GENERAL RULES

• The judges’ decisions are final. Re-evaluation is not permitted.
• Written critiques from the judges will not be added to the score sheets. Competitors participating in live competitions whose nails are still on the model may personally ask the judge for feedback.
• Scores will be sent by email within 14 days, exclusively upon the competitor’s request.
• All designs must be original and must not have been presented at previous competitions or publicly published before the announcement of the results.
• The use of copyrighted designs, logos, or characters is prohibited.
• Competitors will be classified into one of the following divisions: Debut, Professional, or Master.
• Communication with Judges: During the competition, competitors are strictly prohibited from making comments, engaging in conversations, socializing, or communicating with judges in any other way until the competition has concluded and the results have been officially announced. Communication is permitted after the announcement of the results. Before the start of each category, a briefing will be held during which competitors may ask the judges questions and request clarification of the rules. Once the category has started, no further communication with the judges is permitted. Any violation of this rule will result in automatic disqualification.

These rules are based on international standards and have been adapted for the Slovenails Championship 2027.

The organizer reserves the right to amend the rules before the start of the competition.

Categories

ONLINE

Registration Deadline:

Submission Deadline:

Announcement of Results:

Score Sheets: Score sheets will be sent by email within 14 days after the event, upon the competitor’s request.

Judges’ Decisions: The judges’ decisions are final. No re-evaluation will be permitted.

Personal Feedback from Judges: Written critiques will not be added to the score sheets. However, if you are competing in a live category and the nails are still on the model, you may personally ask the judge for feedback.

Rules: We follow international standards. The guidelines are available on our website.

All entries must be photographed against a WHITE background.

A minimum of 3 photos documenting the creation process must be submitted. Entries without these photos will not be accepted. The competitor’s face or any other information that could reveal the identity of the creator must not be visible in the photographs. Failure to comply will result in automatic disqualification.

Photographs must be of high quality, clear, and properly lit.

Entries must be submitted by the specified deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted.

A minimum of 3 photos documenting the creation process is mandatory. Otherwise, your entry will not be considered!

Perfect Stiletto Poster

TASK:

The competitor must create a set of extreme STILETTO nails on one hand and photograph them as an artistic poster. The competition theme must be clearly recognizable in the design. Makeup, costumes, and elaborate hairstyles are permitted. There are no restrictions on the poster design.

The poster must be original and visually cohesive.

The use of artificial intelligence is prohibited.

Requirements:

• Shape: Extreme Stiletto
• Minimum length: 5 cm, measured from the lowest point of the cuticle to the free edge.
• The thumb and pinky nails must feature a classic pink & white stiletto design with a clean smile line.
• The remaining nails must feature an original, theme-inspired design.
• All techniques are permitted.
• Decorative elements are permitted, provided they are meaningfully incorporated into the design.
• Reusing entries that have already participated in any competition is prohibited.
• The use of artificial intelligence is prohibited.

Online Submission:

• One professional, final photograph in an artistic poster style must be submitted.
• The overall presentation (background, composition, and nails) will be judged as a whole.
• Three process photographs documenting the creation of the nails are mandatory.

Judging Criteria:

• Stiletto nail shape and structure (symmetry, pointed tip, C-curve).
• Cleanliness of the smile line on the pink & white nails.
• Originality and quality of the design.
• Overall poster presentation (wow factor, composition, background).
• Interpretation of the theme.

THEME: CARNIVAL

Gel Polish Challenge

TASK

On both hands, create a gel polish manicure with design:

One hand: French manicure

Other hand: Full color in a classic red shade

Both hands: include freehand nail art on four nails

REQUIREMENTS

The base must be created exclusively with gel polish.

Nail art is mandatory and must be done freehand using nail art materials (e.g., gel paints, acrylic paints).

No restrictions on style or theme of the design — all techniques, styles, and motifs are allowed.

The entire set must be technically flawless and aesthetically cohesive.

EXECUTION (ONLINE)

Submit photos of both hands on a white background.

Mandatory photos: full set and close-ups of the nail art details.

You must also include 3 photos showing the creation process.

JUDGING CRITERIA

Judges will evaluate:

Evenness of gel polish application

Precision of the French smile line

Consistency and opacity of the red color

Quality and cleanliness of the nail art

Overall aesthetic harmony

Extra points will be awarded for creativity and originality of the design.

