FAQs

Can I work on my own hand or do I need a model?

Some competitions do allow you to work on your own hand so check in with each location, as this is subject to the organiser’s opinion and individual location. For example, in London you can do Stiletto Nails and The Joy of Nails on your own hand.

What length must the pink & white nails be for the tip/overlay & sculpture competitions?

Nailympia is unique in this category as it does not specify any length for the nail, although it does offer strong guidelines on how to craft a stunning competition nail in its 2025 Guidelines, written by a team of industry experts.  (inc. Vitaly Solomonoff and David Fowler.)

Nailympia ask that every nail is consistent, that they are all the same. This means the competitor chooses the length and the ratio of pink to white and then repeats this format exactly across three fingers. The pinky and thumb must adhere to the same consistency in sidewalls, apex, structure, length etc, but are finished in a red creme nail polish. Note for 2025- judges will want to see three moons (lunula) in a softer white on the nail.

If the rules do not mention an aspect of the nail creation/styling, what do I do?

If there is no mention or clear indication of any technique, product use or style in the rules pertaining to any given competition, it means you can do it.

I’m an educator that has never competed, what is my entry division?

You must use the entry level of Division 2.

Do I need to bring electrical adapters with me to Nailympia?

Yes. Wherever you are travelling you must bring an extension cable/lead and enough adapters for your equipment.

I’ve brought acetone with me, but the jar is not labelled, what do I do?

You can take a pen/marker and label the jar before the competition starts. If it is not labelled, the floor judges will take the product away and give it back to you when the competition ends.

Can I share products with my team mates?

You must not share anything with your team mates, friends, spectators, interpreter during the competition. You must gain the attention of a floor judge and they will help you source what you need if it is possible and within reason.

What size does the box need to be for my Mixed Media  and Flat Art entries?

Please go to the Nailympia rules for your chosen location as it clearly specifies the size and state of how to enter. This competition may require a certain sized box in one location or photos and video in another. If it requires a box, this must not be larger than 8 inches square, as we may need to display these.

For the USA competitions, we require all turn-in entries to not exceed A4 size, as all are displayed in the arena.

My model is 16 years old, is this acceptable at Nailympia?

Every location is subject to local government rules and regulations as well as the stipulation made by each event co-ordinator too. Please check this with each Nailympia host before registering.

In London and all three USA locations, for example, your model must be over the age of 16.

For L&P acrylic and UV gel P&W competitions, do I need to create a precise smile line under my red crème nail polish to match the fingers?

You no longer have to create a smile line on the pinky and thumb for these categories. The judges do no need to see white on the underside of those two nails.

How do we attach the nails for Fantasy Complete Look to the model?

Ensure the model’s nails are free from any product and are manicured ready to go. Apply ‘press on’ nails with your choice of product or nail glue/resin, this gives the fantasy nails a platform to adhere them too. Apply the fantasy nails using 3M High Performance Double-Sided Tape or Scotch Double-Sided Mounting Tape that can hold up to 2kg in weight. Keep the heavy pieces of fantasy towards the back of the nail to ensure they keep their balance and are comfortable for the model to wear.

Does each location have its own style of Nailympia?

Yes. Every location will choose from the same pot of available competitions, or working with the team in the UK, design a new, fresh competition (China will feature Cover Creative – a new competition for press-on nails in 2025). If Reality Nails is to feature in 5 locations, the rules and score sheet will be the same in each, however its themes will change in every location. You must check in with each location to download its rules, to make sure you ar following the correct themes.

Will I get my score sheets?

Yes. Score sheets are either handed out at the end of the Nailympia awards ceremony or emailed to each competitor after the event. Score sheets will present your criteria scores, overall score and your ranking. Please note, judges are unable to give comments on scores if they cannot see the nails that were crafted. They cannot give a detailed appraisal to any competitor out of context (without the nails), after the event.

 Where do I find out about all the different Nailympia competitions?

Go to the official website, www.nailympia.com, then click on the menu header, Competitions & Locations. The drop-down menu will list all the active competitions and lead you to their specific information and entry options. You can also find us on Instagram
at @nailympiacompetitions.

For 2025 live locations comprise; Anahaim (USA), Düsseldorf (Germany), Shanghai (China), Orlando (USA), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), San Antonio (USA), London (UK).