Qualifications:
Nailpro nail competitions are open to all beauty professionals licensed or qualified to perform nail services. Current students and beauty professionals from states or countries in which licensing is not required are also eligible to compete. Proof of licensure or qualification (such as school enrollment certificate or letter confirming salon employment) may be required.
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General Competition Rules:
1. Competitors and models are responsible for understanding and complying with the following competition rules. Failure to comply may result in point deduction or disqualification at the discretion of the Nailpro competition staff. The Nailpro competition staff reserves the right to final interpretation of these rules.
2. All work must be completed by the registered competitor. If Nailpro finds this rule has been violated, the competitor will be prohibited from competing in any Nailpro or Nailpro-run competition for the period of one year.
3. Models are NOT allowed to wear any jewelry on their hands, wrists or arms, including watches. Failure to comply will result in a deduction of 5 points in the category of overall. This rule does not apply to models for Fantasy Nail Art.
4. These competition rules are in effect for Nailpro Cup 2008. For rule clarification, please contact the Competition Message Center at 800/787-5135 or email nailprocomps@creativeage.com, or call 818/516-2999.
5. Competitors must designate their level of experience when they register:
• A novice competitor has not won a first-place award in any nail competition at a beauty show.
• A veteran competitor has won first place award in any nail competition at a beauty show.
6. Winners (first, second, and third places) are recognized at both the novice and veteran levels.
7. Novice competitors who win a first-place award must advance to the veteran level for the next show.
8. A team of competitors that wants to participate in the Nailpro Cup 2008 Team Challenge must register by the early registration deadline for registration. After the early registration deadline, team members may not be added or changed for that event. The number of team members is unlimited, but only the points earned by a team's top three scorers in each competition will count toward the Nailpro Team Cup. (If a competitor joins a team, or changes teams between shows, the points earned by that competitor in prior competitions will not be rewarded to the team retroactively.)
9. Competitors who compete on a manufacturer’s team must compete using only manufacturer’s labeled products from that company. Files and metal implements are excluded.
10. Upon registration, competitors and their models must give consent to Creative Age Publications, Inc. and all of its properties to freely use and/or reproduce any and all photographs taken at the show, including those taken by photographers hired for the show by Creative Age Publications. All photos are property of Creative Age Publications and may not be used without written permission.
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Nailpro Venue Competitions:
1. The rules will be reviewed in a mandatory briefing scheduled 15 minutes before the start of each competition.
2. Competitors must supply ALL necessary products and supplies, including lamps and extension cords. Products must be in labeled containers.
3. Competitors must have all products they are going to use out on their work area, and all cases must be closed. Competitors will not be allowed to reach into the case without competition staff present, after competition has begun.
4. Any prohibited products or supplies found at a competitor’s workstation will be confiscated, and the competitor may be disqualified at the discretion of the Nailpro competition staff. Products will be returned at conclusion of award ceremony and then only by request.
5. Competitors must supply their own models when models are required. Models must be at least 18 years old. Unless otherwise stated, only live models may be used.
6. Competitors must report at the scheduled report time to receive entry numbers. Late arrivals/entries will not be accepted. Nail art entries may be turned in by someone other than the competitor.
7. Once the briefing starts, competitors may NOT touch their models until the competition starts. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.
8. Access to the competition area is limited to competitors, models, and Nailpro competition staff.
9. Competitors and/or models may NOT leave the competition area without the permission of the competition staff. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.
10. When a competition ends, competitors must immediately stop working, stand and move away from their work stations as directed. Competitors are NOT allowed to touch their models again until after they have been judged. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.
11. When a competition ends, models must follow the instructions given by the competition staff. Models may NOT leave the competition area until excused by the competition staff.
12. When directed, competitors must promptly clean their work stations before leaving the competition area.
13. Competitors are NOT allowed in or near the judging area at any time. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.
14. During the judging process, models may NOT speak to other models or to the judges.
15. Models are NOT permitted to move the judge’s curtain during the judging process.
16. Any competitor found not complying with the Nailpro rules before, during or until the close of the show is subject to disqualification, and must return their trophy as well as any and all cash prizes to Nailpro staff. He or she will also be prohibited from participating in any Nailpro or Nailpro-run competition for one year.
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Nailpro Cyber Competitions:
1. The Nailpro Cyber Competitions (NCC) are designed to encourage potential competitors from the U.S. and around the world to compete without the expenses of travel. This event is the third event in the Nailpro Cup 2008 series. It includes four different competitions. Three are artistic, and one is an extension competition.