THEME: CARNIVAL

5 shapes nails one story

TASK

The competitor must create a set of five nails on one hand that tells a story or represents a unified theme. All five nails must be interconnected and together present a clear, visually cohesive story or concept.

Each nail must feature a different shape, following this exact sequence: Square, Stiletto, Russian Almond, Pipe, Coffin/Ballerina.

Requirements

• All five nails must be thematically and visually connected, forming one cohesive composition.
• The story or motif must be recognizable and consistent with the competition theme.
• All nail art techniques are permitted (one stroke, 3D, watercolor, stamping, foils, etc.).
• Decorative elements made exclusively with nail art materials are permitted.
• Molds will lower the score; hand-sculpted elements will receive higher scores.
• Nail shapes and lengths are at the competitor’s discretion. The nails may have different shapes.

Online Submission

• One photograph showing all five nails together against a white background must be submitted.
• A photograph of the individual nails arranged separately is also recommended.
• Three photographs documenting the creation process are mandatory.

Judging Criteria

• Thematic and visual cohesion of all five nails.
• Storytelling and clarity of the concept.
• Technical precision and quality of execution.
• Creativity and originality of the concept.
• Interpretation of the competition theme.

THEME: CARNIVAL

Perfect wedding

TASK

The competitor must create an elegant bridal nail set consisting of 10 nails. The set must reflect elegance, delicacy, and a bridal aesthetic suitable for a bride or a wedding celebration.

Requirements

• The set must be aesthetically cohesive and reflect an elegant bridal look.
• All techniques are permitted, including acrylic, gel, gel polish, and acrygel.
• The surface must be smooth, free of stains and imperfections.
• The cuticles must be impeccably groomed.

Online Submission

• Photographs of both hands (all 10 nails) against a white or aesthetically pleasing light background must be submitted.
• A photograph with a bridal atmosphere is recommended (e.g. using flowers or a veil as props).
• Three photographs documenting the creation process are mandatory.

Judging Criteria

• Elegance and suitability for a bridal style.
• Cleanliness and technical precision (smoothness and cuticle care).
• Harmony of colours and decorative elements.
• Overall aesthetics and visual impact.

THEME: WEDDING

No rule nails

TASK

Complete creative freedom to design five nails. The competitor must create a nail set without any restrictions regarding shape, length, colour, or technique. The only requirement is that the work reflects the competition theme.

Requirements

• There are no restrictions on shape, length, colour, technique, or material — anything is permitted.
• All nail art techniques and nail products are permitted.
• Decorations made with nail art materials or purchased decorative elements are permitted.
• The competition theme must be clearly recognizable in the design.
• The work must be original and must not imitate entries from other competitions.

Online Submission

• One photograph of the complete set against a white background must be submitted.
• Multiple viewing angles are recommended to showcase the complexity of the work.
• Three photographs documenting the creation process are mandatory.

Judging Criteria

• Creativity and boldness of the concept.
• Technical precision in relation to the chosen level of complexity.
• Interpretation of the competition theme.
• Overall visual impact and wow factor.

THEME: CARNIVAL

One Nail in Focus

TASK

Create and present one single nail that becomes the center of attention.

Minimum nail length: 10 cm

Use of an extreme shape and an original, eye-catching design is recommended.

REQUIREMENTS

No design restrictions, but the entire work must be created exclusively with nail art materials.

The use of decorations is permitted, provided they are meaningfully integrated into the design.

Moulds are allowed; however, they are scored lower than fully hand-crafted elements.

If the competitor creates all decorative elements by hand, she will receive additional points according to the official scoring sheet.

The nail must be technically correct (apex, C-curve, clean transitions) and aesthetically balanced.

The theme must be immediately recognizable when the judge sees the nail.

EXECUTION (ONLINE)

Submit a photo of the single nail on a white background.

Additional angles are recommended if required to show the shape or design clearly.

You must also include 3 photos showing the creation process.

JUDGING CRITERIA

Judges will evaluate:

Technical perfection

Originality and aesthetic harmony of the design

Use and quality of nail art materials

Higher scores will be awarded for handmade elements, while the use of molds will be rated lower.

THEME: CARNIVAL

Mix Media

TASK

On 10 nail tips (same size and format as the Flat Tip Box), create a complete nail set using the mixed media technique.
You must use at least five different nail art techniques.

REQUIREMENTS

The competitor chooses the combination of techniques (e.g., one stroke, airbrush, 3D gel or plasteline, 3D acrylic, watercolor, stamping, foils, etc.).

