Gel Polish – 45-minutes

TASK

1. This competition is done on natural nails only - duration 45-minutes for both hands-on models.
2. The model is to come with manicured nails, prepare the nails at home/hotel.
3. Nails ready for gel polish must be enhanced and coated with any type of gel polish product.
4. No design element is required. Just a picture-perfect flawless set of nails.

BOTH HANDS ON MODEL

1. Right hand is to be created in a solid red color on the natural nail plate.
2. Left hand is to be finished in a traditional French manicure style on the natural nail plate.

SCORE SHEET CONTENT

1. FORM & SHAPE need to be consistent & uniform, oval, square or squoval. Free edge should be no longer than 4 mm.
2. PRODUCT APPLICATION is clean & even, with no product on the skin, no streaks, or pits of bubbles.
3. FINISHED SURFACE of the product is smooth and shiny.
4. THE OVERALL LOOK of the gel polish on both hands is applied thin & natural looking. It does not appear thick & artificial. It appears to be a perfect hand – as if painted in lacquer.
5. SMILE LINES on the left hand are sharp, even, fit to the nailbed & form. The endpoints are ending in the lateral sidewall to a sharp point on both sides of the nail, with no product on the skin, no streaks, or pits of bubbles.
6. NAILBEDS are evenly colored on the left hand with cover or transparent and a white free edge on the right hand with red gel polish full cover.

ALLOWED

1. Any gel polish in a bottle/pot is allowed.
2. Use white gel polish on the free edge for French.
3. A white and transparent pink, clear or cover gel polish for the nailbed and a transparent top coat gel polish for the finish is allowed.
4. A classic Ferrari red gel polish is recommended.
5. A thin nail art brush to create a smile line is allowed.

NOT ALLOWED

1. No manicure procedure is allowed during this competition.
2. Sculpting gel or hybrid/polygel is not allowed.
3. No touching or pre-blending allowed before the comp begins.
4. No glitter, shimmer or frost permitted or any color with pearl, glitter, or shimmer.
5. All colors must be free of pearl and metallic effect.
6. No extension of the nail plate/natural nail is allowed. The nail plate/natural nail must be free of product and natural.
7. Products without any label are not allowed.

UV \LED HARD GEL & L&P ACRYLIC Sculpture & Tip & Overlay

Sculpture is undertaken on the MODEL’S RIGHT hand

Tip & Overlay on the MODEL’S LEFT hand.

• Competitors are required to sculpt on the model’s RIGHT hand with L&P acrylic and tip/overlay in UV hard gel on the model’s LEFT hand. This means there is an opportunity to enter 2 competitions in one sitting.
• Competitors can take just one comp on one hand. One-hand competitors will be given 75-minutes to complete the hand and be positioned in one area together. Those doing both hands will be asked to stop after 75-minutes and have a 10-minute break before starting on the second hand.
• Competitors must polish 2 fingers on each hand (thumb and pinkie) of the model with a red cream polish/lacquer only – no base coat, ridgefiller or top coat may be used. The polish may be of the competitors’ choice.
• NOTE - On the underside of the nail – the judges do NOT need to see white under the 2 red nails.
• The nail bed CAN be extended.
• NEW - NO premixing of camouflage cover pink or whites before the event. All overlay products must be in original packaging – with clear correct label.
• These are French style pink & white competitions with 2 red polished nails. Cover pink products are allowed.
• Cream, lotion, oil and polish dry products may be used. 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. Models may not put fingers in their mouth or rub them on their clothing.
• No UV gel products/sealers to be used on the L&P acrylic categories.
• Water and soap may be used in finishing.
• NEW - Tips must NOT be pretailored or touched before the comp starts. Competitors may not touch the nail tips prior to the start of the competition.
• NEW - Every competitor must arrive with an organised tip box with at least 10 tips of each size in each allocated size compartment of the box. A disorganised tip box will be removed from the desk by a floor judge.
• For sculpture a roll of JUST 25 forms per comp. Floor judges will be closely inspecting every form.
• Adhesive is allowed for tip & overlay. NO adhesive for the sculpt categories and must not be on the nail desk.
• E-Files are allowed.
• Gel competitors must bring a UV or LED gel lamp.
• You are only permitted to use Natural or Clear tips in both UV gel and acrylic tip & overlay categories.
• NOTE - It is not necessary to create lunula/moons on the nail – there are no extra points for lunulas.
• NEW - No acry-gel products allowed in the traditional P&W comps. No hybrid UV gels, no gel polish.
• Only UV hard or soak off gels allowed.
• 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.
• NEW – For those doing both competitions – the hands will be compared for the Perfect Match competition and judged on three areas – apex, finish, c-curve - for a maximum of 30 points.
• NOTE - No tools to aid the creation of smile lines are to be used. Smile lines are to be created using a brush and/or hand file. (NO smile line cutters allowed.)