2. All entries are to be submitted via email by the event due dates.
3. The NCC will be judged using the same elimination process as the venue competitions. Ten finalists will be selected, from which the first, second, and third-place winners will be chosen. Only finalists will receive score sheets. The finalists’ scores will count towards the Nailpro Cup. Those eliminated will receive 25 participation points towards the Nailpro Cup.
4. Prize money will be awarded only to the veteran winners. Nailpro magazine will cover this event, as it does our venue competitions, and results will be published.
5. The specifics of the angle of the digital images that make up a competition entry, as well as the required size, dpi and resolution, are listed at www.nailpro.com. The complete submission package may be downloaded only after registering for the competition. The NCC is governed by separate rules, which are incorporated herein.
6. A photo release signed by the competitor and photographer, plus a model release form signed by the model, must be scanned and emailed to Nailpro. Failure to follow this rule will mean disqualification.
7. Nailpro/Creative Age Publications are not responsible for submissions that were lost during transmission.
8. Photo manipulation of any form is not allowed, and submission will be disqualified.
9. All digital images must be 300 dpi, saved as a tiff file in cmyk format.
10. Cyber competitors must submit digital images of five views for each entry. For extension competitions, the five views are: presentation pose (top perspective), C-curve, right side view, left side view, and overall view.
11. Submissions with incomplete information or missing forms will not be judged.
12. Upon receiving your submission, Nailpro will send an automatic email confirmation. If you have not received this response within three days of the due date, you must contact Nailpro to confirm that your entry has been received. It is your responsibility to make sure your submission was received.
13. Any digital images that have been used in any other photographic nail competition may NOT be entered into the NCC. You may not enter the same images more than once.
14. All digital images submitted must have the correct numbering and correspond to the emailed submission form.
15. All competitors will receive recognition and certificates of participation. Once the winners have been announced, the competition staff will release and send score sheets to the finalists. The judges are available to answer questions and make suggestions for improvement via email.
16. Winners (first, second and third place in novice and veteran divisions) are announced via email.
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Judging Process:
1. Nailpro competitions utilize analytic scoring to judge the entries. Three judges preview the novice entries and veteran entries as two separate groups. Through the process of elimination, the judges select no more than ten finalists at each level to be scored. All other entries will not be scored by the judges.
2. The finalists at each level are viewed simultaneously during the scoring process. Finalists are evaluated in ten categories. Each category is worth a possible ten points, ranging from 1 (Unacceptable) to 10 (Flawless). Each of the three judges is responsible for judging three to four categories. The categories for each competition are listed in the rules specific to that competition. Only finalists receive score sheets.
3. The competition staff calculates the final scores, and the judges verify the placements before excusing the finalists. Any ties will be broken by the Head Judge. The decision of the judges is final.
4. The finalists receive Nailpro Cup points corresponding to their final scores. All other entries receive 25 points for participating in the competition. The same applies to team relays. Each member of the finalist teams will receive their earned points. Eliminated relay team members will each receive 25 participation points. Disqualified competitors receive NO points.
5. There must a minimum of 4 competitors in each competition or 4 relay teams order for the competition to proceed as planned. This means 4 each in veteran and/or 4 each in novice. If a competition fails to be held, the novice entrants present will be allowed to compete in the veteran division for that particular competition only. There will be no refunds of registration fees.
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General Competition Information:
1. These competition rules are in effect for Nailpro Cup 2008. For rule clarification, please contact the Competition Message Center at 800/787-5135 or email nailprocomps@creativeage.com, or call 818/516-2999.
2. Competitors must designate their level of experience when they register:
• A novice competitor has not won a first-place award in any nail competition at a beauty show.
• A veteran competitor has won first-place award in any nail competition at a beauty show.
3. Winners (first, second, and third places) are recognized at both the novice and veteran levels.
4. Novice competitors who win a first-place award must advance to the veteran level for the next show.
5. A team of competitors that wants to participate in the Nailpro Cup 2008 Team Challenge must register by the early registration deadline for registration. After the early registration deadline, team members may not be added or changed for that event. The number of team members is unlimited, but only the points earned by a team's top three scorers in each competition will count toward the Nailpro Team Cup. (If a competitor joins a team, or changes teams between shows, the points earned by that competitor in prior competitions will not be rewarded to the team retroactively.)
6. Competitors who compete on a manufacturer's team must compete using only manufacturer's labeled products from that company. Files and metal implements are excluded.
