Could you win Battle of the Nail Techs? £2k prize offered to support business growth
By Helena Biggs | 04 November 2026 | News & Events
The fifth edition of the Battle of the Nail Techs competition has launched – with big prizes up for grabs.
Organised by Abi Bright, who is founder of PolishPad, a nail tech business management platform, Battle of the Nail Techs (BOTNTs) aims to heighten the spirits of UK nail technicians. In addition, the venture offers free masterclasses covering photography, nail art, marketing, social media and pricing.
Abi comments: “What started during lockdown with just 30 entries grew into hundreds of nail techs taking part, plus thousands of votes, brand partners, industry judges and a community that really got behind it.
“This year, Battle of the Nail Techs is about more than creating an incredible nail set. Think masterclasses, weekly challenges, industry judges, brand partners, business opportunities and a live final: six weeks of creating, learning, getting seen and growing nail businesses.”
The BOTNTs competition is divided into two areas:
CREATIVE
This area requires a nail design to be created to the theme ‘Autumn Reimagined’. Nail pros can then submit it in any of the four categories, and a winner will be chosen for each:
- Best Extensions: beautifully crafted extensions with standout detail and finish.
- Best Natural Nails: a natural nail length with perfect shape and a flawless finish befitting of the theme.
- Best Creative Interpretation: the most original take on the theme.
- People’s Choice: chosen by the nail community.
Click here to submit your entry by 20 November 2026 at 6pm GMT.
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Prizes include a feature in Scratch magazine; an EL Nail Systems bundle worth over £600; Christmas Collection cards from Manicure Roulette; goodies from Curated Club, Nail Order, Laloo Cosmetics, BluLux and Sparkle Supplies, and a professional glass acetone pump bottle from Botella UK.
BUSINESS
Banking company, Tide, is backing a £2,000 Business Growth Prize, giving one small business owner the chance to receive a £2,000 cash injection to invest back into their business. “For a nail tech, this could mean new equipment, more training, a bigger space or better marketing,” Abi comments.
For a chance to be selected to pitch for a chance to win £2,000 in business funding, use the code BOTNTEVENTF2F when opening a Tide business account between 5 October and 16 November 2026. T&Cs apply.
Click here to go to the Tide website.
The five shortlisted business finalists will compete live at Tide HQ in London on 30 November, and prizes for all categories will be presented. Click to purchase a ticket to the finale.
“Seeing nail techs push themselves creatively, support each other and genuinely get excited about the Battle is why I wanted to bring it back,” Abi continiues. “This year, the competition is bigger and more valuable – to support the growth of nail pros.”
Abi Bright answers questions, below:
