NEW Rules & Scoresheets for 2025

The Nailympia team is thrilled to announce new rules and score sheets for 2025!

This comprehensive revamp addresses common competition questions, unifies Nailympia events worldwide and offers clearer guidance for all participants. The rules have been refined and score sheets have been updated to align with these improvements.

All competitors are encouraged to read the updated rules to maximise their scoring potential. Notably, the UV Gel Pink & White and Acrylic Liquid & Powder competitions have been restructured, allowing competitors to select their preferred technique – whether Tip & Overlay or Sculpture. These are now called “UV Gel (or Acrylic) Pink & White Competition Nails.” Additionally, the Salon Nails category no longer requires a feature design on the ring finger.

More judges will now be present in each booth to focus on specific scoring aspects, benefiting both judges and competitors. Time adjustments have been made to some competitions, with certain categories receiving more time and others slightly less.

Be sure to review the updated rules and score sheets at http://www.nailympia.de to stay informed on all changes.

Registration is open for Nailympia Anaheim (February 2025) and Nailympia Germany (March 2025).

 

Nailympia 2025

Nailympia Premiere Anaheim, CA, USA – 23-24 February
Nailympia Germany, Dusseldorf – 28-29 – 30 March
Nailympia China., Pudong, Shanghai – 8-9-10 May
Nailympia Premiere Orlando, FL, USA – 1-2 June
Nailympia Premiere San Antonio, TX, USA – 28-29 September
Nailympia Vietnam –  TBA-
Nailympia London – 12- 13 October  – Pro Beauty Autumn

 

Nailympia Vietnam 2024: THE RESULTS

The first iteration of Nailympia Competitions in Vietnam took place 10-11 April 2024, hosted by Damon Ho in Ho Chi Minh City and supported by Nailympia global director, Alex Fox.

THE RESULTS

GEL POLISH MANICURE

Division 1

  • 3rd Mai Ngọc – Vietnam 
  • 2nd Lý Bích Châu – Vietnam 
  • 1st Lê Khánh – Vietnam 

Division 2

  • 3rd Le Anh – Vietnam 
  • 2nd Nguyen Ngoc Phuong – Vietnam 
  • 1st Nguyễn Hồng Ngọc – Vietnam 

Division 3

  • 3rd Yuki Ide – Japan 
  • 2nd Genki Itou – Japan
  • 1st Natalia Trefon – Poland 

 

FANTASY COMPLETE LOOK

Division 3

  • 3rd Nguyễn Thị Hồng Mai – Vietnam 
  • 2nd Nguyen Thi Quynh – Vietnam
  • 1st Nhu Tay – Vietnam 

SALON NAILS

Division 1

  • 3rd Nguyễn Thị Thanh Tâm – Australia 
  • 2nd Trần Lê Trúc Giang – Vietnam 
  • 1st Le Vy – Australia 

Division 2

  • 3rd Nguyen Julie – Malaysia 
  • 2nd Pham Thi Nhan – Vietnam 
  • 1st Kawase Yumi – Japan 

Division 3

  • 3rd Genki Itou – Japan 
  • 2nd DOÃN VĂN HẬU – Australia 
  • 1st Natalia Trefon – Poland 

 

THE JOY OF NAILS

Division 1

  • 3rd Trần Lê Trúc Giang – Vietnam 
  • 2nd Mai Ngọc – Vietnam 
  • 1st Lê Bích Ngọc – Vietnam 

Division 2

  • 3rd Hoàng Thị Mai – Vietnam 
  • 2nd Đỗ Thị Bình Nhi – Vietnam 
  • 1st Le Thi thuy Tien – Vietnam 

Division 3

  • 3rd Genki Itou – Japan  
  • 2nd Yen Ryall – Australia  
  • 1st Yuki Ide – Japan   

 

MIXED MEDIA BOXED ART

Division 1

  • 2nd Nguyen ( Tracy Vanilla ) Trang – Vietnam 
  • 1st TRƯƠNG THỊ KIM NHUNG – Vietnam 

Division 3

  • 3rd Yuki Ide – Japan 
  • 2nd Yamamichi Kanade – Japan 
  • 1st Lê Thị Lan – Vietnam