7. Upon registration, competitors and their models give consent to Creative Age Publications, Inc. and all of its properties to freely use and/or reproduce any and all photographs taken at the show, including those taken by photographers hired for the show by Creative Age Publications. All photos are property of Creative Age Publications and may not be used without written permission.
8. Access to the competition area is limited to competitors, models and Nailpro competition staff.
9. Nailpro competitions utilize analytic scoring to judge the entries. Three judges preview the novice entries and veteran entries as two separate groups. Through the process of elimination, the judges select no more than 10 finalists at each level to be scored. All other entries are excused prior to scoring by the judges.
10. The finalists at each level are viewed simultaneously during the scoring process. Finalists are evaluated in 10 categories; each category is worth a possible 10 points, ranging from 1 (Unacceptable) to 10 (Flawless). Each of the three judges is responsible for judging three to four categories. The categories for each competition are listed in the rules specific to that competition. Only finalists receive score sheets.
11. The competition staff calculates the final scores and the judges verify the placements before excusing the finalists. Any ties will be broken by the Head Judge. The decision of the judges is final.
12. The finalists receive Nailpro Cup points corresponding to their final scores. All other entries receive 25 points for participating in the competition. The same applies to team relays. Each member of the finalist teams will receive their earned points. Eliminated relay team members will each receive 25 participation points. Disqualified competitors receive NO points.
13. There must a minimum of four competitors in each competition or four relay teams order for the competition to proceed as planned. This means four each in veteran and/or four each in novice. If a competition fails to be held, the novice entrants present will be allowed to compete in the veteran division for that particular competition only. There will be no refunds of registration fees.
14. The individual competitor with the most points at the conclusion of Nailpro Sacramento 2008 will be crowned the Nailpro Cup 2008 Champion.
15. The Nailpro Cup 2008 Champion will receive:
• The Nailpro Cup trophy
• A $3,000 cash prize
• A one-page interview/article in Nailpro
• Lifetime subscription to Nailpro magazine
The remaining nine finalists will receive Nailpro Cup medallions.
16. The team with the most points at the conclusion of Nailpro Sacramento 2008 will win the Nailpro Cup 2008 Team Challenge and receive:
• The Nailpro Cup Team Championship trophy
• A one-page interview/article in Nailpro
• A lifetime subscription to Nailpro for all team members
17. Competitors and models should plan to attend the Awards Ceremony to receive recognition and certificates of participation. Immediately after the ceremony, the competition staff will distribute score sheets to the finalists. The judges will be available to answer questions and make suggestions for improvement.
18. Any and all prize or trophy revisions are announced during the briefing or after awards.
19. New rules, competitions or new information are not up for discussion. Any ideas for improvement may be presented via email to nailprocomps@aol.com at the end of the competition year only.
20. Nailpro competitions are a showcase for the nail industry. The Nailpro competition staff expects all participants to conduct themselves in a professional, sportsmanlike manner.
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Nailpro 3-D Nail Art Rules:
1. Competitors may submit more than one entry, but must pay a registration fee for each entry. Only the points earned by a competitor’s highest scoring entry will count toward Nailpro Cup 2008.
2. 3-D Nail Art entries must consist of a set of 10 individual tips with an original, thematic 3-D nail art design applied to them. The design must be incorporated on the tips. The tips are not allowed only to assist the design as a base. They must be fully incorporated into the design.
3. The theme for each 3-D Nail Art competition will be announced before the beginning of the competition year. The theme must be followed on all 10 nails.
Example: Nailpro Anaheim – Transportation Theme
4. Tip size and original color do NOT matter.
5. All nail art must be made primarily from professional nail products (colored liquid-and-powder acrylic, light-cured gel, wraps and resin, polish, rhinestones, etc.).
6. Embellishments or adornments may be used, but must NOT exceed 25 percent of the overall design.
7. Top coat, UV gel sealant or glitter polish may be used.
8. Competitors may NOT use any copyrighted art, designs or logos.
9. Competitors must prepare and submit a written statement in two parts: one detailing the products and processes used to create the art (do NOT name specific brands or manufacturers), and one telling the story of your interpretation of the theme. Failure to provide this information will result in a 5-point deduction in overall score.
10. Ten tips must be securely fastened to a plain (one color, no texture), flat surface for the judging process. The size of the mounting surface is to be a maximum of 6 inches wide by 8 inches deep by ¼ tall, and it must be FLAT, FLUSH AND STURDY. Any entries that do NOT meet this requirement will be disqualified at the time of judging.
