NAIL INDUSTRY AWARDS & COMPETITIONS
THE SCRATCH STARS AWARDS
The Scratch Stars Awards is a prestigious annual event that celebrates excellence, innovation and creativity within the UK&I nail sector. Launched in 2012, it serves as a platform to recognise outstanding professionals and businesses that have significantly contributed to advancing the industry.
The awards categories, which open for entry every February, recognise technical artistry, customer service and business acumen, ensuring a comprehensive acknowledgment of the diverse talents and efforts within the industry. The awards has, and always will be, FREE to enter, as Scratch seeks to recognise deserving nail technicians, salons, educators and teams.
Following the announcement of finalists, a second and final judging stage takes place. This is transparent and comprehensive, to support amazing 'all-rounders' currently working in the UK&I, and culminates in a renowned awards party in July.
SCRATCH SNAP
Scratch Snap is a free-to-enter monthly nail art challenge, that sets nail stylists the task of creating a salon-style design in line with a theme. It is open to pros in the UK&I.
The theme is announced on the Scratch Snap webpage, and on Scratch's Instagram and Facebook pages. Techs then have one week to create and photograph a nail design on themselves, nail tips or a client, and submit via the Scratch website.
Once entries are judged, the winner is revealed and receives a prize from the challenge sponsor.
#SHOWSCRATCH CREATIVE CHALLENGE
Get involved with Scratch's fun, fortnightly nail art competition, Creative Challenge, which launches every other Wednesday on Scratch's Instagram and Facebook accounts.
With a different theme to inspire nail creations each time, this is your chance to showcase your nail art skills and challenge your creativity. Simply post a design that fits the theme to your social media, and highlight it to us by tagging @scratchmagazine and using the hashtags: #ShowScratch #CreativeChallenge.
A selection of submissions feature in an online gallery on the Scratch website.
NAILYMPIA
Renowned as the biggest nail competition organisation in the world, Nailympia is to be hosted in six locations in 2025: each presenting nail stylists across the globe with the opportunity to compete online or in a live arena.
Nailympia prides itself on offering a stage for nail professionals at all stages of their careers to shine, and a bespoke judging system is designed to ensure fairness for all - offering three divisions. Nailympia’s reputation is based on it being run by an organisation and individuals that are non-product biased, and the judging panel is an international mix of industry experts who have amassed experience, knowledge and a reputation in their respective countries.
The competition began with six categories and now boasts anything from 10 to 17 depending on the location. Over the years, some categories have been eliminated and new ones have taken their place.
NORTH AMERICA'S STAR NAIL ARTIST
Open to nail professionals of all levels in the USA, Canada and Mexico (including educators and brand ambassadors), North America's Star Nail Artist serves up six design challenges over seven months.
Shortlisted artists will be tasked with showcasing their handiwork in the bid to win a cash prize and incredible opportunities. Eliminations will take place each month, and the ultimate champion will be announced at the Scratch Social, Premiere Orlando, in June.
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