FLAT ART DESIGN BOX

Division 1

  • 3rd Phạm Thị Hồng Nhiên – Vietnam 
  • 2nd Tô Thị Thuỳ Trang – Vietnam 
  • 1st Nguyễn Thị Kim Tuyến – Vietnam 

Division 2

  • 3rd Nguyễn Lệ Mỹ Tiên – Vietnam 
  • 2nd Lại Quốc Tuấn – Vietnam 
  • 1st Cúc Nguyễn – Vietnam 

Division 3

  • 3rd Nguyen Amy – Malaysia 
  • 2nd Nguyễn Ngọc Nữ – Vietnam 
  • 1st Lê Đại Phát – Vietnam 

 

TO STILETTO & BEYOND

Division 1 

  • 1st Mendez Ianni Daniela – Colombia 

Division 2

  • 3rd Pham Thi Thanh Huong – Vietnam 
  • 2nd Do Thi Binh Nhi – Vietnam 
  • 1st Nguyen Julie – Malaysia 

Division 3

  • 3rd Genki Itou – Japan
  • 2nd  Yuki Ide – Japan 
  • 1st Võ Quốc Vẹn Vietnam

 

  • EXTREME NAILS POSTER

Division 1

  • 1st Katterine Anaya Arias – Vietnam 

Division 2

  • 1st Nguyễn Thị Hải – Vietnam 

Division 3

  • 3rd Nguyen Thi Quyynh – Vietnam 
  • 2nd Abbie Nguyen – Vietnam 
  • 1st Ryall Yen – Australia 

 

DESIGN AN ALBUM COVER

Division 1

  • 3rd Thi Ngoc Le – Vietnam 
  • 2nd Tô Thị Thuỳ Trang – Vietnam 
  • 1st Trần Huỳnh Hồng – Vietnam 

Division 2

  • 2nd Nguyễn Hải Uyên – Vietnam 
  • 1st Trang Sala – Vietnam 

Division 3

  • 3rd Dinh Thi Mai – Vietnam 
  • 2nd Yamamichi Kanade – Japan 
  • 1st Võ Quốc Vẹn – Vietnam 

FRENCH TIP & OVERLAY

Division 1

  • 3rd Trần Lê Trúc Giang – Vietnam 
  • 2nd Le Vy – Australia 
  • 1st Nguyễn Thị Thanh Tâm – Australia 

Division 2

  • 3rd Nguyen Julie – Malaysia 
  • 2nd Nguyễn Hồng Ngọc – Vietnam 
  • 1st Phạm Thị Nhẫn – Vietnam

Division 3

  • 3rd Nguyễn Tuấn Anh – Vietnam
  • 2nd Genki Itou – Japan 
  • 1st Natalia Trefon – Poland

 

FRENCH SCULPTURE

Division 1

  • 3rd Tran Thanh Thuy – Vietnam
  • 2nd Le Vy – Australia 
  • 1st Nguyễn Thị Thanh Tâm – Australia 

Division 2

  • 3rd Nguyễn Hồng Ngọc – Vietnam 
  • 2nd Đỗ Thị Bình Nhi – Vietnam  
  • 1st Phạm Thị Nhẫn – Vietnam 

Division 3

  • 3rd Nguyễn Tuấn Anh – Vietnam 
  • 2nd Natalia Trefon – Poland 
  • 1st Genki Itou – Japan 

 

PERFECT MATCH

Division 1

  • 2nd Le Vy – Australia
  • 1st Nguyễn Thị Thanh Tâm – Australia  

Division 2

  • 3rd Nguyen Julie – Malaysia 
  • 2nd Nguyễn Hồng Ngọc – Vietnam 
  • 1st Phạm Thị Nhẫn – Vietnam  

Division 3

  • 3rd Nguyễn Tuấn Anh – Vietnam
  • 2nd Lê Thái Sơn – Vietnam  
  • 1st Genki Itou – Japan 

STILETTO NAILS

Division 1

  • 1st Mendez Ianni Daniella – Colombia 

Division 2

  • 3rd Nguyen Julie – Malaysia 
  • 2nd Đỗ Thị Bình Nhi – Vietnam 
  • 1st Le Thi Thuy Tien – Vietnam 

