The rules for each category of the Nailpro Europe

  • 3D Nail art (in box)

    1. Competitors may submit more than one entry but must pay a registration fee for each entry. If submitting more than one entry only for on-site competitions, only the points from the highest scoring entry count towards the NP Individual Cup or Team Cup if you are one of the top 5 point earners.  If you are not planning on attending the competition and wish to turn in your work, please click on the link.  Go to NEW INFORMATION REGARDING TURN-IN ENTRIES. 

    2. 3-D 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. If you are not present for awards, you must plan for someone to pick up your artwork!  Nailpro Competition will not be responsible for any artwork left behind.

    3. A 3-D Nail Art entry must consist of a set of 10 individual manufacturer tips. They may not be constructed by a layperson. They must be from a manufacturer’s box. The length must be no longer than 2” in length and no wider than 3/4” if they were flattened out. Tips must be graduated in size. Finished tips must be wearable meaning individual and able to be mounted to a base.

    4.  The design must not extend more than 1″ (inch) in height, 1″(inch) in width, and no longer than the length of the tip. Tips must remain individual and not be secured to one another by any medium.  The design may encompass all 10 tips as a picture, but tips must remain individual. If tips do not meet the requirements, the design will receive a point deduction.

    5. The theme for each 3-D Nail Art competition will be announced before the beginning of the competition year.

    6. All work must be completed prior to the competition. No workstation, seating, or electrical outlet will be provided.

    7. All nail art must be made from professional nail products (colored liquid-and-powder acrylic, light-cured gel, wraps and resin, polish, rhinestones, etc.)

    8. Embellishments or adornments may be used, but must NOT exceed 25% of the overall design.

    9. Top coat, UV gel sealant, or glitter polish may be used.

    10. 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 the overall score. DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR NAME.

    11. On-Site – Display: Ten tips must be SECURELY fastened to a plain (one color no texture no mirror), 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. Do not attach your entry to the bottom of the box upon turn-in. Any entries that do NOT meet this requirement may be disqualified at the time of turn-in or judging. Digital entries – please see details in Nailapalooza Rules.

    13.  Entry will be judged on presentation.

    14. 3-D Nail Art will be judged in the following categories: originality, visual interest, color, presentation, balance, design, dimension, overall impression, complexity, workmanship, tip length, and theme.

    15. 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 reserves the right to 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.

  • Mix Media Nail Art (in box)

    1. Competitors must use all of the following mediums for this competition.  3-D Nail Art, Hand Painted Nail Art, and Airbrushing or an alternate technique must be noted and pointed out.  Failure to use fewer results in a 10-point deduction for each medium not used.
    1. All entries must consist of a set of 10 individual manufacturer tips. They may not be constructed by a layperson. They must be from a manufacturer’s box. The length must be no longer than 2” (5,08 cm) in length and no wider than 3/4” (1,9 cm) if they were flattened out. Tips must be graduated in size. Finished tips must be wearable.  Tips must remain individual and not be secured to one another. The design may encompass all 10 tips as a picture, but tips must remain individual. If tips do not meet the requirements, the design may be disqualified or receive a point deduction.  

    1. Mixed Media Nail Art will be judged in the following categories: originality, visual interest, color, presentation, balance, design & detail, tip length, overall impression, complexity, dimension, workmanship, and theme.

    1. 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 the overall score. DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR NAME.

    These Rules Apply to All Categories

    1. All of the rules specified for each individual competition category (3-D Nail Art, Hand Painted Nail Art, and Airbrushing) must be followed. 

    1. Competitors may NOT use any copyrighted art, designs, or logos. 

    1. All work must be completed prior to the competition. No workstation, seating, or electrical outlet will be provided. 

    1. Tip original color does NOT matter.

    1. Top coat, UV gel sealant, or glitter polish may be used.  

    1. NO molds may be used to assist with any design. 

    1. Competitors may use a similar version of copyrighted art, design, or logo but they must not be identical to the original. If the artwork does not follow criteria judges will determine point deductions.

    1. Any 3-D Nail Art, Hand Painted Nail Art, or Airbrushing design that has already won first place at any 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. 

    These Rules Apply to 3-D Nail Art only

    1. All 3-D nail art must be made from professional nail products (colored liquid-and-powder acrylic, light-cured gel, wraps and resin, polish, rhinestones, etc.) 

    1. The 3-D design may not protrude more than 1” in height from the tip surface.  No part of the entry may extend over the 6×8″ base.   

    1. Embellishments or adornments may be used, but must NOT exceed 25% of the overall design. 

    These Rules Apply to Hand Painted Nail Art only

    1. All work must be done by hand painting only. Only paint, nail polish and gel polish may be used. 

    These Rules Apply to Airbrushed Nail Art only

    1.   All airbrushing must be done with airbrush paint only 



    * You will get access to your personal folder for sending photos and videos according to the categories. You can submit your work before 23:59 until… The information comiing soon.