The Joy of Nails with Bling

• One hand only – competitor can work on his/her own hand.
• Liquid & powder, UV gel, 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 favoured and best nail designs, shapes and styles.
• Anything can be applied to the nails. 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.
• NEW - 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.
• NEW - NO more than 20% crystal embellishment on each nail.
• All nail work is to be done on the comp floor - no pre-made work allowed. NO pre-tailoring or touching of tips or forms etc.
• Please design 3 nails (no pinkie or thumb included).
• NOTE – 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.

STILETTO NAILS

• Nails to be sculpted on forms. No tips permitted. 25 forms only on the nail desk.
• Nails can be made using L&P acrylic or UV gel systems.
• The application and length can be designed to the competitor’s desire and ability.
• 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.
• Gel sealers and top coat are allowed.
• Paint, striper foils, rhinestones and bullion are allowed. Colour foils (plain only) can be used for design. Products used can have colour or glitter added if desired.
• No decals allowed. This means no pre-designed or printed appliqués or decals to be used. No stamping of art allowed.
• Oil, lanolin, cream, lotion and polish dry products may be used.
• Water and soap may be used for finishing.
• E-Files are allowed.
• Gel competitors must bring a UV or LED gel lamp.
• All designs must be original and not seen in previous competitions or images.
• NEW – Pinkie and thumb nails must be pink & white with crisp smile line.
• NOTE – Stiletto Nails offers opportunity to demonstrate perfect structure plus showcasing creative art and design skills.
• TIP – Any debris or dust under the nails will lose points.
• NOTE – 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.