Division 3

  • 3rd Nguyễn Tuấn Anh – Vietnam 
  • 2nd Natalia Trefon – Poland
  • 1st Genki Itou – Japan

 

ART WINNER OF WINNERS

Division 1 Mendez Ianni Daniella – Colombia 

Division 2 Đỗ Thị Bình Nhi – Vietnam

Division 3 Yuki Ide – Japan

 

TOP VIETNAM TECH

Division 1

  • 3rd Lê Bích Ngọc
  • 2nd Nguyen ( Tracy Vanilla ) Trang
  • 1st Trần Lê Trúc Giang

Division 2

  • 3rd Đỗ Thị Bình Nhi 
  • 2nd Nguyễn Hồng Ngọc
  • 1st Phạm Thị Nhẫn

Division 3

  • 3rd Đinh Thị Mai
  • 2nd Lê Thái Sơn
  • 1st Nguyễn Tuấn Anh

 

TEAM TROPHY

Team Yinnie: Nguyen Julie, Ting Cherish, Nguyen Amy, Chang Andy, Lee Celine, JING WEI JOWIE LOI

 

WINNER OF WINNERS

  • Division 1Le Vy – Australia 
  • Division 2Nguyen Julie – Malaysia
  • Division 3Genki Itou – Japan 

INDIVIDUAL TOP SCORER

Natalia Trefon – Poland (Div 3)

 

Nailympia Competitions is in association with Scratch magazine.

www.nailympia.asia

Entry is NOW OPEN for Nailympia London 2024!

Join us for the world’s biggest nail competition, celebrating 20 years this year at ExCel London on 13-14 October!

This competition blends a mix of online and arena categories, making it available to EVERYONE!

We have 19 fantastic categories (9 arena and 10 online) and 3 divisions – click here to enter today! 

 

ARENA

Gel Polish

LED Hard Gel Tip & Overlay (traditional French)

L&P Acrylic Sculpture (traditional French)

Perfect Match

Joy of Nails

French Twist 3-Shape Challenge

Salon Nails

Stiletto Nails

Fantasy Complete Look

 

ONLINE

To Stiletto & Beyond

Extreme Nail Styling Poster

Mixed Media Boxed Art

Flat Art Boxed Art

Art on Nails

Design Nails for Album Cover

Poster Manicure

Poster Pedicure

Reality Nails

Runway Nails

You can see the themes for this years categories here.

 

Nailympia Germany 2024: THE RESULTS

The third iteration of Nailympia Germany took place at the Beauty Düsseldorf exhibition, 22-24 March.

The prestigious nail competition is powered by Scratch and the Germany edition is hosted by Stefanie Lo Re of Signature Nail International, supported by Nailympia global director, Alex Fox.

The 2024 contest welcomed 79 competitors from 24 countries, who took 413 competition seats across 19 categories; 11 live and eight online.

THE RESULTS

GEL POLISH MANICURE

Division 1

  • 3rd        Federica Lucifora – Italy
  • 2nd           Vanessa Maturo – Italy
  • 1st        Alina Ivakina – Germany

Division 2

  • 3rd        Carlotta Silveri – Italy
  • 2nd       Veronica Luviano – USA
  • 1st        Katharina Bienemann – Germany

Division 3

  • 3rd        Aleksanda Dworzynska – Poland
  • 2nd       Alessandra Pizzari – Italy
  • 1st        Natalia Gedik – Turkey

RUNWAY NAILS

Division 1

  • 1st        Thi Ngoc Le – Germany

Division 2

  • 2nd       Van Hau Doan – Germany
  • 1st        Susan Strijbosch – The Netherlands

Division 3

  • 3rd        Nicolas Paggi – Argentina
  • 2nd       Anita Chahal – UK
  • 1st        Johanna Stampka – Germany

SALON NAILS

Division 1

  • 3rd        Vanessa Maturo – Italy
  • 2nd       Federica Lucifora – Italy
  • 1st        Clara Zeta Spadaro – Italy

Division 2

  • 3rd        Katharina Bienemann – Germany
  • 2nd       Melissa Monaco – Italy
  • 1st        Sara Di Luzio – Italy

