There's many ways in the nail industry to make your mark and showcase what makes you and the services you offer unique. One option we recommend is entering a nail competition. You're in luck that we happen to know a pretty special one that is fast approaching.
The Nailpro Master Challenge is the diamond of the Nailpro Nail Show. Held September 8 and 9, the Nailpro Master Challenge turns the traditional competing experience on its head, with contestants being provided a kit of products that they don’t see until start time. Competitors will get to create gorgeous art in mediums like chrome, acrylic, 3D gel and traditional gel polish in timed challenges, making art on tips or the nails of a live model.
You can learn more about this year's Master Challenge by visiting the Nailpro Show website, and you can use the code XOXONAILPRO to enter the Master Challenge at 50% off for a limited time.
If this has you wanting to take the plunge, below we share five benefits of entering a nail competition.
1.Showcase your talents.
Every nail tech has a certain skillset that they consider their specialty, whether or not they choose to specialize. It's the service they love offering to their clients most because its where they really shine. 
If you consider yourself to be the best of the best at creating dazzling chrome nails, sculpting gorgeous 3D nail art, working with acrylic or painting stunning gel nail art, then the Nailpro Master Challenge is the perfect opportunity to put your talents on display.
For the competitions that use tips (chrome and 3D nails), we leave them out on display after the competition is over for attendees to see after the judges finish making their decisions. Other attendees love seeing the work entrants have created, and you may even inspire someone to enter the ring!
2. Challenge yourself, and step out of your comfort zone.
Entering a nail competition is no cake walk. It takes confidence, skill and excellent time management skills, but it is the perfect way to see what you're made of! The Nailpro Master Challenge poses a unique opportunity for entrants to put their skills on display by leveling the playing field, with contestants all receiving the same product kits to work with. 
It can be easy to develop a routine in the salon that can become repetitive. This is the perfect opportunity to step outside of the mold, and do something new. By taking on the challenge, you can grow, further develop your skills and learn more about yourself.
"Competing in the Master Challenge gave me the boost I needed to not be afraid of working with clients again," shares Alexandra Molnar (@owc_naildesign), who recently opened her own suite, Obsessed W/ Colors Nail Studio, in Walnut Creek, CA. "I entered the competition in doubt that I could even finish the set in time the way I wanted it, but it was a good trial of you can achieve what you put your mind to."
3. Find new opportunities.
Entering a nail competition is a great way to further put yourself out into the industry. Nail competitors often find new opportunities in the industry, whether it be working with brands, being given a platform to educate on topics in the industry and more. 
"The competition experience not only develops your skills but also provides incredible opportunities to network and market yourself to potential clients, employers and business partners. Win or lose, competitors have tremendous influence as educators, mentors, consultants and manufacturers," shares Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D., owner of Precision Nails.
Winners and finalists of the Nailpro Master Challenge have an opportunity to be featured in our magazine, which allows them to reach a wide audience of nail professionals. For example, Kelli Davis, who won our Fancy French competition last year, showcased a floral wedding watercolor nail design in our May/June 2024 issue.
4. Improve your skills.
Nail competitions can only help you grow and improve your skills. You can learn from your fellow competitors, see how a timed situation impacts the nail art you create and get hands on with products that may be new to you.
Your confidence can only grow, regardless of the outcome. If it's your first time competing, it may even make you want to enter the ring again, like Scarlett Wooldrik (@scarletts.nailss) who placed third in our Nature-Inspired Gel Design competition last year. 
"Entering the competition was nerve-wracking since last year was my first time at a national nail convention," she shares. "I gained so much confidence and knowledge from competing. It made me feel like my hard work was finally paying off, and people in the industry recognized my talents. It was great being surrounded by other nail experts that showed unwavering support to the young generation of nail technicians, and I'm so excited to be coming back this year."
By putting your skills to the test, you can get a better idea of where you need to improve going forward in a supportive environment with people who only want to help you grow and see you succeed!
5. Have fun!
Competitions like this can be stressful and nerve-wracking, but they offer an opportunity for nail professionals to come together and truly showcase the diversity of talent within the industry. By competing, you can make friends and walk away with a bag full of new products to use on your clients!
"The Nailpro Master Challenge was so fun and helped me get out of my comfort zone to compete live with other nail artists," shares Reina Santos (@reireishnailart). "It was a great experience, and I hope to join again!"
Unlike a traditional client appointment, you have full control over the nail art you create, allowing for complete creativity and for your imagination to run wild. With a theme like Next Gen Beauty, we are all about embracing everything this new era of beauty and innovation has to offer, and we can't see what you bring to the table!
Remember to use the code XOXONAILPRO to enter the Master Challenge at 50% off for a limited time.