FRENCH TWIST - 5-shape challenge - 120 minutes 

TASK & TIME:
1. Nails to be sculpted on forms only on the right hand of the model or your own left or right hand.
2. You must sculpt 5 different form & shapes on the Right-hand 2 inches/5cm long from cuticle area to the hairline on a form as followed:
3. Thumb: Traditional French nail square (classic with a transparent nailbed or elongated nailbed with cover) with a moon.
4. Index: Smile line needs to be created and visible. Inlay art design in the extension of the nail is required and can be sculpted in any color.
5. Middle: Smile line needs to be created and visible. Inlay art design in the extension of the nail is required and can be sculpted in any color.
Ring: Smile line needs to be created and visible. Inlay art design in the extension of the nail is required and can be sculpted in any color.
6. Pinkie/Small: Smile line needs to be created and visible. Inlay art design in the extension of the nail is required and can be sculpted in any
color.
7. Competitors will be given 120-minutes to complete the hand.
8. All 4 nails can have a different inlay design but need to be created in the same color/s.
9. Everything must be created or sculpted as an inlay/ encapsulated, no 3D/overlay art.
10. The surface needs to be even and in a high shine. Can be buffed or sealed with top coat.
11. All sculpting products must be in original packaging – with clear correct label.
12. A roll of ONLY & EXACT 15 forms must be at the table.
13. The competitors must bring their own table lamps.
14. Gel competitors must bring a UV or LED gel lamp.
2. SCORE SHEET CONTENT
1. SMILE LINES: Are the smile lines consistent, deep, clean, crisp & evenly high?
2. INLAY DESIGN: Can you see an obvious and clever inlay design? Example: Smile lines (3D), sculpted flowers, sculpted swirls, color fading etc.
3. C-CURVE: C-Curve should follow the shape of the nail down the entire length of the nail. It must measure even on each side. Convex &
Concave lower side lines need to be as thick as the hairline or thinner but even on both sides.
4. 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 credit card.
5. APEX/ARCH: Apex must be consistently placed on each nail with correct placement. Upper Arch needs to be elegant and balanced.
6. CUTICLE AREA: No cuts around skin, seamless transition (no ridge) of product onto nail plate.
7. NAIL SHAPE: Are 5 different nail shapes created?
8. NAIL LENGTH: Are the nails 2 inches/ 5 cm / or longer, sculpted from the cuticle to the hairline?
9. ART & COLOR THEORY: Assess the color palette chosen and the art expression elements.
10. MOON: Does the thumb have a moon that is proportional to the smile line of the French? Is the color of the moon lighter than the French
white color?
11. OVERALL LOOK STRUCTURE: Does every nail have a WOW factor? Assess the complexity of each nail´s architecture?
12. DESIGN INVENTION: Are you seeing creative/skillful use of inlay design decoration on 4 nails?
13. CREATIVITY & IMAGINATION: Depth & dimension of the inlay designs. Is it original? Evaluate the complexity of the inlay designs.
14. FINISH WORK & HIGH SHINE: Are the nails finished to a high gloss shine?
3. COLOR PALETTE
1. Allowed are any colors in any sculpting systems (LED/UV Gel, Acrylic or Hybrid-/Poly-/Acryl Gel).
4. ALLOWED
1. Cream, lotion, oil, and dry products may be used.
2. Water and soap may be used in finishing.
3. E-Files are allowed
4. Only UV/LED hard gels, Acrylic/L&P or Hybrid Gels are allowed.
5. High shine can be buffed or created with any top coat incl. LED/UV.
6. 3D smile lines with color are allowed.
FRENCH TWIST SATURDAY 23rd MARCH 2024
08.30 - 08.45 am Table set up French Twist 5 Shape Challenge, hand check and briefing
08.45 - 10.45 am French Twist 5 Shape Challenge - right hand – 120 min
10.45 - 12.45 am Judging time French Twist 5 Shape Challenge models
10.45 - 11.00 am Clean tables and leave the competition arena
©COPYRIGHT SNI – SIGNATURE NAIL INTERNATIONAL 2023 9
5. NOT ALLOWED
2. No nail art on top is allowed.
3. Polish/lacquer is not allowed.
4. No mixing of any colors in the competition arena or during the competition.
5. Glitter needs to be original/infused in the system you are using; no loose glitter.
6. Excess lotion and oil will create 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.
7. Tips are NOT allowed.
8. Pre-tailored forms are NOT allowed. Floor judges will be closely inspecting every form.
9. No adhesive for the sculpt categories and must not be on the nail desk.
10. 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.
11. Loose Foils, loose glitters, rhinestones, stamping, stickers, decals, or any other accessories are NOT allowed.
12. No touching, or pre-blending allowed before the comp begins.

FANTASY NAILS – The Complete Look – open theme

• All entries must be new to the Nailympia competition arena and can only be entered one time at this competition. No repeat entries from prior years allowed.
• The fantasy work must be adhered to natural nails only. NO polish colour, no French or natural enhancements, no gel polish – just natural nails only on the competition floor. The natural nails can be pre-manicured. 10-points deducted if the nails have polish or base coat on them.
• Only the model and competitor are allowed on the competition floor. The costuming, make-up and hair may be assembled before the competition and can be a team effort. The nails must be added to the complete look during the one-hour competition by the competitor with no additional help.
• All pieces or embellishments to go on the nails may be completely created prior to the competition, then assembled and placed/adhered to the nails during the competition. You must create 10 separate tips to adhere to the 10 nails during the competition. It must be 10 nails for 10 fingers.
• Three dimensional, pre-cast embellishments, feathers, decals, gems, accessories, ornaments or any form of fantasy is allowed.
• Models must wear their costume prior to the start of the competition, with final touches completed during the competition.
• The costume is a large part of this competition (1-20 points), as this competition stresses creativity, difficulty and how well the theme of the entire design and costume work together. Dress the model in the theme from head to toes.
• Complete your work with no more than 50 words on a small card (to be placed at the model’s feet during judging). Outline your theme and nail art media used. Explain what techniques, products and materials have been used for the creation.
• No step-by-step photographs accepted. Photos of the work or artist involved will lead to point deductions or disqualification.
• NOTE – Points can be lost if elements of design are bought ready-made and embellished.
• TIP – Keep all elements neat & well finished with no visible signs of glue, dust or debris.
• TIP – Difficulty is evaluated by the level of detail & intricacies noted within each element. Less is sometimes more and big does not always mean better.