Division 3

  • 3rd        Francesca Paliotto – Italy
  • 2nd       Marta Deja – Poland
  • 1st        Natalia Trefon – Poland

REALITY NAIL ART

Division 1

  • 3rd       Desire Modica – Italy
  • 2nd       Evgenia Zarakovskaya – Belarus
  • 1st        Federica Lucifora – Italy

Division 2

  • 3rd        Sara Di Luzio – Italy
  • 2nd       Susan Strijbosch – The Netherlands
  • 1st        Sara Rossignoli – Italy

Division 3

  • 3rd        Johanna Stampka – Germany
  • 2nd       Alessandra Pizzari – Italy
  • 1st        Francesca Paliotto – Italy

THE JOY OF NAILS

Division 1

  • 3rd       Ermelinda Mucaj – Italy
  • 2nd       Vanessa Maturo – Italy
  • 1st        Desire Modica – Italy

Division 2

  • 3rd        Mirella Cost – The Netherlands
  • 2nd       Carlotta Silveri – Italy
  • 1st        Sara Di Luzio – Italy

Division 3

  • 3rd        Nicolas Paggi – Argentina
  • 2nd       Francesca Paliotto – Italy
  • 1st        Alessandra Pizzari – Italy

MIXED MEDIA BOXED ART

Division 2

  • 3rd       Timea Anita Kovacs – Romania
  • 2nd      Van Hau Doan – Germany
  • 1st        Evelin Nagy – Hungary

Division 3

  • 3rd        Paulina Guadalupe – Mexico
  • 2nd       Nicolas Paggi – Argentina
  • 1st        Giulia Rebellato – Italy

FLAT ART DESIGN BOX

Division 2

  • 3rd        Sara Rossignoli – Italy
  • 2nd       Emma Brock – UK
  • 1st        Evelin Nagy – Hungary

Division 3

  • 3rd        Olivia Castillo – Philippines
  • 2nd       Julie Vorobeva – UAE
  • 1st        Alessandra Pizzari – Italy

INVENT A NAIL SHAPE

Division 2

  • 2nd       Lyubov Tudakova – Russia
  • 1st        Annamaria Mudure – Austria

Division 3

  • 3rd        Nicolas Paggi – Argentina
  • 2nd       Maria Sinyagina – Russia
  • 1st        Tatyana Texter – Germany

TO STILETTO & BEYOND

Division 1

  • 3rd       Thi Ngoc Le – Germany
  • 2nd       Jacqueline Kilian – Germany
  • 1st        Renata Nemethne Szabo – Hungary

Division 2

  • 3rd        Susan Strijbosch – The Netherlands
  • 2nd       Lyubov Tudakova – Russia
  • 1st        Annamaria Mudure – Austria

Division 3

  • 3rd        Nicolas Paggi – Argentina
  • 2nd       Maria Sinyagina – Russia
  • 1st        Tatyana Texter – Germany

FRENCH TWIST

Division 1

  • 3rd       Federica Lucifora – Italy
  • 2nd       Ermelinda Mucaj – Italy
  • 1st        Vanessa Maturo – Italy

Division 2

  • 3rd        Carlotta Silveri – Italy
  • 2nd       Melissa Monaco – Italy
  • 1st        Mirella Cost – The Netherlands 

Division 3

  • 3rd         Natalia Trefon – Poland
  • 2nd        Alessandra Pizzari – Italy
  • 1st        Francesca Paliotto – Italy

MANICURE POSTER

Division 1

  • 3rd        Patrik Pataki – Hungary
  • 2nd       Erika Kornoczi – Austria
  • 1st        Edina Botos – Hungary

Division 2

  • 3rd        Eszter Magyar – Hungary
  • 2nd       Ildiko Jarfas – Hungary
  • 1st        Anna Darabos – Hungary

Division 3

  • 3rd        Johanna Stampka – Germany
  • 1st        Reka Olah – Hungary

EXTREME NAILS POSTER

Division 1

  • 1st        Marietta Darok – Hungary

Division 2

  • 3rd        Eszter Magyar – Hungary
  • 2nd       Evelin Nagy – Hungary
  • 1st        Naira Gilardini – Italy

