must be an original interpretation of theme & serving an impact with its delivery.

 

 

ALLOWED

• Competitors may use ANY suitable materials that do not necessarily have to be nail products or can be a mixture of nail products and other materials. There are no restrictions on the creation of these 10 nails.
• Commercial competition. Place 10 nails in a presentation box – long, thin with space between every nail.
• 10 nail tips in 5 different sizes - no longer than 1 inch maximum.

 

 

NOT ALLOWED

• All entries must be new to Nailympia and can only be entered one time. No repeat entries from prior years allowed.
• The work must not have been published, on social media or entered any competition or published in any journal beforehand.
• No entries that have been changed from previous competitions allowed.
• Nails must not exceed 1 inch in length.
• A maximum of ONE entry per competitor is allowed.
• It is possible to send your entry in via mail, courier or with another tech if you can’t be at the event in person. Mailed in entries must be RECEIVED into Premiere’s office.

 

HOT TIP

Read the score sheets. Check out the point distribution to see where to gain points and where you gain the least. This will help your timing and focus. Knowledge of where you can gain points and where you can unnecessarily lose them is helpful.

 

 

MIXED MEDIA BOXED 3D ART on 10 nail tips

 

THEME:

 

TASK 

 

Not a floor/live competition – hand in to the organizer prior to the deadline.

1. Competitors must use 3 of these 5 nail art media: airbrushing, embellishments (rhinestones, striping tape etc), L&P acrylic, gel, hand painting, one stroke. Failure to use 3 will result in a 10-point deduction for each media less than 3.
2. For continuity, please describe the theme that is featured.
3. It must not have been seen in any competition in the world – whatever size.
4. All work must be ORIGINAL and not added to after a previous comp, copied from a masterclass or another tech’s work. Completely original.
5. This competition is a ‘show & tell’ format. Nails to be designed on 5 different sized nail tips and placed together.
6. Art on the nails must not exceed 1/4 inch / 6,35 mm in height from the surface of the nail. Having a display any larger may result in it not being displayed and if it’s too large, it may not be accepted. This is left to the discretion of the Nailympia. The displays are measured by the judges. Any embellishment to the actual tips, whether attached to the tip or not, will count and must not extend further than 1⁄4”/6,35 mm from the nail surface or 10 points will be deducted.
7. All entries must be accompanied by a description (50 words MAXIMUM in Chinese & English translation) of the work involved including types of nail art media and techniques used. Points will be deducted if no description is provided.

 

 

SCORE SHEET CONTENT

1. GRAPHIC QUALITY: The artistry should be created with dimension.
2. CLARITY OF THEME: The design should be apparent & identifiable, and the design must represent the theme.
3. LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY & WORKMANSHIP: The complexity of the design is evaluated on its degree of expertise & skill.
4. FINISH: Are there any irregularities in the paint finish? Is the application even? Is the finish appropriate to the design of the theme?
5. MEDIA: There must be a minimum of 3 types of art used/products/techniques used – and they should be incorporated into the design cohesively.
6. CONTINUITY OF THEME: How well is the theme carried through on all 10 nail tips? Does the theme appear continuously? Does the design match the typed theme that has been given on the written description?
7. ORIGINALITY: The overall look must be an original interpretation of theme & serving an impact with its delivery.

 

MODEL 1. No model necessary. You will work on tips.

 

ALLOWED

1. All media used must be used in an artistic way. It is the competitor’s responsibility to clarify anything questionable prior to the event and the judges’ decisions are accepted as final.

 

NOT ALLOWED

1. All entries must be new to Nailympia and can only be entered one time. No repeat entries from prior years allowed.
2. The work must not have been published, on social media or entered any competition beforehand. A maximum of ONE entry per competitor is allowed.
3. DO NOT stick the 10 nails together to create one large canvas – there must be a gap between the tips and there must be at least 5 different sized tips used. This is art on many tiny canvases.
4. No decals/ nail stickers allowed.
5. No stamping art allowed.
6. No molds to be used in this comp.
7. No embellishment or product may extend further than 1⁄4ʺ / 6,35 mm from the original nail surface in any direction, if it does, there will be a 10-point deduction.
8. Please do not choose themes in copyright - NO Disney, Pixar – no movies, no characters etc.

 

TIP Read the score sheets. Check out the point distribution. Where you will gain the most points and where you gain the least. This will help your timing and focus. Knowledge of where you can gain points and where you can unnecessarily lose them is helpful.

 

FLOOR RULES 2024

• Nailympia has become known for its firm yet fair approach to the rules. The team tries to keep rules to the minimum and overhaul them every year. If we have a rule then we stick to it to the letter.
• Our ultimate aim is to provide every competitor with a totally level playing field. The rules apply to EVERY competitor without exception.
• Fairness is key to the approach of Nailympia.
• Floor judges are there for a very good reason and that is to uphold

the stated and published rules and to make sure no one breaks or bends them. They are not there to wander up and down the aisles watching the applications.

• No floor judging decision is taken in isolation. It is always done as a team. For a minor infringement or a question please refer in the first instance to a floor judge who will bring it to Alex Fox and the head judge.
• Only competitors and their models may enter the competition arena. Interpreters are allowed but must be authorized by the organizer. Any other person entering the arena must obtain permission from the organizer or floor judges - this includes all media.
• Competitors will be invited to set up their tools and products BEFORE the competition briefing. All kit boxes and bags (other than personal handbags to be placed under the chair) will be moved towards the back wall of the arena or a safe place close by. They will not be left at the nail desk. No bags or cases to be blocking the aisle – it must be clear for floor judges. Deductions will be made if

cases are seen in the wrong place. If there are drawers in the nail desks, products and tools can be stored inside them.