MIXED MEDIA BOXED NAIL ART – open theme

• NOTE - All entries must be new to the Nailympia competitions and can only be entered one time. No repeat entries from prior years allowed. All work must be ORIGINAL and not added to after a previous comp, copied from a masterclass or another tech’s work. Completely original.
• It must not have been seen in any competition in the world - whatever size.
• The work must not have been published anywhere, been on social media or entered into any competition beforehand. It must be new and fresh.
• This competition is a ‘show & tell’ format. Nails to be designed on varying-sized nail tips and placed in a display case (no lid or cover required) in the arena. 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.
• 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 The displays are measured by the judges.
• All entries to be 100% complete before the competition. A full set of 10 tips must be created and reflect the different nail sizes, as real nails – judges need to see 5 different nail sized tips. Anyone using all one-size tips will have an automatic 10-point deduction to their final score.
• NOTE - 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 organised beforehand with relevant postage and packing.
• All entries must be submitted by the agreed registration – this differs with each location.
• All entries must be accompanied by a typed description (50 words MAXIMUM) of the work involved on one small piece of paper/card, including types of nail art media and techniques used. Points will be deducted if no description is provided.
• For continuity please describe the theme that is featured.
• 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.
• No decals allowed. No stamping art allowed. All three media used must be used in an artistic way or they will not count towards the required 3 nail art media. It is the competitor’s responsibility to clarify anything questionable prior to the event and the judges’ decisions are accepted as final.
• No embellishment or L&P acrylic product may extend further than 1⁄4” from the original nail surface in any direction, if it does, there will be a 10-point deduction.
• Any embellishment to the actual tips, whether attached to the tip or not, will count and must not extend further than 1⁄4” from the nail surface or 10 points will be deducted.
• It is possible to send your box in via mail, courier or with another tech if you can’t be at the event in person.

SALON NAILS (one hand)

Show your skills as a salon nail professional: everyday nails for everyday clients.
Choose between one of these artificial systems (L&P acrylic, UV gel, fibreglass, hybrids) then shape, style and lengthen nails accordingly.

(No gel polish or dip systems to be used.)

• 60-minutes to complete a set of salon-style nail enhancements on ONE hand only - using any suitable artificial nail system.
• Sculpt or tip & overlay techniques to be used only. NO moulds or moulds labelled as nail forms – just nail tips & paper sculpting forms allowed.
• NO white tips. Use clear or natural tips only.
• Competitors are required to use professional products. NO glitter, coloured powder, additives etc to be used – judges are looking for the most natural set of nails that suit the hand shape and skin tone. (NB: This rule does not apply to the ring finger.)
• Camouflage powders or gels can be used if appropriate for the ‘client’.
• 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. (NB: This rule does not apply to the RING finger.)
• NEW - RING FINGER 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. Foils, glitters, rhinestones, powders, hand painting are allowed. NO decals, pre-designed or printed appliqués to be used. No Stamping of art allowed.
• No tip sizing, touching or pre-blending allowed before the comp begins.
• NOTE - No tools to aid the creation of smile lines are to be used. Smile lines are to be created using a brush only. (NO smile line cutters allowed.)
• Cleansing and moisturising products (oils, creams, lotions, etc) are allowed. Excessive use of oil is not permitted. Judges will deduct points for excess oil.
• The nail enhancements must be finished in a natural or French style pink & white – gel top coats and sealants are allowed. No nail polish colour.
• NOTE - Extra points are awarded for smile lines or a beautifully blended pink & white - baby boomer / ombré.

BOXED FLAT NAIL ART – open theme

Submission in box 10 tips - Boxed Nail Art

• All entries must be new to the Nailympia arena and can only be entered one time
at this competition. No repeat entries from prior years are allowed. NO entries that have been changed or embellished from previous competitions allowed.
• The work must not have been published, on social media or entered into any competition beforehand.
• This competition is an ‘Art painting’ format. Nails to be designed on varying sized nail tips and placed in a display case (no lid or cover required). 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.
• 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.
• All entries to be 100% complete before the competition. A full set of 10 tips must be created and reflect the different nail sizes, as real nails – judges need to see 5 different nail sized tips. Anyone using all one-size tips will have an automatic 10-point deduction to their final score.
• NOTE: 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 organised beforehand with relevant postage and packing.
• All entries must be submitted during check-in/registration.
• 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.
• Contestants use only artistic painting or one stroke.
• Art acrylic paint and gel paints are allowed.
• No decoration or acrylic product L&P to 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.
• Send your box via mail, courier or with another tech if you can’t be at the event in person.