  • Hand Painted Nail Art (in box)

    1. Hand Painted Nail Art entry must consist of a set of 10 individual manufacturer tips. The length must be no longer than 2” in length and no wider than 3/4” if they were flattened out. Tips must be graduated in size. Tips must remain individual and not be secured to one another. The design may encompass all 10 tips as a picture, but tips must remain individual.

    1. All work must be done by gel paint hand painting only or acrylic hand painting only. Absolutely NO airbrushing. Stamping of any type is not allowed.

    1. The surface of the tips must be flush; NO raised surfaces.

    1. Top coat or UV gel sealant may be used but must NOT contain any glitter.

    1. NO Copyrighted art is allowed at any time. Penalties will be given at judges’ discretion and possible disqualification may be incurred.

    1. 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 the overall score. DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR NAME.

    1. Hand Painted Nail Art will be judged in the following categories: originality, visual interest, color, presentation, balance, design, detail, overall impression, complexity, workmanship, tip length and theme.

    1. 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 reserves the right to disqualify any design it considers to be too similar to a winning design. Any discussion with the NAILPRO competition staff about designs will be held in strict confidence.



    * You will get access to your personal folder for sending photos and videos according to the categories. You can submit your work before 23:59 until 30.11.2021.



  • Airbrush Nail Art (in box)

    1. Airbrush Nail Art entry must consist of a set of 5 individual manufacturer tips. The length must be no longer than 5,08 cm in length and no wider than 1,9 cm if they were flattened out. Tips must graduated in size. The shape of the tips can be any, but the same on all nails. Tips must remain individual and not be secured to one another. The design may encompass all 5 tips as a picture, but tips must remain individual.

    2. Entries must be presented on a flat surface, one color, no texture, no mirror. The five tips must be fastened on this surface. The size of the mounting surface must be a maximum of 15,24 cm wide by 20,32 cm deep by 0,635 cm tall

    3. The original color of the tips does not matter. Each tip may have a different color, the coating should be solid, applying of colors must be done with airbrush only.

    4. All work must be done by airbrushing ONLY. Gel paint hand painting or acrylic hand painting is absolutely NOT ALLOWED. Stamping of any type is NOT allowed.

    5. The type of airbrushing you do, as well as the colors you use are your choice. You may use as many or few colors as you like. Metallic and shiny colors for paint are allowed. You can use any type of airbrush paint.

    6. Your Airbrush application should be completely smooth and clean.

    7. The surface of the tips must be flush; NO raised surfaces.

    8. You MUST use some type of top coat or UV gel sealant. Must NOT contain any glitter.

    9. NO Copyrighted art is allowed at any time. Penalties will be given or and possible a possible disqualification at the judges discretion.

    10. Airbrush Nail Art will be judged in the following categories: originality, visual interest, color, presentation, balance, design, detail, overall impression, complexity, workmanship, airbrush technique, tip length & shape and theme.

    11. Any Airbrush design that wins, or has already won, first place at a prior NAILPRO competition cannot be reused by the winner or copied by other competitors in subsequent NAILPRO competitions.

    The NAILPRO competition staff reserves the right to 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

  • Chrome/Stamping (in box)

    1. Your Chrome application should be completely smooth and shiny.  THE CHROME MUST COVER THE ENTIRE NAIL, SIDES AND CUTICLE AREA!

    The type of stamping you do as well as the colors you use are also your choice.  You may use as many or few colors for stamping or chrome.  Metallic colors for stamping are allowed.

    1. A set of 5 individual tips is required to participate. They must be factory-made, you cannot use tips made by non-professionals. They must be in a special box. The tips should be no more than 2 inches (5.08 cm) long and no more than ¾ inch (1.9 cm) wide in-plane, i.e. if they are made flat and measured, then they should be no more than the given dimensions. Tips should be laid out in size (in gradation). Tips with complete designs should be wearable. The design must be done entirely by hand. The tips must be separated and not fastened together. If the tips do not meet these requirements, the design may be disqualified from the competition or can be given penalties.

    1. Any shape, length or nail type is allowed.  You will be judged on length and shape. 

    1. Only embellishments listed above are allowed.

    1. Nails must have a flat surface.

    1. You may not enhance or clean up your original stamping design

    1. Top coat or UV gel sealant may be used.

    1. Chrome/Stamping will be judged in the following categories: originality, visual interest, color, length & shape, balance, design, stamping technique, detail, overall impression, complexity, workmanship, chrome application, detail.

    1. Any Chrome/Stamping 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 reserves the right to 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.



