Competitors Guide
Jumping into competition can feel a bit scary, but don’t fret! We’ve whipped up a fun Competitors Guide to be your trusty sidekick on this exciting adventure!
Getting Ready for a Competition
Let’s dive into some friendly tips on how to prepare for Nail Competitions!
- READ THE RULES! It’s super important to go over the rules first. A lot of folks lose points or even get disqualified just because they missed something. These guidelines help make sure everything is fair and fun, so don’t let a little oversight ruin your hard work and entry fees!
- Check out entries from past years. This is a great way to see what the judges are looking for in each category.
- Reach out to a past champion for some friendly advice! Many of them have awesome insights and often offer to mentor or help out fellow competitors.
Discover the Different Types of Categories!
Oceania features three exciting types of categories:
- ONLINE: These are awesome entries submitted as a photo entry!
- SUBMITTED: These are your physical entries (think tips on a board) that you can bring in person on competition day or mail if you’re outside of Western Australia.
- LIVE: These are the fun live arena categories that happen in-person on competition day, mostly featuring live models!
Do I have to compete with more experienced competitors?
All judging happens together, so you and your fellow competitors will compete at the same time. But don’t stress—you’re not ranked against everyone.
Once the judging wraps up, scoresheets are organized by Division: Novice, Open, and Masters.
We happily award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for each Division: Novice, Open, and Masters.
What do I need to bring on live competition day?
Short answer is, everything… Oceania provides only a desk and 2 chairs. You need to pack a full kit with everything you need that day. This may include, but not limited to:
- LED lamps
- Desk lamp
- All required nail products such as acrylic, polish, forms, tips, glues ect
- Hand rest
- Brushes and tools
- E-file and bits
- Paper towels and spray for clean up
- Bin bags
- Gloves, apron and other PPE
Don’t forget to pack things in your water bottle and some snacks to keep you going.
You’re more capable than you think!
Hey there! We believe in you! This is your chance to shine and show off the skills you’ve been working hard on in your profession.
If you’re confident enough to charge clients for your amazing services, then you absolutely have what it takes to compete. And remember, if you’re still on your learning journey, our Student Division is here just for you!
While some categories might need specific training, many are set up in a “Salon Style” format.
There’s nothing quite like the boost you get from winning an award, such as an Oceania Medal or Trophy. Just imagine the excitement of sharing with your clients that you secured a gold medal in “Gel Polish Manicure” or “Salon Nail Art”!
Is it really competitive?
It’s a fun competition where everyone is eager to give their best. But more importantly, it’s a warm community where you can shine while being kind and supportive to one another.
The Oceania Nail Championships has clear guidelines to promote positivity on the floor. Anyone displaying “negative competitive” behaviour may face disqualification or even a ban, and this applies to friends and family members too.
There’s simply no room for negativity in our wonderful community!
Do we get feedback?
Absolutely! Everyone will receive their score sheets, which are fantastic learning tools. They will hopefully include helpful feedback to support your journey as a nail tech.
It can be a bit disheartening if the results aren’t what you hoped for, but keep these points in mind as you review your scores and feedback:
- The judges don’t know you personally or who created the work, so it’s not a reflection of you as a person.
- Judging is all about points and criteria. A lower score or not placing doesn’t mean the judges didn’t appreciate your work, just that it wasn’t in the top 3 this time around.
- Think of it as constructive feedback rather than criticism. The judges are sharing comments to help you shine even brighter!
This is a wonderful chance to get insights from some of the most respected names in the industry! Oceania carefully selects judges based on their skills and experience. Our judges come from all over the country and beyond.
Why Compete?
ACHIEVEMENT – Step into the spotlight and elevate your business identity by earning titles like “Multi-Award Winning Nail Technician” or “National Grand Champion”. Just imagine the pride you’ll feel as you share with clients that you’ve claimed gold medals in nail artistry or gel polish manicures!
CONNECT – Embrace the chance to meet and connect with the finest minds in our industry—technicians, educators, and business leaders. Allow yourself to be inspired by incredible nail artists showcasing their talents, explore the latest trends in nail design, and discover premium nail products from top industry vendors.
VICTORY – With 13 categories that merge technical skills with artistic flair, there is an opportunity for everyone! Each category recognizes 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in every division (novice, open, and masters). Compete in all 13 categories for a shot at becoming the Overall Division Champion or even the Overall Competition Champion! Plus, you’ll have the chance to win medals, trophies, and thousands of dollars in industry-sponsored prizes.
EVOLVE – Every Master competitor knows that contests are a powerful platform to cultivate new skills, stretch your creative limits, and refine your craft.