2025 Nail Excellence Awards™️

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Award Nominations

This is your chance to shine! Submit your entry and you could be crowned the 2025 Nail Excellence Award Best… of the Year! Imagine hearing your name announced on stage in front of the biggest names in the nail industry—leaders, technicians, and enthusiasts from all over the world. Not only will you receive an exclusive award, but you’ll also gain global recognition as the #1 in the industry for 2025. This is more than just a contest; it’s your opportunity to stand out, be celebrated, and take your place at the top.

Don’t miss out—ENTER NOW!

2025 Nail Excellence Awards Entry Forms

Salon of the Year
Nail Tech of the Year
Best Russian Manicure
Best Nail Care
Best Acrylic Application
Best Gel Application
Best 3D Nail Art
Best Salon Suites
Best Creative Nail Art
Best Gel Polish Brand
Best Trending Nail Artist
Best Character Nail Art
Nail Supplier of the Year
Best Abstract Nail Art
Pedicurist of the Year
Best Press On Gel Nails
Nail School of the Year
Best Press-On Nail Artist
Rookie of the Year
Humanitarian of the Year

When filling out your entry form, this is your chance to highlight what sets you apart and why you deserve to win. Be sure to include:

 

Your Unique Strengths:

Describe what makes your work stand out. Whether it’s your technique, creativity, or attention to detail, explain what you do differently or exceptionally well.

Your Achievements:

Share any key accomplishments, milestones, or recognition you’ve received that demonstrate your expertise and success in the category.

Your Passion and Dedication:

Explain why you’re passionate about your craft and how you’ve invested time, effort, and resources to improve and grow in the industry.

Impact on others:

If applicable, mention how your work has inspired or impacted others in the nail community.

Why your best fit for the award:

Show how your skills, vision, and achievements align with the goals of the award, making you the ideal nominee.

 

Remember, this is your opportunity to tell your story—be authentic, detailed and confident!

When filling out your entry form, this is your chance to highlight what sets you apart and why you deserve to win. Be sure to include:

Your Unique Strengths:

Describe what makes your work stand out. Whether it’s your technique, creativity, or attention to detail, explain what you do differently or exceptionally well.

Your Achievements:

Share any key accomplishments, milestones, or recognition you’ve received that demonstrate your expertise and success in the category.

Your Passion and Dedication:

Explain why you’re passionate about your craft and how you’ve invested time, effort, and resources to improve and grow in the industry.

Impact on others:

If applicable, mention how your work has inspired or impacted others in the nail community.

Why your best fit for the award:

Show how your skills, vision, and achievements align with the goals of the award, making you the ideal nominee.

Remember, this is your opportunity to tell your story—be authentic, detailed and confident!

Nomination Information & Guidelines

  • Nominations are open to all—self-nominations and nominations for others are welcome.
  • Only the nominee’s information should be submitted on the entry form.
  • Nominees may enter multiple categories.
  • All categories are for licensed professionals, except Rookie of the Year.
  • Judging is conducted by industry experts and professionals outside the nail industry.
  • Top nominees in each category will receive one complimentary Gala General Admission Standard seat ticket (notifications sent by August).
  • To ensure your seat, we recommend purchasing a ticket in advance. If selected as a top nominee, one ticket will be reimbursed.
  • All nominations must be submitted by July 31, 2025.

Submission Rules

  • Complete the nominee entry form using only the nominee’s information.

  • Post the exact photos submitted with your nomination to Instagram.

  • Tag @nailexcellenceawards in your post.

  • Include the appropriate category hashtag (see list below) in your caption.

  • Do not tag or repost old photos—your post must be uploaded between February 25, 2025 and June 30, 2025.