    * You will get access to your personal folder for sending photos and videos according to the categories. You can submit your work before 23:59 until 30.11.2021.



  • It’s all about the bling (in box)

    1. A set of 5 individual tips is required to participate. They must be factory-made, you cannot use tips made by non-professionals. They must be in a special box. The tips should be no more than 5.08 cm long and no more than 1.9 cm wide in-plane, i.e. if they are made flat and measured, then they should be no more than the given dimensions. Tips should be laid out in size (in gradation). Tips with complete designs should be wearable. The design must be done entirely by hand. The tips must be separated and not fastened together. If the tips do not meet these requirements, the design may be disqualified from the competition or can be given penalties.
    2. All work must be completed before the competition.
    3. The original color of the tips does not matter. Each tip may have a different color, the coating should be solid, one-color.
    4. The work must be done manually. All types of colored spray are not allowed. Only paints and polishes are allowed. Stamping or any other nail art not allowed.
    5. Stones should not protrude more than 1,27 cm beyond the tip perimeter in any direction.
    6. Stones larger than 1,27 cm are not allowed. This includes pendants and/or jewelry!
    7. The surface of the tips must be flush; NO raised surfaces.
    8. Top coat or UV gel sealant may be used ONLY AS A TOP COAT, but must NOT contain any glitter.
    9. When attaching stones, building a base, and or prework all products used must be clear.
    10. Entries must be presented in a closed box for us to transport. Inside the box, the five tips must be SECURELY fastened to a plain (one color no texture no mirror), flat surface, or 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. Do not attach your entry to the bottom of the box upon turn in. The judges MUST BE ABLE TO REMOVE YOUR WORK FROM THE BOX.
    11. The work will be judged at the presentation.
    12. It’s All About The Bling! will be judged in the following categories: originality, cleanliness, design, craftsmanship, balance, quantity of rhinestones, visual interest, shape, brightness, detail and overall impression.
    13. Participants may use similar versions of a recognizable design or artwork, but it may not be identical to the original. The work will be disqualified for violation of copywriting.
    14. And It’s All About The Bling! Nail Art design which 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 reserves the right to 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. *

    You will get access to your personal folder for sending photos and videos according to the categories.

  • Foil Embossed Elegance Nail Art (in box)

    1. Foil Embossed Elegance Nail Art entry must consist of a set of 5 individual manufacturer tips. The length must be no longer than 2” in length and no wider than 3/4” if they were flattened out. Tips must be graduated in size. Tips must remain individual and not be secured to one another. The design may encompass all 5 tips as a picture, but tips must remain individual.

    2. Model may already have enhancements applied and ready for art application. 

    3. The base nails may have one base color applied to the enhancements/extensions.  That color may be polished on or sculpted or light cured.  If you sculpt with cover powder that is your one color.  Or you can polish or paint with ONE color over your nail enhancement. 

    4.  The second color may be applied with any type of gel or paint once the competition begins.

    5.  NO embellishments may be present on or in the extensions prior to competition including glitters or sparkle of any kind.

    6.  No build-up of any kind may be present prior to competition.  Nails must have a flat surface.

    7. Foil Embossed art must cover a minimum of ½ of the nail enhancement/extension. Design may be included on the nail bed.  No embellishments are allowed, (unless otherwise noted).

    8. If there is a theme must be followed on all 5 tips.

    9. Foil Embossed Nail Art must be raised and covered in foil

    10. Embellishments or adornments (when allowed) must NOT exceed 10% of the overall design.

    11. Top coat, UV gel sealant or glitter polish may be used.

    12.  Competitors may use a similar version of copyrighted art, design or logo but they must not be identical to the original.   If artwork does not follow criteria judges will determine point deductions.

    13. NO Copyrighted art is allowed at any time. Penalties will be given at judges’ discretion and possible disqualification may be incurred.

    14. On-Site – Display: Entries must be presented in a closed box for us to transport.  Inside the box the ten tips must be SECURELY fastened to a plain (one color no texture no mirror), 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.  Do not attach your entry to the bottom of the box upon turn in.  The judges MUST BE ABLE TO REMOVE YOUR WORK FROM THE BOX.  Digital entries – please see details in Nailapalooza Rules.

    15. Foil Embossed Elegance Nail Art will be judged in the following categories: originality, visual interest, color, Length, balance, design & detail, dimension, overall impression, complexity, workmanship, shape and theme.

    15. Any Foil Embossed Elegance 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 reserves the right to 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.

  • Soak off Gel Nail Art

    1. Competitors will have 1 hour to complete a set of 5 (unless otherwise noted on daily schedule) nails using soak off gel to create nail art. 

    **1A.  Nails may be extensions or natural.  The length must be no longer than a salon success style nail length of 1 to 2 ratio. 