11. 3-D Nail Art will be judged in the following 10 categories: originality, visual interest, theme, dimension, color, composition, overall impression, complexity, workmanship and design.
12. Any 3-D Nail Art design that wins, or has already won, first place at a Nailpro competition cannot be reused by the winner or copied by other competitors in subsequent Nailpro competitions. The Nailpro competition staff will disqualify any design it considers too similar to a winning design. Any discussion with the Nailpro competition staff about designs will be held in strict confidence.
13. Venue Competitions: 3-D Nail Art entries may be turned in by someone other than the competitor.
14. Venue Competitions: All work must be completed prior to the competition. No work station, seating or electrical outlet will be provided.
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Nailpro Airbrush Nail Art Rules:
1. An Airbrush Nail Art entry must consist of a set of 10 individual tips with art design done by airbrushing only.
2. Competitors may submit more than one entry, but must pay a registration fee for each entry. Only the points earned by a competitor's highest scoring entry will count toward Nailpro Cup 2008.
3. Nail Art entries must consist set of 10 individual tips with an original, thematic nail art design applied to them. The design must be incorporated on the tips. The tips are not allowed only to assist the design as a base. They must be fully incorporated into the design.
4. Airbrush Nail Art entries may be turned in by someone other than the competitor.
5. The theme for each Airbrush Nail Art competition will be announced before the beginning of the competition year. The theme must be followed on all 10 nails.
Example: Nailpro Anaheim - Transportation Theme
6. All work must be completed prior to the competition. No work station, seating or electrical outlet will be provided.
7. Tip size and original color do NOT matter.
8. All work must be done by airbrushing only. Only airbrush paint may be used.
9. The surface of the tips must be flush; NO raised surfaces.
10. Top coat or UV gel sealant MUST be used but must NOT contain any glitter.
11. Competitors may NOT use any copyrighted art, designs or logos.
12. Ten tips must be securely fastened to a plain (one color no texture), flat surface for the judging process. The size of the mounting surface is to be a maximum of 6 inches wide by 8 inches deep by 1/4 inch tall and it must be FLAT, FLUSH AND STURDY. Any entries that do NOT meet this requirement will be disqualified at the time of judging.
13. Airbrush Nail Art will be judged in the following 10 categories: originality, visual interest, theme, detail, color, composition, overall impression, complexity, workmanship and design. Judges will NOT be informed about which products and/or techniques were used.
14. Any Airbrush Nail Art design that wins, or has already won, first place at a Nailpro competition cannot be reused by the winner or copied by other competitors in subsequent Nailpro competitions. The Nailpro competition staff will disqualify any design it considers too similar to a winning design. Any discussion with the Nailpro competition staff about designs will be held in strict confidence.
15. Competitors must prepare and submit a written statement in two parts: One detailing the products and processes used to create the art (do NOT name specific brands or manufacturers), and one telling the story of your interpretation of the theme. Failure to provide this information will result in a five-point deduction in overall score.
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Nailpro Design Sculptured Nails Rules:
1. Competitors will have 2.5 hours to complete a set of competition-style nail enhancements using forms and colored products in original and artistic ways. Tips and adhesive are NOT allowed.
2. Competitors may use any combination of enhancement products (liquid-and-powder acrylic, light-cured gel, etc.) containing color and/or glitter.
3. Embellishments may NOT be used.
4. Flowers may not be used anywhere in the design.
5. The model's natural nails may be prepared for product application before the competition starts, but product may NOT be applied until the competition starts.
6. No consideration will be given for any pre-existing damage to a model's natural nails, cuticles, or hands.
7. Competitors may lay out forms before the competition, but may NOT apply forms until the competition starts.
8. If sculpting, competitors may lay out forms before the competition, but paper and metal forms must be flat and Teflon forms must be in original condition. Forms may NOT be altered or applied until the competition starts.
9. The surface of the nail enhancements must be flush—NO raised surfaces.
10. 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.
11. Competitors may NOT use any copyrighted art, designs or logos.
12. All files and buffers must be clean and unused. Electric files, chamois buffers and buffing products may be used.
13. Cleansing products (soaps, etc.) and moisturizing products (oils, creams, lotions, etc.) are allowed.
14. The nail enhancements on both hands must be finished to a high shine by buffing, applying top coat or using a UV gel sealant. No other polish, including glitter polish, is allowed.
15. Design Sculptured Nails will be judged in the following 10 categories: lateral structure and c-curves, length and shape, composition, surface structure, product control and finish work, cuticle area, complexity, color, originality and overall impression.