Hashtags by Category

  • Salon of the Year — #NEA2025SALONOFTHEYEAR

  • Nail Tech of the Year — #NEA2025NAILTECHOFTHEYEAR

  • Best Russian Manicure — #NEA2025BESTRUSSIANMANICURE

  • Best Nail Care — #NEA2025BESTNAILCARE

  • Best Acrylic Application — #NEA2025BESTACRYLICAPPLICATION

  • Best Gel Application — #NEA2025BESTGELAPPLICATION

  • Best Salon Suites — #NEA2025BESTSALONSUITES

  • Best Gel Polish Brand — #NEA2025BESTGELPOLISHBRAND

  • Nail Supplier of the Year — #NEA2025NAILSUPPLIEROFTHEYEAR

  • Best 3-D Nail Art — #NEA2025BEST3DNAILART

  • Best Abstract Nail Art — #NEA2025BESTABSTRACTNAILART

  • Pedicurist of the Year — #NEA2025PEDICURISTOFTHEYEAR

  • Best Creative Nail Art — #NEA2025BESTCREATIVENAILART

  • Best Trending Nail Artist — #NEA2025BESTTRENDINGNAILARTIST

  • Best Character Nail Art — #NEA2025BESTCHARACTERNAILART

  • Nail School of the Year — #NEA2025NAILSCHOOLOFTHEYEAR

  • Best Press-On Nail Artist — #NEA2025BESTPRESSONNAILARTIST

  • Best Press-On Gel Nails — #NEA2025BESTPRESSONGELNAILS

  • Rookie of the Year — #NEA2025ROOKIEOFTHEYEAR

  • Humanitarian of the Year — #NEA2025HUMANITARIANOFTHEYEAR

Salon of the Year

This category honors a nail salon excelling in service, customer care, atmosphere, and industry leadership.

** The nominees information below is required for entry. The nominee is the Salon, not the owner(s). ** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may affect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting.

Nail Tech of the Year

This category honors a nail technician with exceptional skill, creativity, professionalism, client care, and industry leadership.

** The nominees information below is required for entry. ** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may affect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Best Russian Manicure

This category recognizes excellence in Russian manicures, focusing on precision, skill, and flawless results in cuticle work

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Best Nail Care

This category honors exceptional nail care, focusing on nail health, strength, hygiene, and a professional experience.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Best Acrylic Application

This category honors exceptional acrylic nail enhancements, showcasing skill, precision, durability, and flawless technique in application.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Best Gel Application

This category honors nail artists with flawless gel application. Hard or Soft Gel, showcasing skill, precision, and long lasting, beautiful results.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Best 3D Nail Art

This category celebrates the best 3D nail art, showcasing intricate, dimensional designs that transform nails into sculptures.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Best Salon Suites

This category honors Salon Suites with exceptional facilities, supportive environments, and innovative spaces that foster growth and quality service.

** The nominees information below is required for entry. The Salon Suites is the nominee. **

*Images must be clear with good lighting.

Best Creative Nail Art

This category honors the most creative nail art, showcasing unique, innovative designs that push artistic boundaries.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Best Gel Polish Brand

This category honors the Best Gel Polish Brand, known for superior quality, durability, vibrant color, and innovation.

**The nominees information below is required for entry. The Polish Brand is the nominee** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Best Trending Nail Artist

This category honors the Best Trending Nail Artist, shaping the future of nail design through innovation and influence.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Best Character Nail Art

This category honors the best character nail art, showcasing creativity in bringing pop culture characters to life through design.

**The nominees information below is required for entry **

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Nail Supplier of the Year

This category honors the top nail supplier, known for quality products, excellent service, and industry innovation.

** The nominees information below is required for entry. The Nominee is the Supply Company. ** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may affect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Best Abstract Nail Art

This category honors the best abstract nail art, showcasing creativity, bold patterns, and innovative designs that push boundaries.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Pedicurist of the Year

This category honors the Best Pedicurist, showcasing exceptional skill, creativity, and luxurious, innovative pedicure services.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Best Press On Gel Nails

This category honors the best Press-on gel nails. Whole nails that are applied using a gel glue system, showcasing innovation, flexibility, durability, and professional-quality craftsmanship.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Nail School of the Year

This award honors the Best Nail School, recognized for excellence in education, training, and preparing future professionals.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may affect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Best Press-On Nail Artist

This category honors the Best Press-On Nail Artist who excels in creativity, precision, durability, and innovation in design.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Rookie of the Year

This category celebrates fresh talent, honoring new nail artists who started their journey May 2024 and later. Does NOT need to be licensed.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Many fields are optional, but missing details may effect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

Humanitarian of the Year

This category honors individuals or organizations within the nail industry that are making a positive impact, showcasing kindness, generosity, and community commitment.

**The nominees information below is required for entry** Complete info helps the nominee stand out! Most fields are optional, but missing details may affect judging.

*Images must be clear with good lighting. Nominee ONLY in image (Headshot or full body).

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