Choosing a
hand model
that possesses nice, long, perfect nails can gain a competitive advantage in the nail competition arena.
Your model's hands and nails are the canvas for your competition nail designs. So, choosing the right hand model is a very important component to achieving competition success.
A model with young, attractive hands and naturally nice nails will enhance the overall appearance and can grab the attention of the competition judges.
Now, as contradicting as this may sound, the best set of nails should win regardless of the condition of the hands. The hands themselves do not score points, the nails do. So, the best technical set of nails will win.
Even though the hands are not scored, they help with the overall impression. You must consider the finished look. Choosing a hand model with young attractive hands will improve the overall presentation and impress the judges.
Why is this so important? Nailpro competitions preview all entries and through the process of elimination, the judges select no more than 10 finalists in each level to go on to the scoring process. This means that if there are 30 entries, only 10 will be judged.
With only having moments to win over the judges and to go on to the scoring process, a set of beautiful nails on young attractive hands will gain an advantage over a set of nice nails on old unattractive hands. So it is imperative to always consider the bigger picture.
A great hand model must possess several vital characteristics and qualities such as:
Young, attractive hands.
Nice natural nails.
Beautiful, healthy nails.
Long nails. The nail bed must be longer than its width. 2X as long, if possible.
Consistent nails.
Nice cuticles.
Nice natural smile lines.
Deep natural c-curves.
Nice natural moons (if possible).
Balance and proportionate hands and nails.
Characteristics and qualities to avoid:
Old, unattractive hands.
Inconsistent nails.
Flawed nails. White spots. Hot spots.
Short nails.
Nail beds that are shorter than its width.
Bitten nails.
Flat nails.
High Hyponychium.
Dry, thick cuticles.
Cuts to hands or cuticles.
While having a model with great hands and nails represents a vital necessity, other equally important essentials are to be considered when looking for the right hand model.
Here are a few things you might want to consider:
Is it easy to apply a set of nails to your model?
Are her hands and fingers flexible?
Do her hands and fingers stiffen up when you file?
Is she patient?
Is she cooperative?
Is she supportive?
Is she dependable?
Is she able to travel?
One other important suggestion about hand models, ALWAYS HAVE A BACK UP MODEL!
Instructing Your Model
Your model plays a very critical role and must understand that during the competition, she becomes an extension of your work.
It is crucial that you instruct your model on the responsibilities she will have during the competition.
After you have finished your model’s full set, be sure to inform her that she can not leave the competition area at any time, otherwise it is possible that you could be disqualified.
It is also your models responsibility to have her nails judged by all 3 competition judges.
Before she is judged, she should allow no one to touch her nails, At the same time, it is equally important that she herself refrain from licking her nails to remove any dust. This is considered cheating since dust under the nails qualifies as a point deduction on your score. Dust under the nails is a sure sign of a novice, so keep them clean.
It is also a very good idea to inform your model to what style of nail she is wearing and which category she is competing. The judges may ask the models questions about her nails and it would be helpful if she could answer the question correctly.
Another responsibility that I gave my model was to keep track of my time during the competition. She would inform me on how long I performed each step and if I was falling behind on the timing schedule I set for myself.
Video #2 - Choosing Your Hand Model
MODEL Do’s & Don’ts On Competition Day:
Do:
Do wear layered clothing. It can get very cold in the Convention Hall so keep your model warm.
Do wear dark clothing. This creates a nice contracting background when viewing your models nails.
Do wear lint free clothing. Avoid fibers from floating into your product.
Do use the restroom prior to briefing. The competition is usually 2.5 hours and judging can also take a few hours so, there is no time for restroom breaks.
Do attend the award ceremony. You may be the winning set and other competitors will want to see the winning nails.
Don't:
Do not wear jewelry. Most competition rules prohibits jewelry such as rings, bracelets, and watches. Points can be deducted for not following this rule!
Do not use cell phone at any point during the competition or judging. Turn cell phones off.
Do not carry purse during the judging process. Keep your model’s purse with you.
Do not drink too much during competition. Judging can take a few hours. No restroom breaks.
Do not talk to judges or other models while being judged.
Video Sample of The Scoring & Judging Criteria Download Video
This is just ONE example of the 15 Nail Competition Judging Criteria Categories that is covered in The Scoring & Judging Criteria Video, which includes: Tip Fit, Form Fit, Smile Lines, Length, Balance & Harmony, Groove Walls, Tip Shape, Arch Location, Product Control, C-Curve, Concave & Convex, Surface Smoothness, Cuticle Area, Polish, and Finish Work.
Download The Scoring & Judging Criteria Video A Step By Step Guide to Perfecting Competition Nails