16. Judges will view your work from the floor, but not judge the competition in progress.
17. Any Design Sculptured Nails design that wins, or has already won, first place at a Nailpro competition cannot be reused by the winner or copied by other competitors in subsequent Nailpro competitions. The Nailpro competition staff will disqualify any design it considers too similar to a winning design. Any discussion with the Nailpro competition staff about designs will be held in strict confidence.
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Nailpro Fantasy Nail Art Rules:
1. Competitors may submit more than one entry, but must pay a registration fee for each entry. Only the points earned by a competitor's highest scoring entry will count toward Nailpro Cup 2008.
2. All work, including model preparation, must be completed prior to the competition. No work station, seating or electrical outlet will be provided.
3. The model must be in costume and prepared for judging at the scheduled report time. There will be NO briefing for this competition.
4. Models will stand during the judging process and must be able to walk in costume without assistance.
5. All nail art must be made primarily from professional nail products (colored liquid-and-powder acrylic, light-cured gel, wraps and resin, polish, rhinestones, etc.).
6. Embellishments may be used, but must NOT exceed 25 percent of the overall design.
7. Competitors may NOT use any copyrighted art, designs or logos.
8. Nails must be incorporated into the design. They may NOT serve only as a base. There will be a 10-point deduction if nails are not incorporated into design.
9. Competitors must prepare and submit a written statement in two parts—One detailing the products and processes used to create the art (do NOT name specific brands or manufacturers), and one telling the story of your interpretation of the theme. Failure to do so will result in a five-point deduction in overall score.
10. Props may be included as part of the costume, but must be smaller than the model. No additional consideration will be given to handmade costumes and/or props.
11. Fantasy Nail Art will be judged in the following 10 categories: originality, visual interest, theme, costume, color, composition, overall impression, complexity, workmanship and design.
12. Any Fantasy Nail Art design that wins, or has already won, first place at a Nailpro competition cannot be reused by the winner or copied by other competitors in subsequent Nailpro competitions. The Nailpro competition staff will disqualify any design it considers too similar to a winning design. Any discussion with the Nailpro competition staff about designs will be held in strict confidence.
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Nailpro Flat Nail Art Rules:
1. Competitors may submit more than one entry, but only the points earned by a competitor's highest scoring entry will count toward Nailpro Cup 2008.
2. Flat Nail Art entries may be turned in by someone other than the competitor.
3. A Flat Nail Art entry must consist of a set of 10 individual tips with design done by hand-painting only. Tips must remain individual and not be secured to one another. Design may encompass all 10 tips as a picture, but tips must remain individual.
4. All work must be completed prior to the competition. No work station, seating or electrical outlet will be provided.
5. Tip size and original color do NOT matter.
6. All work must be done by hand-painting and/or airbrushing. Only paint and nail polish may be used.
7. The surface of the tips must be flush; NO raised surfaces.
8. Top coat may be used but must NOT contain any glitter.
9. Competitors may NOT use any copyrighted art, designs or logos.
10. The 10 tips must be securely fastened to a plain (one color no texture), flat surface for the judging process. The size of this surface is limited to 6 inches by 8 inches. Surface must not be taller than 1/4 inch. Any entries that do NOT meet this requirement will be disqualified at the time of judging.
11. Competitors must prepare and submit a written statement in two parts—one detailing the products and processes used to create the art (do NOT name specific brands or manufacturers), and one telling the story of your interpretation of the theme. Failure to provide this information will result in a five-point deduction in overall score.
12. Flat Nail Art will be judged in the following 10 categories: originality, visual interest, theme, detail, color, composition, overall impression, complexity, workmanship and design. Judges will NOT be informed about which products and/or techniques were used.
13. Any Flat Nail Art design that wins, or has already won, first place at a Nailpro competition cannot be reused by the winner or copied by other competitors in subsequent Nailpro competitions. The Nailpro competition staff will disqualify any design it considers too similar to a winning design. Any discussion with the Nailpro competition staff about designs will be held in strict confidence.
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Nailpro French Twist Rules:
1. Venue competitions: Competitors will have 2.5 hours to complete a set of competition-style nail enhancements that reflect an original and artistic interpretation of the traditional French. Either forms or tips may be used. Cyber competitions: Competitors must submit five photos (see general rules) of competition-style nail enhancements that reflect an original and artistic interpretation of the traditional French. Either forms or tips may be used.
