UK&I nail pros showcase talents at Scratch Stars Awards practical judging day

It was a day full of excitement, creativity and camaraderie, as nail pros from the UK and Ireland gathered at Stockport College to compete at the Scratch Stars Awards practical judging day. Supported by the Scratch team, finalists in the awards’ nine technical and artistic categories put their composure and skills under pressure in front of expert judges, all hoping to secure one of the industry’s most coveted accolades: a Scratch Star.

On 11 May, finalists arrived to a grand welcome from college staff and posed for pics before heading to their assigned rooms to set up their kits. Judges were briefed on the events of the day, which took place over two sessions, and made their way up to their specified judging rooms with scoresheets in hand and ready to cast their eyes over the nail setups and creations.

Stockport College provided the perfect home for the event, with spacious, modern facilities allowing competitors, judges and the Scratch team to work efficiently throughout the packed schedule. Each of the three competition rooms reserved by the college welcomed finalists in two categories, who were re-read their tasks before each session began. The atmosphere inside each space was a blend of intense concentration, nerves and a sprinkle of excitement, and many tables were lined with products, brushes and design plans, while competitors transformed blank tips or models’ nails into masterpieces under strict time constraints.

Judges circulated carefully around each workstation, scrutinising details from smile lines and apex placement to colour blending, symmetry and finish. Despite the competitive environment, there was a strong sense of community and mutual respect among the finalists. Many competitors supported one another throughout the day, sharing encouragement between sessions and celebrating the opportunity to work in front of expert judges.

For many finalists, simply reaching the practical judging stage represented a significant achievement. Months of preparation, practice and concept development had gone into each entry, with competitors refining techniques and rehearsing timings in advance of the live assessment. These categories showcased not only extraordinary creativity, but the technical discipline required to excel professionally in nail environments.

As the Scratch Stars Awards recognises amazing all-rounders, there was an additional aspect of each assessment: a five-minute interview. Each finalist was seated in front of four judges following their practical task, and asked the same three questions. Their answers were scored and contributed to their overall points from the day.

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For the judges, the standards on display proved how far the industry continues to evolve. Innovation in techniques, finishes and artistic interpretation demonstrated the passion and dedication among UK and Ireland nail techs, while the professionalism shown throughout the day reflected the high standards associated with the Scratch Stars Awards.

For the finalists, the experience offered more than the chance to take home a trophy. Competing live in front of respected judges and peers represented a valuable career milestone, recognition of talent and an opportunity to showcase their skills on one of the sector’s biggest stages. It also afforded networking opportunities and a chance to catch up with industry friends.

Now, with judging complete, finalists and supporters alike eagerly await the final announcement to discover who will walk away with the ultimate prize: a Scratch Star Award.

Check out photos from the day, which saw Mixed Media, Polish & Paint, L&P, Gel, Gel Polish, Builder Gel, Natural Nail, Nail Stylist and Pedicurist finalists compete:

Photos by Jon Bradley.