    1. Model’s nails should be prepared for soak off gel polish application before competition start time is called.

    1. All nail art must be made from soak off gel polish only.

    1. All work must be done on site.  Absolutely no pre-work allowed.

    1. No enhancement products other than soak off gel polish may be present at the station. No regular gel, paint, gel paint, traditional polish or other enhancement may be used in any capacity.

    1. Embellishments or adornments may be used, but must NOT exceed 25% of the overall design

    1. Nail art may be flat or be a raised surface.

    1. Raised surfaces may be soak off gel polish or embellishments but must not be taller than ¼” above the surface of the natural nail.  The design must follow the theme.

    1. The theme must be followed on all 5 nails.

    1. Soak off gel top coat, and/or glitter soak off gel polish may be used.

    1. Cleansing products (soaps, etc.) and moisturizing products (oils, creams, lotions, etc.) are NOT allowed.

    1. Competitors may NOT use any copyrighted art, designs or logos.

    1. All files and buffers must be new, no additives such as oil on them is allowed.

    1. Soak off gel nail art will be judged in the following 12 categories: originality, visual interest, color, dimension, balance, design, and soak off gel base application, overall impression, complexity, workmanship, detail, and theme.

    1. Any Soak Off Gel 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 reserves the right to 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.



  • Soak-off Gel Application

    1. Competitors will have 30 minutes to complete your Soak-Off Gel application.  Work must be applied to natural nails only.

    1. No enhancement products other than soak-off gel polish may be present at the station.  No regular gel may be used in any capacity or point before or during the competition.

    1. Model’s nails should be prepared for soak-off gel polish application before competition start time is called.

    1. Cleansing products are allowed.  This includes oils and moisturizers. Too much oil, or uncured products will receive point deductions.

    1. The natural nails of one hand (competitor’s choice) must be covered with RED soak-off gel polish.

    1. The natural nails on the opposite hand must be covered with French-style pink and white soak-off gel polish combination. Traditional French-style pink and white soak-off gel polish colors must be used.

    1. No artwork is allowed.

    1. Soak-Off Gel will be judged in the following ten categories: smile lines, shape, soak-off gel polish application (French-style), finish work, cuticle area, surface smoothness, soak-off gel polish application, product control, length, lateral view, color balance and overall impression.



  • Fan Sculptured Nail Design

    1. Competitors will have 2.5 hours for competing on one hand (unless otherwise noted) of competition-style square nail enhancements with extreme length including inlay design. Only flat paper forms may be used. Always check the daily schedule for exact parameters, for example the theme.

    2. Competitors may use any products (liquid-and-powder acrylic or light-cured gel, polygel) staying in one technology and within any colors. Any colored enhancement products are allowed to include glitter. Glitter and embellishments are allowed but not over 25%. No stamping or chrome of any sort is allowed.

    3. 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.

    4. No colored or clear products of any type may be applied to the natural nail.

    5. All enhancement products must be applied after forms are applied to the natural nail. No tips, plastic type molds of any kind may be used to form the sculptured nail.

    6. The surface of the nail enhancements must be flush. NO raised surfaces.

    7. All files and buffers must be clean and unused. Electric files, buffers and buffing products may be used.

    8. 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.

    9. The nail enhancements on hand must be finished to a high shine by buffing, applying top coat or using a gel sealant. Polish, gel polish, gel paint and glitter polish are NOT ALLOWED.

    10. Fan Sculptured Nail Design will be judged in the following categories: lateral structure, “C” curves, originality, cuticle area, surface structure, product control, complexity, design and balance, length, shape, finish work, and overall impression.

    11. Any Fan Sculptured Nail 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.

  • Extreme Stiletto Design

    1. Competitors will have 2 hours (unless otherwise noted – check daily schedule for time) to complete one hand of stiletto-style nail enhancements and colored acrylic or gel products in original and artistic ways. Tips and adhesive are NOT allowed.  

    1. The nails must be a minimum of 2” in length of nail. This measurement is from the lowest point of the cuticle to the end of the free edge.  Any nails shorter will receive a 10 point deduction of overall score.

    1. Cover pink may be used.

    1. No acrylic paint, gel paint, gel polish or nail polish of any sort may be used.  Hand painting is not allowed on top of the nail to enhance the design.  If you can build a nail with the product you may use it for creating the design.  Absolutely NO Stamping!

    1. Glitter powder of any type, shape or color may be used (any size) but must not be included in more than 10% of the design. Crystal dust (pixie type) like products are allowed.

    1. The design must not cover more than 10 % of the nail bed.  This is to allow the nail bed to show through.

    1. NO Theme – Just follow the rules!

    1. Embellishments may be used. The surface of the nail enhancements must be flush — NO raised surfaces

    1. C curves range between 40% and 50%. The thinness of a salon style nail, approximately .03 to .05 inches, is ideal.  Credit card thickness for example.

