Competition quality — A standard of perfection, specific to each competition, to which all entries are compared, regardless of the experience of the competitor, the number of entries, or the quality of those entries.
Competition-style — The ultimate standard of perfection for all nail enhancements; a set of nail enhancements that have:
A sleeker, more dramatic look
A shape that ranges from extreme square to extreme oval (stiletto)
A 1 to 1 ratio of nail bed (pink) to free edge (white), measured from the center of the smile line
Product thinly applied near the cuticle area, reinforced at the stress area, and tapered to the free edge so it is equal to approximately the thinness of a business card (.01-.03 inches)
Consistent “C” curves between 40% and 50% (144° and 180° arc)
Nail competition — A professional contest in which nail technicians strive to outperform others according to the rules and criteria governing the contest.
Nail enhancement — An artificial nail made from enhancement products applied to the natural nail.
Salon-style — The standard of perfection for the Salon Success competition; a set of nail enhancements that have:
A more durable, wearable look
A shape that ranges from extreme square to extreme oval (stiletto)
A 2 to 1 ratio of the nail bed (pink) to free edge (white), measured from the center of the smile line
Product thinly applied near the cuticle area, reinforced at the stress area, and tapered through the free edge so it is equal to approximately the thinness of 1.5 business cards (0.3 – 0.5 inches)
Consistent “C” curves of 33.33% and 40% (120° and 144° arc)
Competition Descriptions
3-D Nail Art (3-D) — A competition in which a Nailpro-designated thematic, multi-dimensional nail art design has been applied to a set of 10 tips using nail products; the work is completed in advance. The theme is announced at the beginning of the competition year.
3 In One – (3IO) Design Sculptured Nails (DSN) — A 2.5-hour competition, (unless otherwise noted) in which a set of competition-style nail enhancements is applied using forms, and whose design incorporates colors used in artistic ways.
Extreme Stiletto Design (ESD)
Fantasy Nail Art (FNA) — A competition in which a live model wears a Nailpro-designated thematic nail art design, including a costume; the work is completed in advance. The theme is announced at the beginning of the competition year.
Fastest Full Set Of Acrylic Sculptured Nails (FFSAN)
French Twist (FT) — A 2.5-hour competition (unless otherwise noted) in which a set of competition-style nail enhancements is applied using tips or forms, and whose design is an artistic variation on a classic French-style.
Hand Painted Flat Nail Art (HPFNA) — A turn-in competition in which Nailpro-designated thematic nail art design has been applied to a set of 10 tips using hand painting; the work is completed in advance. The theme is announced at the beginning of the competition year.
It’s All About The Bling! (IAB)
Inspired Artistic Genius (IAG)
Mirror Image One Hand (MI) — A 1.40 hours to complete a set of competition-style nail enhancements on one hand. The nails will consist of one Sculptured Acrylic Nail, one Sculptured Gel Nail, one Tip and Overlay Acrylic Nail, one Tip and Overlay Gel Nail and one Sculptured Acrylic or Gel Nail. Clear or natural tips and forms only are to be used. White tips are NOT allowed.
Mixed Media (MM)
New Perfect Match (NPM) Sculptured
Stiletto Nails (SAN) — Competitors will have 2 1/2 hours (unless otherwise noted) to complete a set of sculptured stiletto, competition-style nail enhancements using forms and liquid and powder acrylic products. Tips and adhesive are NOT allowed.
Salon Success (SS) — Competitors will have 1.5 hours to complete a set of salon-style nail enhancements using either forms or tips.
Sculptured Acrylic Nails (SAN) — Competitors will have 2 1/2 hours (unless otherwise noted) to complete a set of sculptured, competition-style nail enhancements using forms and liquid and powder acrylic products. Tips and adhesive are NOT allowed.
Sculpture Gel Nails (SGN) — Competitors will have 2 1/2 hours (unless otherwise noted) to complete a set of sculptured, competition-style nail enhancements using forms. Tips and adhesive are NOT allowed.
Sculptured Nails (SN) — Competitors will have 2 1/2 (unless otherwise noted) hours to complete a set of competition-style nail enhancements using forms and liquid-and-powder acrylic products or light-cured gel products. Tips are not allowed.