All techniques used must be clearly recognizable.

The work must be aesthetically harmonious and technically flawless.

EXECUTION (ONLINE)

Submit photos of the tip set on a white background.

Mandatory photos:

Entire set

Close-up details

You must also include 3 photos showing the creation process.

JUDGING CRITERIA

Judges will evaluate:

Technical execution of each technique

Effectiveness and harmony of their combination

Aesthetic coherence of the complete set

Creativity and originality in the use of different techniques

THEME: CARNIVAL

Art on anything

TASK

The competitor selects an object of their choice (e.g., phone case, pocket mirror, glass, etc.) and decorates it exclusively using nail art materials.

REQUIREMENTS

Only nail art materials may be used (e.g., gel, acrylic, acrygel, pigments, foils, etc.).

Allowed: rhinestones, hand-assembled decorations, and handmade 3D elements.

Pre-made or store-bought decorative items that are not nail art materials are strictly prohibited.

No limitations regarding color combinations or techniques.

The final product must be stable, aesthetically harmonious, and technically flawless.

EXECUTION (ONLINE)

Present the finished item with photos on a white background.

Mandatory photos:

Entire object

Close-up details

You must also include 3 photos showing the creation process.

JUDGING CRITERIA

Judges will evaluate:

Technical perfection and build quality

Creativity and innovative use of nail art materials

Aesthetic impression and visual harmony

Precision and craftsmanship of hand-assembled decorations and handmade 3D elements

THEME: CARNIVAL

Butterfly wings of art

TASK

The competitor must create a single nail in the Butterfly shape, featuring appropriate nail art and decorative elements.

Requirements

• The shape must be clearly recognizable.
• All interpretations are permitted: realistic, abstract, fantasy-inspired, or carnival-themed.
• All nail art techniques are permitted (3D, one stroke, watercolor, 3D sculpting gel, etc.).
• Decorations made from nail art materials are permitted.
• The nail length must be appropriate for the shape. The minimum nail length is 5 cm, measured from the cuticle to the tip.
• The wings must be symmetrical on both sides of the nail.
• The apex may be positioned at 1/2 or 1/3 of the natural nail; the longitudinal arch may be straight or curved.

Online Submission

• One photograph of the nail against a white background must be submitted.
• The nail art must be clearly visible.
• Three photographs documenting the creation process are mandatory.
• Photographs of the nail from the left side, right side, front, and underside must be submitted.

Judging Criteria

• Shape (symmetry and consistency): All nails must have the same shape and balance.
• Length and proportions: The nails must be of equal length across the fingers. The specified length requirements must be followed.
• Architecture and apex: The apex must be correctly positioned and properly finished.
• Wings: The wings must be symmetrical on both sides and balanced across all nails.
• Nail surface: The surface must be smooth and well-finished, without bumps, scratches, or air bubbles.
• Cuticle area: The cuticles must be neatly shaped, without cuts or rough edges. No product may come into contact with the skin.
• Finish: The product must be applied evenly, without visible application marks.
• Design complexity and originality.
• Nail art technique: Quality of execution of the chosen technique (3D, one stroke, watercolor, etc.).
• Colour harmony and composition: Cohesive colours and an overall visually balanced design.
• Carnival theme: The design must clearly interpret the theme of Carnival.

THEME: CARNIVAL

One tip cartoon

TASK

On a single nail tip (3–5 cm), the competitor must hand-paint a cartoon character in a recognizable cartoon style. The artwork must be created entirely by hand, without molds or stickers.

Requirements

• One nail/nail tip only — the cartoon motif must be clearly recognizable.
• The cartoon must be hand-painted. Stickers and stencils are prohibited.
• Gel paints, acrylic paints, and other materials suitable for hand-painting are permitted.
• The cartoon character or scene must be original and must not copy copyrighted characters. If the competitor is unsure, they should contact us via @slovenails.championship. Questions must not be directed to the judges personally.
• The shape and length of the nail tip are at the competitor’s discretion.
• The competition theme must be clearly recognizable in the design.

Online Submission

• One photograph of the individual nail tip against a white background must be submitted.
• A macro photograph is recommended to showcase the details.
• Three photographs documenting the painting process are mandatory (sketch, intermediate stage, and finished artwork).

Judging Criteria

• Recognizability and quality of the cartoon style.
• Technical execution of the hand-painting (clean lines, colours, and details).
• Originality and creativity of the motif.
• Interpretation of the competition theme.