To Stiletto & Beyond (was Invent A Nail Shape)

MORE THAN 2 INCHES LONG – SCULPT ONE NAIL ONLY

TASK

This is your chance to show the nail world how creative, imaginative and skilled you are. Design your own style nail and sculpt it.

1. This requires just one nail of any length over 2 inches from the cuticle. This is extreme nail shaping sculpture with art expression on top.
2. Any nail product may be used with crystals/rhinestones/bullion etc. accepted for bling and design purposes. Go wild and create a stunning nail with design on top, underneath, to the side – wherever.
3. This offers the opportunity to demonstrate beautiful structure plus showcasing creative art and design skills.
4. Looking for desirable & gorgeous shapes, designs, beauty, style & skills.

SCORE SHEET CONTENT

1. OVERALL LOOK STRUCTURE/INVENTIVENESS: Has this set got a structural new shape? Assess the complexity of the nail structure, shape, form & architecture.
2. ARCHITECTURE: Depth & dimension of the architecture. Evaluate the complexity of this architecture.
3. STRUCTURE, SHAPE & BALANCE - TOP VIEW: Looking from above onto the nail – is the shape perfectly in line with - as if it were seen on a finger? Is the nail even & balanced?
4. LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: The complexity of the design is evaluated on its degree of expertise & skill. Is everything sculpted by hand?
5. WORKMANSHIP: Assess the degree of difficulty shown.
6. PRODUCT CONTROL: Even application, no shadows, air bubbles or pits.
7. 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.
8. DESIGN INVENTION: Is the decoration/design on the nail fresh & stylish? Evaluate the complexity?
9. CREATIVITY: Are you seeing creative/skillful use of art media & techniques?
10. ART & COLOR THEORY: Assess the color palette chosen & the art expression elements.
11. FEATURE & DESIGN ELEMENTS: Is this nail showcasing any crazy 3D element or feature that enhances the design & makes it stand out from the crowd?
12. DETAILING: Are the fine lines crisp, is the art finished to a high standard of complexity & is it detailed?
13. ORIGINALITY: The overall look must be an original interpretation of the theme & serving an impact with its delivery.    

ALLOWED

1. The more skills and creativity you show, the better.

NOT ALLOWED

1. No restrictions on shape – anything goes.
2. All entries must be new to Nailympia and can only be entered one time. No repeat entries from prior years allowed.
3. The work must not have been published on social media or entered into any competition or published in any journal beforehand.
4. NO entries that have been changed from previous competitions allowed.
5. A maximum of ONE entry per competitor is allowed.
6. Submit the nail and text highlighting the media & techniques used. Give a good description in 100 words of how you crafted & decorated the nail.
7. Do not choose to depict anything that is in copyright.

Extreme Nail Styling Poster -  Nails & Face - one or two hands (any length 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. The nails must be new and never published or seen in any other capacity.
• Only 1 photograph is required.
• 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 ‘magazine cover’ when creating this poster.
• Finish on nails can be in any media. It’s a chance to go wild with nails & imagination.
• Image must be in colour. Please make sure it is sent in jpeg/PNG format and over 2MB in size for good clarity and resolution.
• A written synopsis of no more than 50 words in English must be provided with your photograph detailing how the look was achieved. This is for the judges to mark complexity and understand the journey to completed look. Please note points will be deducted for failing to include the text.
• Please do not choose themes in copyright- NO Disney, Pixar – no movies, no characters etc.

Do not infringe any copyright rules – steer clear of themes that are protected by copyright. By displaying / creating a design inside copyright – Nailympia will disqualify.

NOTE to ALL

The Nailympia team welcomes and encourages competitors to police the competitions. Please let the team know if you have seen any artwork before at any other competition, anywhere in the world. You must be able to prove it with evidence.