Soak Off Gel (SOG)
Soak Off Gel Nail Art (SOGA)
Tip & Overlay (T&O)
Tip & Overlay Relay (TOR)
Tip & Overlay Relay With Spirit (TOR & SP)
Parts of the Nail
Apex — The highest point of the arch.
Arch — The curvature of the top surface of the nail when viewed from the side.
“C” curve — The curvature of the nail when viewed from the distal edge.
Cuticle Area — The portion of the nail nearest to the cuticle.
Distal Edge — The edge of the nail at its end.
Free Edge — The portion of the nail from the smile line to the distal edge.
Lateral Structure — The structure of the nail enhancements as viewed from the side, specifically the sidewalls.
Moon — A slightly exaggerated replica of the natural lunula, created at the base of the nail.
Nail Bed — The portion of the nail from the cuticle area to the smile line.
Sidewall — The edge of the nail extending from the cuticle area to the distal edge.
Smile Line — The curved line separating the nail bed and free edge portions of the nail.
Surface Structure — The structure of the top surface and bottom surface (underside) of the nail enhancements and arch placement.
Competition Process
Analytic Scoring — The process by which the judges evaluate entries according to judging criteria.
Briefing — A review of competition rules that immediately precedes a competition; attendance is mandatory.
Category — An aspect of the entry that is evaluated by the judges; each competition has ten categories.
Cover Sheet — The form stapled to the score sheets that lists the scores and placement.
Division — All competitions are:
Divisional — which refers to veteran or novice or
Non-Divisional — which is a mixture of both veteran and novice.
Elimination — The numbers are called of the competitors who did not make it into the top ten finalists.
Finalists — Those entries selected in the preview for scoring; a maximum of ten entries will be selected at each level (novice and veteran).
Judging Criteria — The standard(s) in each category.
Level — A description of a competitor’s experience, either novice or veteran.
Novice — A competitor who has never won first place in any nail competition at a beauty show.
Preview — The process of elimination rounds by which the judges select entries for scoring.
Questions Only — 5 minutes before the competition begins for any questions to be answered when no briefing has taken place.
Registration — The information and payment required to enter a competition.
Report — To arrive at the competition area, check in with competition staff, and receive an entry number wristband and a certificate of participation.
Scoring Guideline — A 10-point system (excluding turn-in events), ranging from 1 (Unacceptable) to 10 (Flawless), is used to evaluate an entry in a category, except where noted a five-point range. Turn-in competitive events use a 5-point system, ranging from 0.5 (Unacceptable) to 5 (Flawless).
Score Sheets — The forms judges use to record scores of the top ten finalists only.
Team — A group of two or more competitors whose individual scores count collectively toward the Nailpro Cup Team Championship; only the team members who make it into the finalists of their individual competitions will count their scores toward the Team Championship Cup.
Veteran — A competitor who has won first place in any nail competition at a beauty show.
Wrist Band — A colored band with your competition number for the day. It goes on the right wrist of the MODEL. If you are a novice competitor you will also be given a white band for your model as well.
Categories and Judging Criteria
Balance (DSN, FT, HPNA, 3-D, FNA) — Various elements of the design are well-balanced, neither too sparse nor too busy.
“C” curves (FT, DSN, MI, PM, SAN, SGN, SN, SS, USAN) — The curvature of the nail enhancements is symmetrical and consistent. The depth
of curvature is appropriate for the competition (see specific criteria). If nail enhancements are oval in shape, consideration will be given for the apparent lack of curvature at the distal edge.
Color (3-D, DSN, FNA, HPNA, SGN) — The colors enhance the design. The colors complement each other.
Complexity (3-D, DSN, FNA, FT, HPNA) — The design is challenging, demanding skill and effort. The design involves multiple techniques.
Costume (FNA) — The costume complements the design. The costume is complete. The costume is neat and well-constructed.
Cuticle Area (FT, DSN, MI, PM, SAN, SGN, SN, SS) — The product is flush to the natural nails and close to the cuticles. The model’s skin at the cuticle area is in excellent condition (free from abrasions).
Design (3-D, FNA, FT, ESD, HPNA) — The design enhances the theme. The design is well executed. The design should only be done by hand using a brush.