    1. Electric files may be used.  All files and buffers must be clean and unused.

    1. Moisturizing products such as oil and soap may be used.

    1. All nail enhancements 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.

    1. Extreme Stiletto with Design Competition Nails will be judged in the following categories: lateral structure & shape, finish work, theme, design, surface structure & “C” curves, product control & cuticle area, complexity of design, detail, length, color, balance of design & overall impression.

    1. Any Extreme Stiletto with Design Competition Nails that win, 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 reserves the right to 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.



  • Five Style Sculptured Nails

    This competition is about style and shape. We want to see 5 shapes of nail extensions. Square and regular stiletto cannot be used. For example the wedge, bridge, lipstick, edge, Russian almond, blade, arrow or something new that you create. Remember it is the structure of the nail that dictates type of nail you are going to produce.

    THIS IS NOT FRENCH TWIST. Each nail must have a different structure quality.

    “C” Curves will be judged in accordance with the shape that is created. Meaning they will most probably NOT be created in the traditional “C” fashion. Smile lines MAY be done in support of the style created for that nail shape.

    1. Competitors will have 3 hours (unless otherwise noted) to complete ONE HAND (unless otherwise noted) of FiveStyle competition-style sculptured nail enhancements using flat paper or metal forms. Tips and adhesive are NOT allowed.

    2. Each design must be distinct from the other. Styles must be unusual style and design. You must think out of the box.

    3. Competitors must use liquid-and-powder acrylic products or light-cured products only. You can not use gel paint or white gel polish.

    4. Only pink, clear and white enhancement products may be used. Enhancement products containing glitter and/or any other color are NOT allowed. Cover pinks are allowed and may be used to elongate natural nail beds.

    5. Embellishments may NOT be used.

    6. The model’s natural nails may be prepared for product application before the competition, but the product may NOT be applied until the competition starts.

    7. No consideration will be given for any pre-existing damage to a model’s natural nails, cuticles, or hands.

    8. Electric files and buffing tools, may be used.

    9. ** Cleansing products (soaps, etc.) and moisturizing products oils, creams, lotions are allowed.

    10. The nail enhancements must be French-style (pink/clear and white), finished to a high shine, and completely free of polish. The nail plate may be extended. Gel sealant may be used to finish to a high shine. Or you can buff to a high shine.

    **PLEASE SEE JUDGES CRITERIA FOR CLARITY OF JUDGING!

    11. FiveStyle Sculptured Nails will be judged in the following categories: smile lines, “C” curves, cuticle area, shape, product control, FiveStyle, surface structure, lateral structure, length, complexity, finish work, and overall impression.

  • Free Style Sculptured Nail

    This competition is about style and shape. We want to see a new shape of the nail extension. For example the wedge, or bridge, or something new that you create. Think out of the box. Extension competition.

    Stiletto is not considered FreeStyle!

    1. Competitors will have 2 ½ hours (unless otherwise noted) to complete ONE HAND of FreeStyle competition-style sculptured nail enhancements using industry-standard style paper or metal forms. Tips and adhesive are NOT allowed.

    2. Competitors must use liquid-and-powder acrylic products or light-cured products only.

    3. Only pink, clear and white enhancement products may be used. Enhancement products containing glitter and/or any other color are NOT allowed. Cover pinks are allowed.

    4. Embellishments may NOT be used.

    5. The model’s natural nails may be prepared for product application before the competition, but the 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. Paint on white is not allowed.

    8. Electric files and buffing tools may be used. No buffing products containing any type of oil or moisturizer may be used.

    9. Water only may be used. Cleansing products (soaps, etc.) and moisturizing products (oils, creams, lotions, bowls with anything in them i.e. marbles, rocks etc.) are NOT allowed.

    10. The nail enhancements must be French-style (pink/clear and white), finished to a high shine, and completely free of polish. Gel sealant may not be used to finish to a high shine.

    11. FreeStyle Sculptured Nails will be judged in the following categories: smile lines, “C” curves, cuticle area, shape, product control, FreeStyle, surface structure, lateral structure, length, difficulty, finish work, and overall impression.

  • Twist French

    1. Competitors will have 2.5 hours for two hands to complete a full set (unless otherwise noted) or 1 hour and 30 minutes for competing on one hand (unless otherwise noted) of competition-style nail enhancements that reflect an original and artistic interpretation of the traditional French Style Pink and White. Only flat paper forms or tips may be used. Always check the daily schedule for exact parameters.

