GUIDE TO COMPETING

How should nail technicians prepare for a competition?
It’s wise to get guidance from a past competitor/winner in the form of a mentor. Many nail artists become consultants & mentors after leaving the arena & coach teams or individuals. Their guidance is priceless & worth it. Practice is essential to get skills honed & your timings on track, you can practice on every client in the salon. It’s a nice touch to get your clients on board to support you & give you a boost. Their backing can really make a difference to your confidence. Find a good model, try a competition class with a champion, refresh your skills & get hints & tips from those that have done it. Always read the rules & the score sheets, so you can see where the points are given. 

What should nail techs bring to a competition to compete?
Confidence, a full kit (read the rules & make sure you’ve got all the necessary items). Check if you need to bring a desk lamp, a bin & make sure you know whether certain products must be unopened. Make sure all products are labeled, don’t forget the wrist rest, towel, a cardigan & a large scarf for your model. If she’s too hot, she needs to be able to shed her clothing easily & likewise, she needs to wrap up easily if she’s cold. A clock/mobile phone for your model to watch & keep you aware of the time. A bottle of water for you & your model, you do not want to find yourself thirsty in that environment. 

What can be done to calm nerves before/during a competition?
Everyone suffers with nerves, however many times they’ve competed, it’s par for the course in this environment. So, breathe deeply, get the correct mindset on & focus on the competition itself. I highly recommend Rescue Remedy; it really does help. Don’t overthink it – don’t be put off by the size of the arena or the people you see there. Everyone has been in your shoes; everyone has walked into an arena for the first time at some point. Just breathe deeply & get into the flow.

You will love the experience. 

What should a competitor be mindful of before the competition? 
The temperature of the room, for the tech’s sake & the model. The noise levels, where they choose to sit – as too close to spectators can be off-putting. The lighting in the room & that they have got every product they need with them. Always pack your nail kit at least two weeks before the comp & have a checklist to work through to make sure everything is packed in there.

What should a competitor do/ask for post competition?
Most competitions send the score sheets out via email within 2 weeks after the competition is completed. These help you see where you need to practice & also where your strengths in art & architecture lie. Use score sheets to guide your journey.

What is there to love about nail competitions?
I love how nail competitions respond & reflect the shape of an industry. We are forever changing the competitions in response to industry innovations & trends. It’s exciting to see the style & array of nail competitions on offer & more importantly, to see how the competitors interpret them. I love nails; sculpted, embellished, long, short, extreme & natural. I love nails so much, that every competition feeds my need to see the boundaries stretched as the art triumphs.

What can competitors expect from Nailympia?
A feeling of family – we are one big nail community & we thrive when we are together & network. The Nailympia arena is a beautiful space where creativity oozes across the floor & the energy is high & happy.

It’s adrenaline pumping & powerful. It’s a great nail space.