Detail (3-D, FNA, HPNA) — The design is sufficiently detailed. The detail clarifies the design, adding dimension.
Dimension (3-D) — The design is obviously multi-dimensional. The dimension enhances the theme and is balanced.
Finish Work (DSN, FT, MI, PM, SAN, SGN, SN, SS, MM) — The surfaces of the nail enhancements are smooth and very shiny (absence of scratches). The edges of the nails are smooth and finished. The nails are thoroughly clean (absence of dust).
Lateral Structure (DSN, FT, MI, PM, SAN, SGN, SN, SS) — The nail enhancements align perfectly with the sides of the natural nails. If nail enhancements are oval in shape, the point at which the oval begins is consistent. The arch of the nail enhancement is consistently placed.
Length (DSN, FT, MI, PM, SAN, SGN, SN, SS) — The length, measured from cuticle to the end of the extension, is consistent between matching nails (pinkie to pinkie, etc.) and in proportion to each other. The length is suitable for the competition. The length looks balanced on the model’s hands.
Moons (PM, SAN, SGN, SN, MI) — Moons are properly placed. Moons have not been filed off. Enhance the nail extension.
Originality (3-D, DSN, FNA, FT, HPNA, MM) — The design is innovative (new and original). The design is unique (different from other designs).
Overall Impression (all competitions) — The nails complement the model’s hands (DSN, FT, MI, PM, SAN, SGN, SN, SS). The design makes an excellent overall impression (3-D, FNA, HPNA). The design is complete and needs no improvement (3-D, DSN, FNA, FT, HPNA).
Polish Application (SN, SAN, SGN, SS) — The polish completely covers the nails (close to the cuticle and all edges). The application is smooth, even and clean.
Product Control (DSN, FT, MI, PM, SAN, SGN, SN, SS) — The product is completely free of air bubbles and pits. The color of the product is consistent. The skin is free of all product.
Red Color Application, Gels (SGN, SN) — The red gel completely covers the nails (close to the cuticle and all edges). The application is smooth, even and clean.
Shape (DSN, FT, MI, PM, SAN, SGN, SN, SS) — The shape is symmetrical and consistent individually. The shape is symmetrical and consistent and as a set.
Smile Lines (FT, MI, PM, SAN, SGN, SN, SS) — The smile lines are crisp (definition between pink and white). The smile lines are symmetrical and consistent (even points and equal curvature). The smile line should only be done by hand using a brush.
Surface Structure (DSN, FT, MI, PM, SAN, SGN, SN, SS) — The top surfaces of the nail enhancements are smooth and perfectly contoured. The bottom surfaces of the nail enhancements are smooth and perfectly contoured.
Theme (3-D, FNA, HPNA) — The theme is obvious and completely developed. The theme is continued on all 10 nails.
Visual Interest (HPNA, 3-D, FNA) — The design captures and holds your attention.
Workmanship (3-D, FNA, HPNA) — The overall quality of work demonstrates outstanding artistic skills.
Other Terminology
Buffing products — Any type of product containing pumice or buffing abrasive in you would apply to enhance high shine.
Canned Air — Compressed air in a can.
Cookie Cutter Implements — Any type of object that assists you in making a smile line.
Cream polish — A nail lacquer that has no shimmer or frost properties.
Embellishment — Rhinestones, Mylar, feathers, glitter (large), embedded objects, etc. Embellishment of Design — May is not more than 25% of the artwork.
Enhancement products — Professional nail products from which nail enhancements are made, such as, tips, liquid and powder acrylic, light-cured gels, wraps or other artificially constructed products applied to the natural nail.
Forms — Are to be flat, paper or metal only.
French-style — A two-tone look where the nail bed and free edge are different colors; for a classic French style, the nail bed is a shade of pink, and the free edge a shade of white.
High Shine — A process for adding shine to unpolished hand by either using a buffing stick or finishing gel.
Molds — A hollow-shaped object which is used for shaping a fluid or plastic substance. In this case also duo forms, inverted tip forms and any product similar in any form or shape. These products are not allowed unless the rule specifically allows them.
Professional nail products — Products sold by nail manufacturers intended for use by professional nail technicians.
Soak Off Gel Products
UV Gel Seal — Must be cured with a UV light.