    1. Competitors may use any combination of light pink, clear and white enhancement products (liquid-and-powder acrylic or light-cured gel, wraps and resin, etc.) staying within the traditional French Manicure range of colors. NO other colored enhancement products are allowed except the glitters listed –  silver, gold, white opalescent and pale pink opalescent are allowed. NO purple, No Red, No Brown and so on.   

    1. No stamping. hand painting or chrome of any sort allowed.

    1. Only embellishments listed in rule #2 are allowed.

    1. 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.

    1. No colored or clear products of any type may be applied to tips prior to attaching them to the natural nail.

    1. Only unaltered clear adhesives (gel-type, brush-on, tubes, etc.) may be used to attach tips to the nail.

    1. All enhancement products must be applied after tips and forms are applied to the natural nail.  No plastic type molds of any kind may be used to form the sculptured nail.

    1. The surface of the nail enhancements must be flush; NO raised surfaces.

    1. All files and buffers must be clean and unused; electric files, buffers and buffing products may be used.

    1. 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.

    1. The nail enhancements on both hands must be finished to a high shine by buffing, applying top coat or using a gel sealant. Polish, gel polish, gel paint and glitter polish are NOT ALLOWED.

    1. French Twist will be judged in the following categories: lateral structure, “C” curves, originality, cuticle area, surface structure, product control, complexity, design and balance, length, shape, finish work, and overall impression.

    1. 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.



  • New Perfect Match

    Requires 2 competitors and 1 model Non-Divisional

    NON-Divisional! Each entry may be composed of two veterans, two novices or one veteran and one novice. Novice competitors, take a chance and test your skills with this competition. Veterans take a novice under your wing and show them the way.

    1.  Two (2) Competitors will have 1.30 hours to complete a full set of nails.  Competitor A will complete one hand with competition-style Tip and Overlay enhancements.   Competitor B will complete the opposite hand with  Sculptured Nail Enhancements using flat or metal forms only

    a.  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)

    2. Competitors can use either gel or acrylic.  Both hands must be the same medium.  Competitors using gel for sculpting must use it for the tip and overlay, and competitors using acrylic for sculpting must use acrylic for tip and overlay.

    3. Only sheer pink, clear and white enhancement products may be used. Enhancement products containing glitter and/or any other color are NOT allowed.  Cover powder is NOT allowed.

    4. No colored products of any type may be applied to tips prior to attaching them to the natural nail.

    5. 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.

    6. All enhancement products must be applied to tips after the tips are adhered to the natural nail

    7. Embellishments may NOT be used

    8. The model’s natural nails may be prepared for product application before the competition, but product may NOT be applied until the competition starts.

    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

    **10. All files and buffers must be clean and unused;  electric files and buffing products may NOT be used.

    11.  Only water may be used to remove dust. Cleansing products (soaps, etc.) and moisturizing products (oils, creams, lotions, etc.) are NOT allowed. Bowls containing marbles or other items are NOT allowed.

    12.  Sculpted moons must be included at the base of all nails.

    13.  All nail enhancements must be French-Style (pink/clear and or white), finished to a high shine and completely free of any other products.

    14. The underside of both hands must look the same.

    15. Perfect Match will be judged in the following categories: smile lines, “C”curves, cuticle area, shape, product control, perfect match, surface structure, lateral structure, length, moons, finish work, and overall impression.

  • Sculpture Stiletto Nails

    1. Competitors will have 2 hours to complete one hand of stiletto sculptured (unless otherwise noted, check individual daily competition schedules); competition-style nail enhancements using flat paper or metal forms only. Tips and adhesive are NOT allowed.

    2. Competition Stiletto nails must be a minimum of 5,08cm long. This measurement is from the lowest point of the cuticle to the end of the free edge.

    3. Competitors must use liquid-and-powder acrylic products or light-cured products only.

    4. Only pink, clear and white enhancement products may be used. Enhancement products containing glitter and/or any other color are NOT allowed. Cover pink is allowed.

    5. Embellishments may NOT be used.

    6. The model’s natural nails may be prepared for product application before the competition, but the product may NOT be applied until the competition starts.

    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. No plastic-type molds of any kind may be used to form the sculptured nail.

    9. The free edge must be sculpted with white sculpting products only. White gel paint and white gel polish are not allowed.

    10. Lunula must be sculpted and included at the base of the nail.

    11. All files and buffers must be clean and unused; electric files and buffing products may not be used.

    12. Only water may be used. Cleansing products (soaps, etc.) and moisturizing products (oils, creams, lotions, etc.) are NOT allowed. Bowls containing marbles or other substances are NOT allowed.

    13. The nail enhancements must be finished to a high shine and completely free from any additional products.

    14. Sculptured Stiletto Nails will be judged in the following categories: smile lines, “stiletto” “C” curves, cuticle area, shape, product control, moons, surface structure, lateral structure, length, arch location, finish work, and overall impression.