2. Competitors may use any combination of sheer pink, clear and white enhancement products (liquid-and-powder acrylic, light-cured gel, wraps and resin, etc.). Opaque pink and other colored enhancement products are NOT allowed.
3. Enhancement products containing light-colored glitter (silver, gold, white opalescent and pale pink opalescent) are allowed.
4. Embellishments may NOT be used.
5. Venue competitions: The model’s natural nails may be prepared for product application before the competition starts, but product may NOT be applied until the competition starts.
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.
8. All enhancement products must be applied to tips after the tips are adhered to the natural nail.
9. Venue competitions: If sculpting, competitors may lay out forms before the competition, but paper and metal forms must be flat and Teflon forms must be in original condition. Forms may NOT be altered or applied until the competition starts. If overlaying tips, competitors must lay out tips before the briefing, but tips may NOT be altered or applied until the competition starts.
10. Venue competitions: No consideration will be given for any pre-existing damage to a model’s natural nails, cuticles, or hands.
11. The surface of the nail enhancements must be flush; NO raised surfaces.
12. Venue competitions: All files and buffers must be clean and unused; electric files, chamois buffers and buffing products may be used.
13. Venue competitions: 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 for excess oil.
14. The nail enhancements on both hands must be finished to a high shine by buffing, applying top coat or using a gel sealant. No other polish, including glitter polish, is allowed.
15. French Twist will be judged in the following 10 categories: lateral structure and
C-curves, length and shape, composition, surface structure, product control and finish work, cuticle area, complexity, smile lines, originality and overall impression.
16. Any French Twist design that wins, or has already won, first place at a Nailpro competition cannot be reused by the winner or copied by other competitors in subsequent Nailpro competitions. The Nailpro competition staff will disqualify any design it considers too similar to a winning design. Any discussion with the Nailpro competition staff about designs will be held in strict confidence.
17. Venue competitions: Judges will view your work from the floor, but will not judge the competition in progress.
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Nailpro Hand Painted Nail Art Rules:
1. A Hand Painted Art entry must consist of a set of 10 individual tips with design done by hand painting only. Tips must remain individual and not be secured to one another. Design may encompass all 10 tips as a picture, but tips must remain individual.
2. Competitors may submit more than one entry, but must pay a registration fee for each entry. Only the points earned by a competitor’s highest scoring entry will count toward Nailpro Cup 2008.
3. Venue competitions: Hand Painted Nail Art entries may be turned in by someone other than the competitor. You do not need to be present at the competition to enter this competition.
4. The theme for each Hand Painted Nail Art competition will be announced before the beginning of the competition year. The theme must be followed on all 10 nails.
Example: Nailpro ISSE Long Beach Show – Insect Theme
5. Venue competitions: All work must be completed prior to the competition. No work station, seating or electrical outlet will be provided.
6. Tip size and original color do NOT matter.
7. All work must be done by hand painting only. Only paint and nail polish may be used.
8. The surface of the tips must be flush; NO raised surfaces.
9. Top coat or UV gel sealant MUST be used but must NOT contain any glitter.
10. Competitors may NOT use any copyrighted art, designs or logos.
11. Ten tips must be securely fastened to a plain (one color no texture), flat surface for the judging process. The size of the mounting surface is to be a maximum of 6 inches wide by 8 inches deep by ¼ inch tall and it must be FLAT, FLUSH AND STURDY. Any entries that do NOT meet this requirement will be disqualified at the time of judging.
12. Competitors must prepare and submit a written statement in two parts—one detailing the products and processes used to create the art (do NOT name specific brands or manufacturers), and one telling the story of your interpretation of the theme. Failure to provide this information will result in a 5-point deduction in overall score.
13. Hand Painted Nail Art will be judged in the following 10 categories: originality, visual interest, theme, detail, color, composition, overall impression, complexity, workmanship and design. Judges will NOT be informed about which products and/or techniques were used.
14. Any Hand Painted Nail Art design that wins, or has already won, first place at a Nailpro competition cannot be reused by the winner or copied by other competitors in subsequent Nailpro competitions. The Nailpro competition staff will disqualify any design it considers too similar to a winning design. Any discussion with the Nailpro competition staff about designs will be held in strict confidence.
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Nailpro Salon Success Rules:
1. Competitors will have 1.5 hours to complete a set of salon-style nail enhancements using either forms or tips.
2. White tips are NOT allowed (clear or natural tips only).
3. Competitors may use any type of professional products as long as they do not mix the mediums together. If using gel, the competitor must use only gel, liquid and power, etc. Gel contestants may use red polish. Enhancement products containing glitter and/or any other color are NOT allowed. Gel sealant may be applied as a top coat.
