THE STORY SO FAR…
The Scratch Stars Awards was launched in 2012 by Scratch magazine to recognise the achievements of individuals and businesses in the UK nail industry. An annual event, it differs from other nail competitions in that it takes into account not just nail skill – but customer care, passion for the industry, CPD, business ethic and more.
The 2020 awards presents 18 categories. The judging days and Scratch Stars Party were postponed for 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, with finalists maintaining their place in 2021. Entry to the annual awards is free – although those entering must have been established and working actively in the field for a minimum of 12 months. This allows for a fair judging process and comparison of finalists.
It’s easy to enter; just fill in an online entry form and relevant pictures for the category or categories you wish to enter, and then the judges whittle these entrants down to a final five in each category – who then proceed to the second round of judging. Judges are put forward by sponsors of the event, who show a vested interest in the nail industry, and the competition has been remarked upon as being one of the fairest nail competitions industry-wide.
Finalists, Scratch readers, friends and party animals then gather at the Scratch Stars Party on 25 July 2021 for a fun-filled night, at which the winners will be announced and a whole host of opportunities await…
WHY ENTER?
A finalist or winner position in the Scratch Stars Awards is a sign of sheer excellence and prowess within the industry and will serve to set your skills apart from competitors and boost your profile.
Offering an opportunity to network with experts and fellow pros, the Scratch Stars Awards is an enjoyable experience from start to finish – and all finalists are given a wealth of support of press coverage opportunities.
Winners receive ongoing opportunities and glorious gold constellation trophy for their achievement. Just picture it on the nail desk and imagine the client adoration and publicity that will ensue! Entry opens annually on 1 February.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
When entry deadline closes on 28 February, a panel of judges will deliberate over the content in the entry forms, any supporting evidence and entrant’s website and social media.
The top five in each category will be announced in March, and technical and artistic finalists will be required to attend a competition day to present their practical skills within a one-hour timeframe, to a brief emailed to them in advance.
Salons and mobile nailists will receive a mystery visit in which their service and skill will be assessed, while blogger, session stylist, social media, Shooting Star and Services to the Nail Industry finalists will be assessed on additional material they will be asked to provide.
Select judges and judges put forward by sponsors will score on a number of criteria and the results will be collated by the Scratch team, ready for the announcement of winners at the Scratch Stars Party.
All finalists are offered media support and collateral to support their achievement during the awards process, and after the winners have been announced. They are then put forward for exclusive opportunities by the Scratch team and approached for expert comment and articles. Profiles are raised and importantly, exceptional efforts are rewarded.
Key Dates
Relive The Scratch Stars Party 2023 at The Underglobe, London, and see who took the titles in the Scratch Stars Awards and World’s Star Nail Artist contest 2023! Hosted by Jamie Laing…
With Scratch Stars fever in full swing, watch Kirsty Meakin showcase some of the products in her brand’s sale to celebrate the awards, as well as…
The Scratch Stars Party 2022 saw 300 guests descend on London clubbing hotspot, The Steel Yard, for a night of entertainment – and to discover the…
Highlights from The Scratch Stars Party 20/21, held on Sunday 25 July, held at London cabaret club, Proud Embankment. The evening, hosted by Scratch’s Alex Fox…