  • Tip & Overlay Relay

    Entire Competition in IS NON-DIVISIONAL

    1. Competitors will have 1.15 hours to complete one hand of competition-style nail enhancements using clear or natural tips. White tips and/or forms are NOT allowed.

    2. Competitors may either use liquid-and-powder acrylic products, light-cured gel products, OR wrap products.

    3. Only sheer pink, clear, and white enhancement products may be used.

    **4. A relay team will consist of 3 relay members. Each relay member will have a sub-number of 1, 2or 3. Each relay member will have 25 minutes to complete his or her section. Each relay member must wear a piece of clothing of the same color so competition staff can easily identify relay team members.

    **5. Team member 1 will work up to the point of applying product, including tips—but no product may be applied. As soon as they are finished, member 2 may begin.  Team member 2 will only apply product. Team member 2 must not use a file at any time. As soon as they are finished member 3 may begin.  Team member 3 will file and finish. Team member 3 must not apply product at any time. When a team member is ready to switch they must raise their hand – and the floor sage will say OK.  If you do not wish to switch early – our competition staff will instruct relay members when to approach their station and when to switch. There will be no talking between team members during the switching. The prior relay member must immediately leave competition area.

    6. The model’s natural nails may be prepared for product application before the competition starts, but product may NOT be applied to until the competition starts. Relay team member 1 does this section.

    7.  No colored or clear products of any type may be applied to tips prior to attaching them to the natural nail.

    8. Only unaltered clear adhesives (gel-type, brush-on, tubes, etc) may be used to attach tips to the nail.

    9. All enhancement products must be applied to tips after the tips are adhered to the natural nail

    10. Competitors must lay out tips before the briefing, but tips may not be 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 by hand with enhancement products.

    **12. All files and buffers must be clean and unused and may not include additives such as oil; electric files, chamois buffers and buffing products may NOT be used.

    13. Water only may be used to remove dust. Cleansing products (soaps, etc.) and moisturizing products (oils, creams, lotions, etc.) are NOT allowed.

    14. The nail enhancements must be French-style (pink/clear and white), finished to a high shine only.

    15. The underside of all nails must look the same.

    16. Tip & Overlay will be judged in the following ten categories: smile lines, c-curves, cuticle area, shape, product control, moons, surface structure, lateral structure, length, overall impression, tip application and finish work.

    Team spirit score does NOT COUNT TOWARDS YOUR RELAY SCORE. It only counts for the TEAM SPIRIT AWARD ONLY. 

  • Sculptured Nail

    1. Competitors will have 2 ½ hours to complete a set of sculptured (unless otherwise noted), competition-style nail enhancements using flat, paper or metal forms only. Tips and adhesive are NOT allowed.

      *
      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)

      1. Competitors must use liquid-and-powder acrylic products only.

      1. Only sheer pink, clear and white enhancement products may be used. Enhancement products containing glitter and/or any other color are NOT allowed.  Cover pinks are not allowed.

      1. Embellishments may NOT be used.

      1. The model’s natural nails may be prepared for product application before the competition, but product may NOT be applied until the competition starts.

      1. 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 and white gel polish are not allowed.

      1. No plastic type molds of any kind may be used to form the sculptured nail.

      1. Moons must be added at the base of the nail, and must be sculpted on the unpolished hand. At the discretion of the competitor, moons may be added to the polished hand.

      1. All files and buffers must be clean and unused and free from additives including oil; electric files and buffing products may not be used. You may NOT use any file to refine the smile lines.

      1. Water only may be used. Cleansing products (soaps, etc.) and moisturizing products (oils, creams, lotions, bowls with anything in them i.e. marbles, rocks etc.) are NOT allowed.

      1. The nail enhancements on the one hand (competitor’s choice) must be polished with red cream polish, or if sculpting with gels a red gel color may be used.  Base coat, ridge filler and top coat are NOT allowed.  If a one-handed competition, 2 nails must be polished.

      1. 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. Gel sealant may NOT be used to finish to a high shine.

      1. The underside of all nails must look the same.

      1. Sculptured  Nails will be judged in the following categories: smile lines, “C”curves, cuticle area, shape, product control, moons, surface structure, lateral structure, length, polish or color application, finish work, and overall impression.



    1. Salon Success

        1. Competitors will have 1.5 hours to complete a set of salon-style nail extensions using cover or clear pink on nail plate and white as the free edge.  You must use either flat, paper or metal forms or tips.  

        1b. 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 so it is approximately  equal to  the thinness of a credit card. 

        1. White tips are NOT allowed (clear or natural tips only).

        1. Competitors must use professional products.  Enhancement products containing glitter are NOT allowed.

        1. Embellishment(s) may NOT be used.

        1. 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. No colored or clear products of any type may be applied to tips prior to attaching them to the natural nail.