Division 3

  • 3rd       Angela Wilden – Luxembourg
  • 2nd       Maria Sinyagina – Russia
  • 1st        Loi Van Nguyen – UK

UV GEL TIP & OVERLAY

Division 1

  • 3rd       Clara Zeta Spadaro – Italy
  • 2nd       Vanessa Maturo – Italy
  • 1st        Natalya Rusch – Germany

Division 2

  • 3rd        Sara Rossignoli – Italy
  • 2nd       Melissa Monaco – Italy
  • 1st        Sara Di Luzio – Italy

Division 3

  • 3rd         Natalia Trefon – Poland
  • 2nd        Alessandra Pizzari – Italy
  • 1st        Francesca Paliotto – Italy

UV GEL SCULPTURE

Division 1

  • 3rd         Federica Lucifora – Italy
  • 2nd           Chiara Panaia – Italy
  • 1st        Vanessa Maturo – Italy

Division 2

  • 3rd        Carlotta Silveri – Italy
  • 2nd       Melissa Monaco – Italy
  • 1st        Sara Di Luzio – Italy

Division 3

  • 3rd         Marta Deja – Poland
  • 2nd        Natalia Trefon – Poland
  • 1st        Francesca Paliotto – Italy

UV GEL PERFECT MATCH

Division 1

  • 3rd         Clara Zeta Spadaro – Italy
  • 2nd           Natalya Rusch – Germany
  • 1st        Vanessa Maturo – Italy

Division 2

  • 3rd        Sara Rossignoli – Italy
  • 2nd       Sara Di Luzio – Italy
  • 1st        Melissa Monaco – Italy

Division 3

  • 3rd        Flemming Nordqvist – Denmark
  • 2nd       Marta Deja – Poland
  • 1st        Francesca Paliotto – Italy

L&P TIP & OVERLAY

Division 1

  • 3rd        Desire Modica – Italy
  • 2nd           Clara Zeta Spadaro – Italy
  • 1st        Vanessa Maturo – Italy

Division 2

  • 3rd        Carlotta Silveri – Italy
  • 2nd       Sara Di Luzio – Italy
  • 1st        Melissa Monaco – Italy

Division 3

  • 3rd        Natalia Trefon – Poland
  • 2nd       Flemming Nordqvist – Denmark
  • 1st        Francesca Paliotto – Italy

L&P SCULPTURE

Division 1

  • 3rd        Ermelinda Mucaj – Italy
  • 2nd       Vanessa Maturo – Italy
  • 1st        Federica Lucifora – Italy

Division 2

  • 3rd        Sara Rossignoli – Italy
  • 2nd       Melissa Monaco – Italy
  • 1st        Sara Di Luzio – Italy

Division 3

  • 3rd        Natalia Trefon – Poland
  • 2nd       Francesca Paliotto – Italy
  • 1st        Flemming Nordqvist – Denmark

L&P PERFECT MATCH

Division 1

  • 3rd       Chaira Panaia – Italy
  • 2nd       Ermelinda Mucaj – Italy
  • 1st        Vanessa Maturo – Italy

Division 2

  • 3rd        Sara Rossignoli – Italy
  • 2nd       Sara Di Luzio – Italy
  • 1st        Melissa Monaco – Italy

Division 3

  • 3rd         Alessandra Pizzari – Italy
  • Joint 2nd         Flemming Nordqvist – Denmark  &   Francesca Paliotto – Italy
  • 1st        Marta Deja – Poland

STILETTO NAILS

Division 1

  • 3rd        Federica Lucifora – Italy
  • 2nd        Ermelinda Mucaj – Italy
  • 1st        Vanessa Maturo – Italy

Division 2

  • 3rd        Sara Rossignoli – Italy
  • 2nd       Sara Di Luzio – Italy
  • 1st        Carlotta Silveri – Italy

Division 3

  • 3rd         Tatyana Texter – Germany
  • 2nd        Marta Deja – Poland
  • 1st        Alessandra Pizzari – Italy

ART WINNER OF WINNERS

  • Division 1        Desire Modica – Italy
  • Division 2        Van Hau Doan – Germany
  • Division 3        Nicolas Paggi – Argentina

