Could it be you?
Do You Have What It Takes to Be
After eight exciting seasons, we’re back to see who has what it takes to become NAILS’ Next Top Nail Artist. In order to elevate the next generation of nail professionals, we’re looking to identify top up-and-comers to compete in our online competition. The reality show-inspired contest will pit contestants against one another in a battle for the title. Weekly challenges will determine who moves on and who will be packing up their paintbrushes at the end of every week. The challenges will be a mix of video, photos, nail art on tips, and other social media-type entries. This season, we’re delighted to be partnering with CND and KUPA on this creative challenge and exciting talent hunt.
We’re looking for professional nail techs who are inspired, creative, reliable, and up for a challenge. In addition to being artistically inclined, you also must be able to take high-res digital photos and short videos. Since we’re looking for the NEXT top nail artist, you can’t currently be under contract with a professional nail manufacturer. We ask that you disclose any and all affiliations (sponsorships, past educator experiences, ambassadorships, etc.) in your application. It’s fine if you’ve taken manufacturer-specific classes. Additionally, NAILS asks that you do not seek out sponsorship opportunities while in the contest. NTNA sponsors will provide the materials and supplies needed to compete. It’s important to remember that we’re not simply looking for the best artist. We’re also looking for highly motivated nail technicians with poise and professionalism who can represent NAILS and inspire future generations of nail artists.
Anywhere in the WORLD. All of your tasks will be uploaded online.
NTNA Season 9 application opens on December 13, 2021. Complete the application with all required elements by January 28, 2022. We will contact semifinalists and finalists by February 4, 2022. We’ll announce the top contestants online and on social media.
Read the application guidelines below and fill out the application anytime between December 13, 2021 and January 28, 2022. In addition to basic information, you’ll be required to answer several essay questions and upload photos and a short video diary.
Season 9 prize package and award information to come!
Please read before you begin your application
After looking over the application, we recommend you prepare all of your materials to upload BEFORE you begin actually filling out the application. This includes:
*5-10 photos of your BEST work demonstrating your skills and versatility
*Video Diary (3-4 minutes)
In addition to basic contact information, we’re going to want links to all of your social media pages, 10 high-res photos of your best nail art, a high-res headshot of yourself, and the following:
1. Essay question (approx. 350 words): What makes you passionate about nail artistry?
2. Essay question (approx. 350 words): What do you feel NTNA will help you accomplish? If you've previously participated in NTNA, tell us why you've decided to compete again.
Gather your 10 nail art photos, create and upload your video diary to YouTube, and figure out your answers to the two essay questions in advance. (There is no autosave feature on the application and we don’t want you to lose any of your uploaded information if the form times out.) Once you have all of your materials ready, go ahead and click here to begin filling out your application.
Tips for best videos
APPLY NOW
1. If you are using a smartphone to shoot your video, flip it 90° and shoot the video horizontally — NOT vertically. Think of the horizontal nature of videos on YouTube. Also, use the main camera on the phone — NOT the one on the screen side.
2. Choose a quiet, clean setting. Is it pleasing to the eye? Those tiny details will always add nice touches to your video.
3. Do some test shots and watch them back before you begin. Can you hear yourself clearly? Is the shot steady and zoomed in appropriately? Is it well-lit? Is it horizontal?
4. Lighting is important. The more light, the better. To avoid shadows, glare, and reflection shine the light at a 45-degree angle from the camera. You can use the sunlight trick here, too. But be sure you don’t have your back to the light or the video would be backlit. Avoid fluorescent and high contrast lighting.
5. Audio is also important. Speak clearly and not too quickly, avoid noisy environments, and speak loudly.
6. Have fun! This is nail art after all. Smile while talking to add energy to your voice. Avoid reading off a script and make it seem like you’re speaking to an audience. This is a chance to show a little of your personality to the person who will be watching. Then, give it your all.
7. In order to avoid copyright infringement, please don’t use any music with copyrights in your videos.
8. Use a tripod or another method to steady the camera. This will help you avoid excessive shaking.
9. Edit the video to enhance efficiency—avoid filler words like “um, and like.”
who?
where?
when?
how?
prizes
All 12 finalists will be receiving a large prize pack from CND containing everything they need to create nail art for the competition. The three finalists will be receiving a major cash prize from CND. The winner of NTNA Season 8 will win a trophy, cash, and be invited to participate in an upcoming CND Nailathon.
10. Please do not use filters that alter your voice or appearance. These distract us from seeing your true talent shine through.
NAILS Next Top Nail Artist?
Emily Nash
Season 8 Winner
See all Rules and Regulations related to NTNA here.