        1. 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.

        1. All enhancement products must be applied after tips and or forms are applied to natural nails.

        1. No products, such as inverted tips or any “cookie-cutter” products may be used to form or assist in making a smile line. White gel paint or white gel polish is not allowed.

         9. Electric files may be used.  

        1. 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.

        1. The nail enhancements on one hand (competitor’s choice) must be polished with RED cream polish or if using gel, a gel polish may be used. Gel contestants may use RED polish. Basecoat, ridge filler and topcoat are allowed.

        1. The nail enhancements on the unpolished hand must be Salon-Style (Pink and White ONLY), , finished to a high shine.  A gel sealant may be used.

        1. The underside of both hands must look the same.

        1. Salon Success 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.



      1. On My Own

        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.

        1. You must use either flat paper or metal forms or tips. White tips are NOT allowed (clear or natural tips only).

        1. Competitors must use professional products only.  Enhancement products containing glitter and/or any other color are NOT allowed.  You may use cover pink.

        1. Embellishment(s) may NOT be used.

        1. The natural nails may be prepared for product application before the competition starts, but product may NOT be applied until the competition begins.

        1. No colored or clear products of any type may be applied to tips prior to attaching them to the natural nail.

        1. 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.

        1. All enhancement products must be applied after tips and or forms are applied to natural nails.

        1. 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.

        1. All files and buffers must be clean and unused; electric files and buffing products may be used.

        1. 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.

        1. 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.

        1. 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.

        1. 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.



      2. 3 In One

        This 2:45 hour competition rolls 3 competitions into a one, to be completed in a third 1/3 of the time it takes to do one Sculptured nail competition, and only using one model. Pretty cool right!  Finished nails will be judged in 3 phases. 

        Phase 1 Sculptured Nail hand to be judged as if it were a sculptured nail competition. 

        Phase 2 Tip and overlay hand judged as if it were a tip and overlay competition, and finally.

        Phase 3 both hands as if it were perfect match. 

        All three phases will be awarded prizes as if they were individual competitions.  That is the beauty of this 3 IN 1 competition.  

        This competition must be completed by one competitor only. 

        1. You will have 2 3/4 hours (unless otherwise noted), to complete a full set of perfectly matched nails.  One hand sculptured competition-style nail enhancements using flat paper or metal forms only.  One hand tip & overlay competition-style nail enhancements using clear or natural tips. White tips NOT allowed. 

        2. Competitors can use either gel or acrylic.  Both hands must be the same medium.  Competitors using gel for sculpting must use it for the tip and overlay, and competitors using acrylic for sculpting must use acrylic for tip and overlay.

        3. Only sheer pink, clear and white enhancement products may be used. Enhancement products containing glitter and/or any other color are NOT allowed.  Cover pinks are NOT allowed.

        4.  All rules must be followed.  Failure to do so will result in a point deduction or disqualification.  The penalty will be decided by the NAILPRO judging staff at the time of the infraction.

        5. No colored products of any type may be applied to tips prior to attaching them to the natural nail.

        6. 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.

        7. All enhancement products must be applied to tips after the tips are adhered to the natural nail.

        8.  Moons must be included at the base of the nails and must be sculpted.  

        9. Embellishments may NOT be used.

        10. The model’s natural nails may be prepared for product application before the competition, but product may NOT be 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.  Paint on white is not allowed.

        **12. All files and buffers must be clean and unused and free from additives including oil; electric files may not be used. You may NOT use any file to refine the smile lines.

        13. Water only may be used. Cleansing products (soaps, etc.) and moisturizing products (oils, creams, lotions, bowls with anything in them i.e. marbles, rocks etc.) are NOT allowed.

        14. The nail enhancement on 1 nail of each hand (same nail both hands) must be polished with red cream polish, or if sculpting with gel a red gel color may be used.  Base coat, ridge filler and top coat are NOT allowed.

        15. The nail enhancements on the unpolished nails must be French-style (pink/clear and white), finished to a high shine and completely free of polish. Gel sealant may NOT be used to finish to a high shine.

        16. The underside of all nails must look the same.

        17. Sculptured  Nails will be judged in the following categories: smile lines, “C”curves, cuticle area, shape, product control, moons, surface structure, lateral structure, length, polish or color application, finish work, and overall impression.

        18. Tip & Overlay will be judged in the following categories: smile lines, “C”curves, cuticle area, shape, product control, moons, surface structure, lateral structure, length, polish application finish work, and overall impression.

        19. Perfect Match will be judged in the following categories: smile lines, “C”curves, cuticle area, shape, product control, perfect match, surface structure, lateral structure, length, moons, finish work, and overall impression.

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