Definitions:
Nail competition - a professional contest in which nail technicians strive to outperform others according to the rules and criteria governing the contest
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
Nail enhancement - an artificial nail made from enhancement products applied to the natural nail
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 thickness of a business card (.01 inches);
• consistent c-curves between 40% and 50% (144° and 180° arc)
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 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 to a thickness approximately equal to the thickness of a credit card (.03 inches);
• consistent c-curves of 33.33 % and 40% (120° and 144° arc)
Salon Success (SS) - a 1.5-hour competition in which a set of salon-style nail enhancements is applied using natural or clear tips or sculpting with forms
Sculptured Nails (SN) - a 2.5-hour competition in which a set of competition-style nail enhancements is applied using forms and liquid-and-powder acrylic products or light-cured gel products
Sculptured Acrylic Nails (SAN) - a 2.5-hour competition in which a set of competition-style nail enhancement is applied using forms and liquid-and-powder acrylic products
Sculptured Gel Nails (SGN) - a 2.5-hour competition in which a set of competition-style nail enhancements is applied using forms and light-cured gel products
Tip & Overlay (TO) - a 2.5-hour competition in which a set of competition-style nail enhancements is applied using natural or clear tips
Tip & Overlay Relay (TOR) - requires three relay team members to complete a 2.5-hour competition in which a set of competition-style nail enhancements is applied using natural or clear tips. Each team member completes a different section of the competition
French Twist (FT) - a 2.5-hour competition 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
Design Sculptured Nails (DSN) - a 2.5-hour competition in which a set of competition-style nail enhancements is applied using forms, and whose design incorporates colors used in artistic ways
Hand Painted Flat Nail Art (HPFNA) - a competition in which a Nailpro-designated thematic nail art design has been applied to a set of 10 tips using hand-painting; the work is completed in advance
Airbrush Nail Art (ANA) - a competition in which a Nailpro-designated thematic nail art design has been applied to a set of 10 tips using airbrushing; the work is completed in advance
Airbrush On-Site Nail Art (ANAOS) - a competition in which a Nailpro-designated thematic nail art design has been applied to a set of 10 tips using airbrushing
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
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
Spa Manicuring (SM) - a 1-hour competition in which a spa manicure is performed
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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
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
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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 10 categories
Cover sheet – the form stapled to the score sheets that lists the scores and placement
Finalists – those entries selected in the preview for scoring; a maximum of 10 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
Registration – the information and payment required to enter a competition
Participation points – the points earned toward the Nailpro Cup and Nailpro Cup Team Championship by entries that are not selected as finalists
Preview – the process-of-elimination rounds by which the judges select entries for scoring
Report – to arrive at the competition area, check in with competition staff and receive an entry number
Scoring guideline – a 10-point system, ranging from 1 (Unacceptable) to 10 (Flawless), used to evaluate an entry in a category
Score sheets – the forms judges use to record scores
Team – a group of two or more competitors whose individual scores count collectively toward the Nailpro Cup Team Championship; only the team’s three highest scores from each competition will count toward the team championship
Veteran – a competitor who has won first place in any nail competition at a beauty show
Wristband – a colored band with your competition number for the day; it goes on the right wrist of the MODEL
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Other Terminology:
Amenities – the optional features of a nail service that make it more enjoyable
Buffing products – any type of product containing pumice or buffing abrasive in which you would apply to enhance high shine
Cream polish – a nail lacquer that has no shimmer or frost properties
Embellishment – Rhinestones, mylar, feathers, glitter (large), embedded objects, etc.
Enhancement products – professional nail products from which nail enhancements are made
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
Professional nail products – products sold by nail manufacturers intended for use by professional nail technicians
UV Gel Sealant – must be cured with a UV light
UV Topcoat – no light required, will air dry
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Categories & Judging Criteria:
Product Control (SS, SN, SAN, SGN, TO, TOR, FT, DSN)
• The product is completely free of air bubbles and pits.
• The color of the product is consistent.
Smile Lines (SS, SN, SAN, SGN, TO, TOR, FT)
• The smile lines are crisp (definition between pink and white).
