2025 Nail Excellence Awards™️

NAIL EXCELLENCE AWARDS

at LIVE! Casino in Hanover, Maryland

Who are We?

We are a group of passionate and experienced professionals with over 25 years in the nail industry, united by a shared vision to elevate excellence within the nail community. With decades of hands-on expertise in nail artistry, education, and business, we have witnessed the incredible growth and transformation of the industry. Together, we aim to inspire, empower, and unite a vibrant community committed to excellence. We are proud to launch the Nail Excellence Awards—a distinguished global platform dedicated to honoring the creativity, skill, and innovation within the nail industry. It celebrates the outstanding achievements of nail professionals, brands, and artists from around the world. By recognizing both emerging talent and seasoned experts, the Nail Excellence Awards showcases the evolution of nail artistry and its impact on beauty and self-expression. Through a series of awards, educational events, and networking opportunities, the Nail Excellence Awards serves as a catalyst for growth, collaboration, and inspiration within the nail community. It’s more than an event—it’s a movement, igniting passion, pushing boundaries, and shaping the future of nail artistry for generations to come!

Welcome to the Nail Excellence Awards

Who can Attend?

Expo:

The Nail Excellence Awards Expo is designed for professionals, enthusiasts, and industry leaders to connect, learn, and celebrate. As such, we regret that children 16 years of age and younger are not permitted. This is to maintain a focused, professional environment where attendees can fully engage in educational sessions, live demonstrations, and networking opportunities. We encourage attendees 16 and older to join us, as this event offers a unique opportunity to gain industry insights, discover new trends, and elevate their skills in a dynamic, inspiring atmosphere. Some vendors only sell products to licensed professionals.

Gala:

The Nail Excellence Awards Gala is a formal celebration of excellence in the nail industry, and we welcome our guests to bring their families for a truly memorable evening. However, to ensure an enjoyable experience for all, we ask that children under 10 years old not attend. We strive to maintain an elegant atmosphere, so we kindly request that children in attendance remain quiet and respectful during the ceremony and festivities. This is a night of celebration and sophistication, and we aim to create a welcoming environment for all while ensuring the focus remains on the awards and festivities.

For the ARTIST. For the CRAFT. For the CULTURE.

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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).

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).

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).

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).

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 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).

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 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).

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 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).

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).

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 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 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 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 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 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 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).

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).

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.