TOP GERMAN TECH

Division 1

  • 2nd           Natalya Rusch
  • 1st        Alina Ivakina

Division 2

  • 3rd        Claudia Carpine
  • 2nd       Katharina Bienemann
  • 1st        Van Hau Doan

Division 3

  • 3rd        Marta Kalamajka
  • 2nd       Michaela Saadeh
  • 1st        Johanna Stampka

TEAM TROPHY

TEAM ITALY – Division 3 – 2,878 points

Nicolas Paggi, Alessandra Pizzari, Francesca Paliotto, Valentina Federici & Monia Martellini

WINNER OF WINNERS

  • Division 1        Vanessa Maturo – Italy
  • Division 2        Mirella Cost – The Netherlands
  • Division 3        Francesca Paliotto – Italy

INDIVIDUAL TOP SCORER

Alessandra Pizzari – Italy – 962 points

For more information about Nailympia Competitions, including upcoming dates and locations, visit www.nailympia.com 

Nail Art Themes for Nailympia London 2024 released!

Nailympia London 2024 celebrates our 20th year, and we have both ONLINE categories and LIVE ARENA categories taking place! <

Entry is set to open next month (watch this space) but we like to give you a bit of insight into the art themes for this year.

ONLINE entries are submitted as photographs, video and some with text and they will be open for submission from May 2024.
The submission window for ALL ONLINE categories will close mid-August.

So what are you waiting for – now that you have the themes you can get designing and crafting your competition nails…
We can’t wait to see what you’ve got this year!


THE THEMES FOR ART CATEGORIES AT NAILYMPIA LONDON 2024

To Stiletto & Beyond: Botanical Gardens
Runway Nails: Industrial Revolution
Reality Nails (3 nails – 3 themes): Geometric Chic / Vintage Vibes / Gothic Grandeur
Flat Art Boxed: Sacred Symbols
Design Nails for an Album Cover: Electro Pop
Art On Nails: International Sporting Events
Extreme Nail Styling Poster: Open Theme
Poster Pedicure: Open Theme
Poster Manicure: Open Theme
Mixed Media: Open Theme

The third Nailympia Mexico Event is scheduled for 6-7 July 2024

The Nailympia team is thrilled to announce the upcoming third edition of Nailympia Mexico this July, where the vibrant world of nail art takes centre stage once more.

Hosted by nail expert, Dafne Fernandez, Nailympia Mexico is not just a competition, it’s a celebration of artistry, skill, innovation and passion. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the competition arena, this is your chance to shine and make your mark in the professional nail community.

“I’m really happy to see Mexico back on the Nailympia map for 2024,” enthuses Alex Fox. “The first two editions were vibrant, well attended harnessed a powerful positive buzz and feel that one would expect to experience in Mexico. Dafne is a superb host, whose passion and affection for Nailympia are clear in her unwavering dedication and attention to detail. I can’t wait to get back to this event and meet a whole new generation of nail pros who are bound to captivate and delight with their own flavour of creativity, skill and expression.

Pop the date in your diary and prepare to be inspired as you sit alongside nail artists from across Mexico and beyond to dazzle with your stunning creations. From intricate designs to bold statement pieces, every nail tells a story that’s waiting to be told.

Join us for the excitement and buzz of the arena, the camaraderie, networking and the thrill of competition. Meet fellow artists, learn from industry experts and elevate your skills to new heights.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of something truly special. Stay tuned for updates and registration details, and get ready to paint your world with the colours of your imagination at Nailympia Mexico 2024.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT NAILYMPIA MEXICO

Nailympia to be hosted in Vietnam

Damon Ho, a nail artist & educator from Arizona, USA, is to host the inaugural Nailympia Vietnam competition in April 2024. This news follows his participation as a judge on the Nailympia panel in the USA in 2023, and his close observation of the second Nailympia Mexico. This addition to the Nailympia global family will be hosted at the Grand Palace in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 10-11 April.

Keen to afford industry change and growth, and widen the Nailympia net, Damon cites: “Hosting Nailympia Vietnam is about bringing international standards to Vietnamese nail artistry; creating a bridge between Vietnam and the global beauty industry, while showcasing the immense talent in the region.”