• The smile lines are symmetrical and consistent (even points and equal curvature).
Cuticle Area (SS, SN, SAN, SGN, TO, TOR, FT, DSN)
• 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).
Surface Structure (SS, SN, SAN, SGN, TOR, FT, DSN)
• The top surfaces of the nail enhancements are smooth and perfectly contoured.
• The bottom surfaces of the nail enhancements are smooth and perfectly contoured.
• The arches of the nail enhancements are consistently located.
Lateral Structure (SS, SN, SAN, SGN, TO, TOR, FT, DSN)
• 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.
C-curves (SS, SN, SAN, SGN, TO, TOR, FT, DSN)
• 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.
Length (SS, SN, SAN, SGN, TO, TOR, FT, DSN, SM)
• The length, measured from cuticle to the end of the extension, is consistent between matching nails (pinkie to pinkie, etc.) and in proportion from finger to finger.
• The length is suitable for the competition.
Shape (SS, SN, SAN, SGN, TO, TOR, FT, DSN, SM)
• The shapes are symmetrical and consistent individually.
• The shapes are symmetrical and consistent and as a set.
Overall Impression (all competitions)
• The nails complement the model’s hands (SS, SN, SAN, SGN, TO,
TOR, FT, DSN, SM).
• The design makes an excellent overall impression (HPNA, ANA, 3-D, FNA).
• The design is complete and needs no improvement (FT, DSN, HPNA, ANA,.3-D, FNA).
• The natural nails and hands appear healthy and well-groomed (SM only).
Polish Application Red and French Style (SS, SAN, SGN, TO, TOR, SM)
• The polish completely covers the nails (close to the cuticle and all edges).
• The application is smooth, even and clean.
Red Color Application/ Gel Application (SN, SGN, SM)
• The red gel completely covers the nails (close to the cuticle and all edges).
• The application is smooth, even and clean.
Finish Work (SS, SN, SAN, SGN, TO, TOR, FT, DSN, SM)
• The surfaces of the nail enhancements are smooth and very shiny (absent of scratches) (not SM).
• The edges of the nails are smooth and finished.
• The nails are thoroughly clean (absence of dust).
Composition (FT, DSN, HPNA, ANA, 3-D, FNA)
• Various elements of the design are well-balanced, neither too sparse nor too busy.
Originality (FT, DSN, HPNA, ANA, 3-D, FNA)
• The design is innovative (new and original).
• The design is unique (different from other designs).
Complexity (FT, DSN, HPNA, ANA, 3-D, FNA)
• The design is challenging, demanding skill and effort.
• The design involves multiple techniques.
Color (DSN, HPNA, ANA, 3-D, FNA)
• The colors enhance the design.
• The colors complement each other.
Visual Interest (HPNA, ANA, 3-D, FNA)
• The design captures your attention.
Theme (HPNA, ANA, 3-D, FNA)
• The theme is obvious and completely developed.
• The theme is continued on all 10 nails.
Workmanship (HPNA, ANA, 3-D, FNA)
• The overall quality of the design demonstrates outstanding artistic skills.
Design (HPNA, ANA, 3-D, FNA)
• The design enhances the theme.
Detail (HPNA, ANA,)
• 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.
Costume (FNA)
• The costume complements the design.
• The costume is complete.
• The costume is neat and well-constructed.
Sanitation (SM)
• The sanitation procedures protect the safety of the model.
• The sanitation procedures are well-integrated into the overall service.
Amenities (SM)
• The amenities are innovative (new and original).
• The amenities are well-integrated into the overall service.
Decor (SM)
• The decor is thematic and conducive to the working environment.
• The station is neat and well-organized.
Cuticle and Skin Condition (SM)
• The cuticles are intact and the cuticle work looks finished.
• The skin of the hands looks healthy and well-conditioned.
Previous Condition (SM)
• The natural nails require filing (uneven lengths, rough top surface, etc.).
• The cuticles require conditioning (overgrowth, ragged cuticle, etc.).
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Competition Sponsors