THEME: CARNIVAL

LIVE

Registration deadline:

• Arrival: Competitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the competition for registration and collection of their competitor number.
• Equipment: The organizer will provide a table, chair, and electricity. Competitors must bring all other equipment and supplies themselves.
• Access: Only competitors and their models are permitted to enter the competition area.
• Time Limit: Once the allocated working time has expired, competitors and models must immediately stop working and raise their hands in the air. Any further touching, adjusting, or refining of the nails is prohibited. Failure to comply with the rules or continuing to work after the time limit has expired will result in immediate disqualification.
• Models: Once the work is completed, models must stand up and, following the organizer’s instructions, line up for judging.
• Cuticle Preparation: The model’s cuticles may be prepared one day before the competition.
• Communication with Judges: During the competition, competitors are strictly prohibited from making comments, engaging in conversations, socializing, or communicating with judges in any other way until the competition has concluded and the results have been officially announced. Communication is permitted after the announcement of the results. Before the start of each category, a briefing will be held during which competitors may ask the judges questions and request clarification of the rules. Once the category has started, no further communication with the judges is permitted. Any violation of this rule will result in automatic disqualification.
• Judging Standards: Judges evaluate entries according to international criteria. Their decisions are final.
• Score Sheets: Competitors may request their score sheets.
  

Gel polish

TASK

On both hands, create a gel polish manicure:

One hand: painted French

Other hand: classic red color

Cuticle preparation must be done the day before the competition.

REQUIREMENTS

The work must be precise, uniform, and aesthetically neat.

The French smile line must be clean and symmetrical.

The surface must be smooth and free of imperfections.

No decorations or additional embellishments are allowed.

EXECUTION (LIVE)

Performed in the competition hall under the supervision of judges.

Time limit: 60 minutes

JUDGING CRITERIA

Judges will evaluate:

Precision of the French smile line

Evenness and coverage of the red color

Neatness of the cuticle area

Smoothness and overall technical perfection of the work

Competition Square vs Salon Square

TASK

The competitor must create the following nail designs on one hand of the model:

• INDEX AND MIDDLE FINGERS: Competition Square — 3 cm
• RING AND PINKY FINGERS: Salon Square — maximum 2.5 cm

REQUIREMENTS — COMPETITION SQUARE

• Strict competition standards apply.
• Nail and cuticle preparation must be completed one day before the competition. Minor corrections are permitted on the day of the competition.
• The use of nail forms is mandatory. Tips and dual forms are prohibited.
• French style (pink/clear and white) is required.
• The C-curve must be uniform across both nails, with the apex correctly constructed according to nail length and proportions.
• C-curve: 50%.
• Nail thickness: 1 mm.
• 50:50 ratio: The camouflage length must equal the length of the white free edge.
• Measurements are taken:
• From the deepest point of the camouflage area to the cuticle.
• From the tip of the smile line to the free edge.
• The nail enhancement must be clean, with no material imperfections.
• The smile line must be perfectly symmetrical and clean.

REQUIREMENTS — SALON SQUARE

• Salon standards apply.
• Nail and cuticle preparation must be completed one day before the competition. Minor corrections are permitted on the day of the competition.
• The use of nail forms is mandatory. Tips and dual forms are prohibited.
• French style or a solid cover pink/colour of the competitor’s choice is permitted.
• C-curve: Flatter than in the Competition Square category.
• The nail must look naturally elegant and be suitable for a salon client.
• The surface must be smooth and glossy.
• C-curve: 30%.
• Maximum total nail length: 2.5 cm.
• The white free edge must not exceed half the length of the camouflage area.
• Maximum nail thickness: 1.5 mm.
• The nail enhancement must be clean and free of imperfections.
• The smile line must be clean and correctly filed.

IMPORTANT — BOTH CATEGORIES

The camouflage area must be created exclusively using a brush and a file.

The use of an electric file to create the smile line is prohibited.

The smile line must be created using the material sculpting technique and precise filing.

COMPETITION FORMAT

• Format: Live competition, performed in front of the judges in the designated competition area.
• Time limit: 90 minutes.