A keen advocate of competitions, Damon believes that the Nailympia experience is transformative, as it fosters an inclusive and diverse culture while showcasing innovation and industry trends. “Nailympia is an exhilarating platform that stands for quality and excellence,” he concedes. “It’s a fair and impartial competition that celebrates creativity and skill in nail artistry.”

Considering a broader perspective, Damon harbours an expansive vision for the future, with Nailympia Vietnam as the fi rst step towards the bigger picture. “My primary goal is to elevate the global perception of Vietnamese nail artistry and create expansive opportunities for professionals in this fi eld,” he reveals. “I’m focused on building a global community in which skills and knowledge are shared, fostering growth and innovation in nail artistry.

“A key part of this vision is to integrate AI technology into the nail industry, enhancing both the artistic process and business side of operations. I’d also like to explore the idea of a TV show focused on the nail business. This show would not just illuminate the artistic side of nail artistry, but delve into effective business strategies for scaling and thriving in the industry. In essence, my aim is to transform the nail sector into a globally recognised and respected field, showcasing the talent and innovation that define Vietnamese nail artistry.”

MEET DAMON HO
Host of Nailympia Vietnam
10-11 April 2024, Ho Chi Minh City
@salon.ceo

When did you train as a manicurist & why?
I moved to the USA over 10 years ago, driven by the prospect of a better life and in pursuit of the American dream for myself and my family. Shortly after my arrival, I trained as a manicurist. Initially, it was a practical decision to earn a living, but I quickly developed a profound passion for the artistry and personal connections the role offers.

What is it about nails that interests you?
Nail artistry’s ability to uplift and transform fascinates me. The joy and satisfaction in clients’ eyes after a service are deeply fulfilling, and my love for artistry only grew as I realised the vast potential in nail design.

How did you build your reputation?
Persistence, dedication to quality and innovative techniques were key. Also, uplifting those around me and adhering to the philosophy of doing things right played a significant role in building my reputation.

What do you love about the nail industry?
The industry’s creativity, evolution and impact on both artists and clients. It’s a field that harmoniously blends aesthetics with emotional wellbeing.

What does your role involve?
My days are spent managing salons, hosting training sessions, strategising for growth, exploring new trends and seeking new knowledge.

What are your kitbag essentials?
While I have a variety of tools, my hands, my mind and my experience are the most crucial. I’ve trained myself to adapt to any challenge and use any tool effectively.

Who have you trained with over the years?
I’ve trained with a range of experts, both in the USA and globally, each enriching my skillset and broadening my perspective.

Who do you admire in the nail industry & why?
My admiration extends from successful CEOs to dedicated parents managing home businesses. It’s their innovation, passion and relentless pursuit of excellence that I admire.

What products do you use?
V Beauty Pure products are staple in my kit, but I use a variety of products to ensure the best outcomes. My partnership with V Beauty Pure is also driven by shared visions and goals with its CEO,
David Dilorenzo.

Why did you become a V Beauty Pure educator?
It was a step towards sharing my knowledge and helping others grow. My alignment with David Dilorenzo’s vision played a significant role in this decision.

What excites you about life in general?
Life excites me with its endless opportunities for growth, learning and positive impact on others.

What has been key to your success?
Dedication, continuous learning, adaptability and a drive for excellence have been the cornerstones of my success.

Where do you find inspiration for your nail art designs?
Inspiration is everywhere – in nature, fashion, art and everyday life experiences.

If not nails, what would you be doing?
Apart from the nail industry, I would most likely be involved in other entrepreneurial ventures in beauty and wellness. My tech holding company is nail techs and salon owners in scaling their businesses.

How are you embracing change in the nail industry?
I embrace change by constantly learning, updating my skills and staying ahead of trends and technologies.

What’s your career highlight?
Transforming my business from a single struggling salon into a thriving chain, and becoming a respected educator, stand out as career highlights.

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
I would encourage more collaboration and less competition, fostering a community that thrives on shared success. Changing the pricing mindset to refl ect the true value of our artistry and skill is also vital.

What’s your advice for aspiring nail pros?
Never stop learning, be open to new ideas and take pride in your work. Remember, you’re not just a nail technician; you’re a therapist, artist and vital part of your clients’ lives.