• Electric extension leads must only be used from the socket provided for the desk. They must not be used at another desk (unless approved by on site electricians and not a health & safety risk).
• Each desk has electric sockets. It is the responsibility of the competitor to have plug adaptors and extension leads to work their appliances. If a floor judge is unsure of the safety of plug adaptors, extension leads or electrical appliances they will need to call the onsite electricians, which could cause a delay in that

competitor starting the competition.

• All local health & safety rules must be followed.
• Fan heaters or other local heating appliances may not be allowed.
• No lighters or matches to be allowed. No naked flame to heat up tips etc. This is a fire risk.
• A full set (2 hands), unless otherwise stated, must be completed and

all work must be finished in the time allotted for the competition.

• Each competition will have a briefing, scheduled 15-minutes prior

to the start of each event.

• Competitors must be present for the briefing and remain at their desks until the conclusion of the competition. Models may be asked to leave the floor during the briefing.
• Once the briefing starts, the competitor may not touch the model’s nails until the competition begins. If any competitor touches their model’s nails once the briefing has begun, they will have 5-points deducted from their final score.
• Model’s nails will be checked by floor judges during the briefing to be certain no work has been done previously.
• Tables will be checked – All products on the desk must be correctly

labelled. All nail products must be in their original packaging. The only exceptions to this are solvents or alcohols that have been decanted into pumps and must be correctly labelled (by hand is accepted). eg acetone, IPA. All products used must be legal and cosmetically approved for use on the nails.

• Tip boxes and forms will be checked to make sure no pre-sizing, tailoring or blending has been undertaken. Tip boxes (where appropriate) must be a box of at least 100 tips of various sizes arranged in sizes. Tips must be used straight from the box without any pre-tailoring. Only clear or natural are allowed, not white. If the floor judges suspect any pre-tailoring or pre-sizing, a decision will

be made by the head floor judge for the category plus one other judge and result in a 20-point deduction for the first infringement and disqualification for the second infringement in any subsequent category. This is in association with the rules on forms. That is, a first infringement may be when using tips. A second infringement may be associated with forms.

• Forms must be used from a roll of 25 forms. There must be no pre-tailoring. Free edge support, which is manufactured within the form, is allowed, but not if manually added before the competition. If the floor judges suspect any pre-tailoring, a decision will be made by the head floor judge for the category plus one other judge and will result in a 20-point deduction for the first

infringement and disqualification for the second infringement in any

subsequent category. This is in association with tips. That is, a first

infringement may be when using forms. A second infringement may

be when using tips.

• If it’s decided by the judges that prep work has been done on the model prior to the briefing, the competitor will receive a 5-point deduction from their final score.
• Once the allotted time is up, competitors must stop work immediately: (in large competitions) competitors must leave the competition arena until all models have left the area to be judged. (This will take some time, so it’s advised that competitors take their handbags with them.) Competitors will be allowed back in the arena as soon as possible to clear desks or for enhancement

removal.

• Any competitor found to still be working on their model after the close of the competition will be disqualified by a floor judge.
• Competitors are responsible for making sure their model understands the judging procedure and directing them to visit each judge before leaving. (There can be up to 9 judges behind the curtain.)
• Models must not leave the arena until they have been judged/seen by ALL judges. Any model leaving the judging arena prior to being judged will be disqualified.
• Floor judges have the right to remove, disqualify or award point deductions to any competitor seen to be breaking the rules.

 

• As this is an international competition – the organizer appreciates

things happen that we have no control over. This means the organizer will accept a late competitor (already registered & expected) up to 10-minutes into the competition. The USA may allow late entries up until 30 minutes before the competition briefing.

• Please download score sheets from the Nailympia website so you can see exactly where points are awarded.
• Competitors must not share products during the competition without

approval from a floor judge.

• Kit bags must be stored away from the desks and may not be accessed without approval from the floor judges. The drawers in the desks are for storage only and not for use during the competition.
• All products and tools for the category must be placed on the desk. Any products that are not allowed for use in the category found on the desk will be confiscated. A repeat of this infringement may result in point deductions of between 5-20-points.
• Competitors can use mobile phones and tablets to time the competition and utilize social media during the event. Mobile photos MUST NOT be used for inspiration for the any comp – you must use your creativity, imagination and skill on the day.

 

• Please use hashtags #nailympia / #nailympiacompetitions / #nailympiaorlando / #premiereorlando

 

Lastly...

• Any competitor not abiding by these rules will take whatever point deduction is offered by the floor judges. For those rules not specifying a point deduction, there will be one warning, thereafter it will be a 5-point deduction for the next warning and disqualification for the third infringement.
• Judges’ decisions are final. Score sheets will be given out at locations after the awards ceremony where the scoring is done on paper.
• For ties in scores, a winner is awarded by the score of Judge 1, if this also ties, then Judge 2’s scores are taken into account, and so forth.
• Be kind to your model. It’s a long day for them. Make sure they take a bathroom break before the competition. Keep your model fed and well hydrated throughout the competition day. Your model is welcome to time your progress on his/her mobile phone or tablet.
• The team at Nailympia is not responsible for any competitor not adhering to or understanding the rules.