JUDGING CRITERIA

Competition Square

• Shape and square structure: Sharpness of corners, straightness of the free edge, and consistency between both nails.
• C-curve: 50%, uniform across both nails, with a correctly constructed apex.
• Smile line: Symmetry, cleanliness, and precision achieved without an electric file.
• 50:50 ratio: Camouflage length must equal the white free edge length, measured according to the rules.
• Thickness: 1 mm, uniform across the entire nail.
• Cleanliness of the nail enhancement: No air bubbles, waves, or material imperfections.
• Cuticle area: Preparation completed the day before, with a clean cuticle area on the day of the competition.
• Technique: Nail forms only; brush and file only for creating the smile line.

Salon Square

• Shape and square structure: Naturally elegant and suitable for a salon client.
• C-curve: 30%, flatter and uniform.
• Smile line: Cleanliness and precision, if French style is chosen.
• Length and thickness: Maximum total length of 2.5 cm, maximum thickness of 1.5 mm, and white free edge no longer than half the camouflage length.
• Surface: Smoothness and gloss.
• Cuticle area: Neat and clean.
• Overall impression: Elegance and professional salon quality.

Overall Criteria — Both Categories

• Technical perfection using only permitted techniques.
• Consistency between the fingers within each category.
• Overall appearance of the entire hand.

Reverse French Almond

TASK

• PINKY AND THUMB: Builder gel (cover gel) in a colour of the competitor’s choice.
• INDEX, MIDDLE, AND RING FINGERS: A sculpted design in the French manicure area or the nail bed (cover area). Creative interpretation is permitted.

Requirements

• Shape: Almond.
• Minimum length: 3 cm, measured from the cuticle.
• Nail and cuticle preparation must be completed one day before the competition. Minor corrections are permitted on the day of the competition.
• The use of nail forms is mandatory. Tips and dual forms are prohibited.
• Permitted materials: Gel, acrygel, and acrylic.
• Reverse design: No restrictions on decorative elements, colours, or design materials.
• The shape and proportions must be consistent across all nails.

Live Competition Format

• The work must be performed in front of the judges in the designated competition area.
• Time limit: 90 minutes.

Judging Criteria

• Shape and symmetry of the almond nails.
• Cleanliness and consistency of the reverse French smile line.
• Smoothness of the surface and product application.
• Cuticle area preparation and neatness.
• Overall aesthetic harmony.

Nail Art Challenge

TASK

This category is designed to showcase artistic skills and speed of execution in a live competition environment.

Competitors will receive three inspirational images at the competition venue, which they must use as the basis for their creations.

The images and nail tips will be distributed 5 minutes before the competition begins.

Each competitor must complete 3 nail tips within the allocated time.

Requirements

• Each nail tip must clearly reflect the interpretation of its corresponding inspirational image.
• All three designs must be consistent with the concept of quick salon nail art.
• The work must be technically correct, with clean lines and even colour application.
• Various painting and colouring techniques used in the nail industry are permitted.
• Glitter, rhinestones, and matte effects are permitted.
• All three nail tips must be created in a consistent style, forming a cohesive set.

Live Competition Format

• Time limit: 60 minutes.
• The theme will be revealed at the start of the competition.
• Judges will evaluate the work at the competitor’s table and after submission.

Judging Criteria

• Interpretation of the theme.
• Quality and precision of the techniques used.
• Creativity and originality.
• Overall visual impact.
• Speed and organization of work, including time management.

THEME: CARNIVAL

Mask of Venice

TASK

This category is designed to showcase artistic creativity, precision, and aesthetic sensibility through a design inspired by Venetian masks and the Carnival of Venice.

Each competitor will receive a mask-shaped keychain, which they must decorate and paint within the allocated time.

Requirements

• The keychain must clearly reflect the theme of a Venetian mask or the Venetian Carnival (Venice Masquerade).
• All painting systems and techniques are permitted.
• 3D elements are permitted and may be prepared in advance.
• Materials other than nail art products are also permitted (e.g. feathers).
• All decorative elements must be aesthetically pleasing, meaningfully integrated into the overall composition, and convey elegance, drama, and luxury.
• The work must be technically refined, with clean lines, harmonious colour transitions, and precisely executed details.

Live Competition Format

• Time limit: 60 minutes.
• Judges will evaluate the work at the competitor’s table and after submission.

Judging Criteria

• Interpretation of the theme.
• Artistic impact and creativity.
• Quality and precision of execution.
• Complexity and precision of details, including pre-made 3D elements and additional materials.
• Overall visual impact.
• Time management and organization of work.

THEME: VENICE MASQUERADE