Grand for Grand

The primary competition at this event offers nail technicians the opportunity to showcase their artistic and unique creations. With complete creative freedom, participants can demonstrate their skills and compete for the 1st Place Grand prize of $1,000 cash, along with additional awards for the 2nd and 3rd place winners. Each nail tech that place in the competition will automatically be nominated for the 2026 Nail Excellence Awards.

Competition Rules

•Competitors will be given 3 hours to complete their magnificent masterpiece. (Beginning at 12PM)

•Competitors can’t have anyone assisting them not even the model.

•All designs have to be constructed and completed at the nail table during the competition.

•The 3-D design may extend as much as you want in any direction. Model must be able to carry the weight of final artwork to walk around with and display in front of judges.

•Any nail enhancement product may be used to achieve the artwork design.

•Competitors must provide all their own electrical items such as electric Files, lamps, extension cords etc.

•All ten of the models fingers must have a nail art design on them and must be completely constructed and cleaned within the competition time.

•Design materials may include but not limited to acrylic paints, brushes, color shapers, sponges and dotting tools, rhinestones, pearls, studs, glitters, feathers, foils, lace, nail polish

•Extra embellishments such as rhinestones glitter or other items must not individually cover or take up more than 30% of the design.

•No pre-designed tips, printed images or patterned tips may be used.

•The nail enhancement, tip or base which the design is on will also be taken into consideration and should be neatly shaped & constructed.

•Art, Creativity, Originality & Uniqueness should be the competitors goal to impress the judges with something never seen before. The models nails, outfit, as well as special attention to detail and presentation of the final overall look, will all be taken into consideration for judging. 

•Accessories, jewelry, wigs are all allowed. Nails will be the main deciding factor but presentation will count towards the overall look.

•Models must be ready to be judged upon completion. Models must arrive already dressed in their costumes, with make-up and hair done pertaining to the theme. There will be no additional time allocated for putting on the costumes.

•Competitors will be given 10 minutes, once the time is up, to prepare for presentation.

•The models make-up and costume may not be removed without the judges’ prior permission, and until the competition and prize giving is over.

Competitors will be judged on the following criteria:

• Technical Quality & use of products to create the 3D Designs.

• Color Combinations

• Design Control

• Quality & Continuity

• Functionality 

•Originality and Creativity

• Visual Theme Understanding

• Degree of difficulty

• Overall Impression & presentation – Theme - Nails, Costume and Make-up

• Finished Quality & Neatness