DIVISION 4 – THE VIP 5-SHAPE CHALLENGE

1 nail French, 3 art/design, 1 block/single colour of choice

Division 4 is for any tech that has won 5 gold medals from a recognised nail competition (these can be from other international comps), has won a recognised nail trophy, is an international judge or a national champion.

If unsure message, Alex Fox on nailympia@gmail.com.

(It is possible to enter both division 3 & division 4 if you’re eligible.)

Judges are looking for the ‘WOW’ factor. The more skills and creativity you show the better. It’s a showcase of skills. No restrictions on size or length.

1 - Russian Almond
2 - Stiletto
3 - Lipstick
4 - Razor Blade
5 - Edge

Design all 5 nails on one hand - Sculpt in any artificial nail system

1 nail French, 3 art/design, 1 block/single colour of choice

1 – Russian Almond – Thumb – French
The form of the nail resembles an almond nut shape with exaggerated lower arches to creating an angle at the tip. It has the appearance of a square pipe nail from the side view with apex placed in the middle of the natural nail bed. Looks beautiful with very long and deep nail bed.

2 – Stiletto – Index finger – Art
A traditional stiletto nail tapers symmetrically and consistently in a straight line from the natural free edge into a sharp point. From the side view, the free edge must extend straight out from the lateral folds to its point. A true stiletto ends in a point.

3 – Lipstick – Middle Finger – Block / single colour
A lipstick nail has one side longer than the other. From the corner of the smile line to the free edge length on one side should be 50% of the other side. For example, if the free edge length on one side is 2cm, the other side should measure 1cm. This ensures a true lipstick shape. It should have a 50% C-curve and from the side view and the lower arch must come out straight from the lateral folds.

4 – Razor Blade – Ring Finger – Art
A razor nail from a bird’s eye view should have the perimeter shape of a stiletto, in that it will taper symmetrically and consistently in a straight line from the natural free edge into a sharp point. However, the razor has a flat top that runs from the highest point of the apex down towards the point. The convex of a razor nail will not have a traditional curve it will be the shape of half a hexagon when looking down the barrel of the nail. From the side view, the free edge will drop down from the natural free edge, then go back up to meet the point at a ratio of around 1:8

5 – Edge – Pinkie - Art
A complex nail, the structure on the natural nail is identical to other shaped nails, but from the apex of the natural nail the edge shape begins. The edge is an extension of the apex and has an angle of 90 degrees or less. Sharp and straight with no low spots or unevenness The side walls should be parallel to the edge; from above three parallel lines should be seen. The C-curve will display an inverted-V with the thickness of a credit card. Both sides of the V should be the same thickness and the angle should be 90 degrees or less. The lower arches come straight from the sidewalls and are parallel to the edge, which is also part of the upper arch. When viewed from the side, you should see two parallel lines. The free edge is filed under 45 degrees.

Nail Shapes courtesy of nail artist Hazel Dixon of HD Professional Nail Systems @hdpronails