4. Embellishments may NOT be used.
5. The model's natural nails may be prepared for product application before the competition starts, but product may NOT be applied until the competition starts.
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.
8. All enhancement products must be applied to tips after the tips are adhered to the natural nail.
9. No consideration will be given for any pre-existing damage to a model's natural nails, cuticles or hands.
10. If sculpting, competitors may lay out forms before the competition, but paper and metal forms must be flat and Teflon forms must be in original condition. Forms may NOT be altered or applied until the competition starts. If overlaying tips, competitors must lay out tips before the briefing, but tips may NOT be altered or applied until the competition starts.
11. 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.
12. All files and buffers must be clean and unused; electric files, chamois buffers and buffing products may be used.
13. 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 for excess oil.
14. The nail enhancements on one hand (competitor's choice) must be polished with red cream polish. Base coat, ridge filler and top coat are allowed. Gel contestants may use red polish.
15. The nail enhancements on the unpolished hand must be French-style (pink/clear and white), finished to a high shine and completely free of polish.
16. Salon Success will be judged in the following 10 categories: product control, smile lines, cuticle area, surface structure, lateral structure, c-curves, length and shape, overall impression, polish application and finish work. Judges will NOT be informed about the products and/or techniques used.
17. There will be NO adjustment (deduction in the final score) for using tips.
18. The underside of both hands must look the same.
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Nailpro Sculptured Acrylic Nails Rules:
1. Competitors will have 2.5 hours to complete a set of sculptured, competition-style acrylic nail enhancements using forms. Tips and adhesive are NOT allowed.
2. Competitors must use liquid-and-powder acrylic products only. Light-cured gel products
are NOT allowed.
3. Only sheer pink, clear and white enhancement products may be used. Enhancement products containing glitter and/or any other color are NOT allowed.
4. Embellishments may NOT be used.
5. The model's natural nails may be prepared for product application before the competition, but product may NOT be applied until the competition starts.
6. No consideration will be given for any pre-existing damage to a model's natural nails, cuticles or hands.
7. 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.
8. Competitors may lay out forms before the competition, but paper and metal forms must be flat and Teflon forms must be in original condition. Forms may NOT be altered or
applied until the competition starts.
9. Moons must be included at the base of the nail on the unpolished hand. At the discretion of the competitor, moons may be added to the polished hand.
10. All files and buffers must be clean and unused; electric files, chamois buffers and buffing products may not be used.
11. Water only may be used to remove dust. No canned air is allowed. Cleansing products (soaps, etc.) and moisturizing products (oils, creams, lotions, etc.) are NOT allowed.
12. The nail enhancements on one hand (competitor's choice) must be polished with red cream polish. Base coat, ridge filler and top coat are NOT allowed.
13. The nail enhancements on the unpolished hand must be French-style (pink/clear and white), finished to a high shine and completely free of polish.
14. The underside of both hands must look the same.
15. Sculptured Acrylic Nails will be judged in the following 10 categories: product control, smile lines, cuticle area, surface structure, lateral structure, c-curves, length and shape, overall impression, polish application and finish work.
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Nailpro Sculptured Gel Nails Rules:
1. Competitors will have 2.5 hours to complete a set of sculptured, competition-style UV gel nail enhancements using forms. Tips and adhesive are NOT allowed.
2. Competitors must use light-cured gel products. Liquid-and-powder and resin products
are NOT allowed.
3. Only sheer pink, clear and white enhancement products may be used. Enhancement products containing glitter and/or any other color are NOT allowed.
4. Embellishments may NOT be used.
5. The model's natural nails may be prepared for product application before the competition, but product may NOT be applied until the competition starts.
6. No consideration will be given for any pre-existing damage to a model's natural nails, cuticles or hands.
7. 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.
8. Competitors may lay out forms before the competition, but paper and metal forms must be flat and Teflon forms must be in original condition. Forms may NOT be altered or applied until the competition starts.
9. Moons must be included at the base of the nail on uncolored hand. At the discretion of the competitor, moons may be added to the red-colored hand.
10. All files and buffers must be clean and unused; electric files, chamois buffers and buffing products may not be used.
11. Water only may be used to remove dust. No canned air is allowed. Cleansing products (soaps, etc.) and moisturizing products (oils, creams, lotions, etc.) are NOT allowed.
12. The nail enhancements on one hand (competitor's choice) must have a layer of red-colored gel. Base coat, ridge filler and topcoat, or red polish is NOT allowed. NO polish of any type is allowed.
