On My Own

Rules

  1. Competitors will have 1.30 hours to complete one hand of a set of salon-style nail extensions on yourself.  You may not have a model or any assistance from anyone.
  2. You must use either flat paper or metal forms or tips. White tips are NOT allowed (clear or natural tips only).
  3. Competitors must use professional products only.  Enhancement products containing glitter and/or any other color are NOT allowed.  You may use cover pink.
  4. Embellishment(s) may NOT be used.
  5. The natural nails may be prepared for product application before the competition starts, but product may NOT be applied until the competition begins.
  6. No colored or clear products of any type may be applied to tips prior to attaching them to the natural nail.
  7. Only unaltered clear adhesives (gel-type, brush-on, tubes, etc.) may be used to attach tips to the nail. No plastic type molds of any kind may be used to form the sculptured nail.
  8. All enhancement products must be applied after tips and or forms are applied to natural nails.
  9. No products, such as inverted tips or any “cookie cutter” products may be used to form or assist in making a smile line. All smile lines must be done with a brush by hand.  Paint on white is not allowed. White gel paint or white gel polish is not allowed.
  10. All files and buffers must be clean and unused; electric files and buffing products may be used.
  11. Cleansing products (soaps, etc.) and moisturizing products (oils, creams, lotions, etc.) are allowed. Excessive use of oil is not permitted.  It will be at the judge’s discretion to deduct points for excess oil.
  12. A nail enhancement on one nail (competitor’s choice) must be polished with red cream polish or if using gel, a gel polish. Gel contestants may use red polish. Base coat, ridge filler and top coat are allowed.
  13. The unpolished nail enhancements must be French-style (pink or clear and white), finished to a high shine.  A gel sealant may be used, but hand must be completely free of polish.
  14. On My Own will be judged in the following categories: smile lines, “C” curves, cuticle area, shape, product control, surface structure, presentation, lateral structure, length, polish or color application, finish work, and overall impression.

Criteria

JUDGE 1

Smile Lines – 10 Points

  • the smile lines are crisp (definition between pink and white)

  • the smile lines are symmetrical and consistent (even points and equal curvature)

“C” curves – 10 Points

  • the curvature of the nail enhancements is symmetrical and consistent

  • the depth of curvature is a range between 33.33 and 40%

  • the percent of curvature enhances the models nails

  • if nail enhancements are oval in shape, consideration will be given for the apparent lack of curvature at the distal edge

Finish Work – 5 Points – One Hand

  • the entire surface of the nail enhancement is smooth and very shiny (absent of scratches)

  • the edges of the nails are smooth and finished

  • the nails are thoroughly clean (absent of dust)

Shape – 10 Points

  • the shape is symmetrical and consistent individually

  • the shape is symmetrical and consistent together as a set

JUDGE 2

Product Control – 5 Points

  • the product is completely free of air bubbles and pits

  • the color of the product is consistent

  • the skin is free from all enhancement products

Surface Structure – 10 Points

  • the top surfaces of the nail enhancements are smooth and perfectly contoured

  • the bottom surfaces of the nail enhancements are smooth and perfectly contoured

Presentation – 5 Points

  • this entry was presented neat and clean the underside of both hands are free from all product debris

  • the nails are thoroughly clean (absent of dust)

Lateral Structure – 10 Points

  • 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 enhancements is consistently located

JUDGE 3

Length – 10 Points

  • 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 salon style nail enhancements – a suggested range 2 to 1 ratio of nail bed to free edge is ideal – provided the length looks balanced on models hands

Polish or Color Application – 5 Points – One Hand

  • the polish completely covers the nails (close to the cuticle and covers all edges)

  • the application is smooth, even and clean

Cuticle Area – 10 Points

  • 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)

Overall Impression – 10 Points

  • the nails complement the model’s hands

  • the thinness is suitable for salon-style nail enhancements