Nailtopia Salon Skills Championship 2026

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Salon Work Judged at Championship Level

The Nailtopia Salon Skills Championship is a professional nail competition designed to celebrate real salon work at championship level.

This is not about fantasy nails, extreme shapes, or perfect tips displayed on a stand.

This is about what happens in the real world.

We're looking for nail professionals who can deliver beautiful, durable, client-appropriate nails under real salon conditions. Competitors will be judged on their ability to create a complete, salon-ready set of 10 nails, combining technical excellence with practicality, suitability and professionalism.

From consultation and prep through to structure, finish and overall design, every stage of your work matters.

This competition has been built specifically for working nail techs. You'll receive a client profile and design brief on the day and will be expected to adapt your work accordingly, just as you would with a real client in the salon.

Judges will assess not only your final result, but also your process, product control, understanding of structure, durability, suitability and overall salon skill.

 

Legacy & Next Generation Divisions

To make the competition more accessible while maintaining the same championship standards, competitors will compete within one of two divisions.

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Legacy Division

For competitors who:

• Have 5 or more years' industry experience

OR

• Have previously competed in a nail competition

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Next Generation Division

For competitors who:

• Have less than 5 years' industry experience

AND

• Have never competed in a nail competition

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Both divisions:

• Complete exactly the same competition

• Receive the same briefs

• Are judged by the same judges

• Use the same score sheets

• Are held to exactly the same standards

The only difference is who you are ranked against.

The Salon Skills Championship celebrates both the professionals shaping our industry's legacy and the next generation who will carry it forward.

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Entry Process

We've simplified the application process.

To enter, you only need to submit:

• One photo of your work

• Proof of insurance

• Your completed application form

Additional photos are welcome and encouraged.

The more images you provide, the more detailed and valuable your feedback can be from the judging team.

All entrants will receive feedback on their submission from industry professionals.

Successful applicants will be invited to compete at the live final.

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What You Receive

Every entrant will receive professional feedback on their application.

Successful finalists will also receive:

• A comprehensive competition handbook

• Official Finalist Apron

• Official Finalist Lanyard

• Sponsor goodies waiting at their competition desk

• Full score sheets from the live final

• Personalised judge feedback

This competition is designed to support your growth, development and confidence, whether you place or not.

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The Live Final – What to Expect

Finalists will compete live at Nailtopia, completing a full set of 10 nails within a set time under championship conditions.

Both categories require extensions only. Overlays are not permitted.

Each set must demonstrate a balance of technical skill and salon relevance, including:

• A structured, durable full set of 10 extensions

• Clean, consistent prep (judged before application begins)

• Strong apex, shape, sidewalls and overall structure

• A cohesive, client-appropriate finished look

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Mandatory Elements

Every set must include:

• One French nail (gel polish or art gel)

• One full-cover colour (gel polish or art gel)

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The Dual Brief System

Competitors will receive:

• One Client Brief outlining lifestyle, needs and preferences

• One Design Brief outlining the requested nail style

Competitors must interpret and adapt the design to suit the client while demonstrating clear reasoning behind their choices.

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Judging

Judging is split into two parts:

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Floor Judging (Process-Based)

• Consultation

• Prep

• Hygiene

• Organisation

• Product control

• Technique

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Final Judging (Result-Based)

• Structure

• Finish

• Consistency

• Suitability

• Overall appearance

This is salon work judged at championship level.

Not just how it looks, but how it's built and how it will perform in the real world.

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Competition Timing

Competitors will have 2.5 hours to complete their set.

The competition clock will pause while prep is being assessed by floor judges.

Awards will be presented at the end of the Nailtopia Trade Show at approximately 3:30pm–4:00pm.

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Categories

Builder / Hard Gel

Using extensions via tips or sculpting.

No dual forms or full-cover tips.

Please ensure your chosen builder product is suitable for creating extensions.

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Acrylic / Acrygel

Using extensions via tips or sculpting.

No dual forms or full-cover tips.

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Important Information

By submitting your entry, you confirm that you have read, understood and agree to the Nailtopia Salon Skills Championship Terms & Conditions.

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Terms & Conditions Summary

• All competitors must submit a completed application form.

• Finalists will be selected based on the quality and suitability of their application.

• Finalists must be available to attend and compete live at Nailtopia.

• Competitors must complete a full set of 10 nails within the allocated time.

• No pre-prepping or pre-application work is permitted.

• Extensions only. Overlays are not permitted.

• Competition rules, briefs and judging criteria must be followed at all times.

• Judges' decisions are final.

• Nailtopia reserves the right to amend competition details if required.

• By entering, competitors agree to the use of submitted images and competition photographs for promotional purposes.

 

Students & Learners

Competitors who are not yet qualified are welcome to enter.

However, all entrants must hold valid learner or professional insurance appropriate to their level of training.