13. The nail enhancements on the uncolored hand must be French-style (pink/clear and white), finished to a high shine only.
14. The underside of both hands must look the same.
15. Sculptured Gel Nails will be judged in the following 10 categories: product control, smile lines, cuticle area, surface structure, lateral structure, c-curves, length and shape, overall impression, red gel application and finish work.
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Nailpro Sculptured Nails Rules:
1. Venue Competitions: Competitors will have 2.5 hours to complete a set of sculptured, competition-style acrylic nail enhancements using forms. Tips and adhesive are NOT allowed. Cyber Competitions: Competitors must submit five photos (see general cyber rules) of a sculptured nail set of competition-style acrylic nail enhancements using forms. Tips and adhesive are NOT allowed.
2. Competitors must use liquid-and-powder acrylic products only. Light-cured gel products are NOT allowed.
3. Only sheer pink, clear and white enhancement products may be used. Enhancement products containing glitter and/or any other color are NOT allowed.
4. Embellishments may NOT be used.
5. Venue Competitions: The model's natural nails may be prepared for product application before the competition, but product may NOT be applied until the competition starts.
6. Venue Competitions: No consideration will be given for any pre-existing damage to a model's natural nails, cuticles, or hands.
7. 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.
8. Venue Competitions: Competitors may lay out forms before the competition, but paper and metal forms must be flat and Teflon forms must be in original condition. Forms may NOT be altered or applied until the competition starts.
9. Moons must be included at the base of the nail on the unpolished hand. At the discretion of the competitor, moons may be added to the polished hand.
10. Venue Competitions: All files and buffers must be clean and unused; electric files, chamois buffers and buffing products may not be used.
11. Water only may be used to remove dust. No canned air is allowed. Cleansing products (soaps, etc.) and moisturizing products (oils, creams, lotions, etc.) are NOT allowed.
12. The nail enhancements on the one hand (competitor's choice) must be polished with red cream polish. Base coat, ridge filler and top coat are NOT allowed.
13. The nail enhancements on the unpolished hand must be French-style (pink/clear and white), finished to a high shine and completely free of polish.
14. The underside of both hands must look the same.
15. Sculptured Acrylic Nails will be judged in the following 10 categories: product control, smile lines, cuticle area, surface structure, lateral structure, C-curves, length and shape, overall impression, polish application and finish work.
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Nailpro Spa Manicuring Rules:
1. Competitors will have one hour to complete a spa manicure.
2. Before work begins on the model, the categories of sanitation, decor, amenities and previous condition of the model's hands will be judged. This means judges will be walking the floor.
3. No enhancement products may be present at the station.
4. All files and buffers must be clean and unused; electric files, chamois buffers and buffing products may be used.
5. Competitors must prepare and submit a written statement detailing the products and procedures used to perform the spa manicure (do NOT name specific brands or manufacturers). Failure to do so will result in a five-point deduction in overall score.
6. Cleansing products (soaps, etc.) and moisturizing products (oils, creams, lotions, etc.) are allowed.
7. The natural nails of one hand (competitor's choice) must be polished with red cream polish. Base coat, ridge filler and top coat are allowed.
8. The natural nails on the other hand must be polished French-style with a polish combination of the competitor's choice. Base coat, ridge filler and top coat are allowed.
9. No artwork is allowed.
10. Sanitation will be scored on: cleanliness of work area; use of a (covered but not airtight) sanitizing tray or jar for implements that contains an EPA-registered hospital liquid disinfecting product with enough liquid to cover all surfaces of the tools; clean towels, tools, implements, files and buffers; and hand-sanitizing products.
11. Spa Manicuring will be judged in the following 10 categories: sanitation, decor, amenities, previous condition, cuticle condition, polish application (red), polish application (French-style), length and shape, overall impression and finish work.
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Nailpro Tip & Overlay Rules:
1. Competitors will have 2.5 hours to complete a set of competition-style nail enhancements using clear or natural tips. White tips and/or any type of forms are NOT allowed.
2. Competitors may use either liquid-and-powder acrylic products, light-cured gel products OR wrap products. Combining these enhancement products will NOT be allowed.
3. Only sheer pink, clear and white enhancement products may be used. Enhancement products containing glitter and/or any other color are NOT allowed.
4. Embellishments may NOT be used.
5. The model's natural nails may be prepped for product application before the competition starts, but product may NOT be applied until the competition starts.
6. No colored products of any | 
