GNDA - Global Nail Design Awards

💅 Competition Gel – Right Hand 💅

A true test of precision, control, and technical excellence.

Competition nails are all about consistency. Judges will be looking for clean cuticle work, balanced proportions, crisp sidewalls, and a polished result that demonstrates a high level of technical skill.

Can you create a set that is as close to perfection as possible? ✨

🏆✨ MELBOURNE 2026 ✨🏆
📍 Novotel Preston
📅 Sunday 13th September

Ready to step into the spotlight?
🥇 Compete with the best
🥈 Experience the expo magic
🥉 Connect, learn & be inspired

www.globalnaildesignawards.com.au



🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆SPONSORS🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆




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❤️ Gel Polish Manicure – Red & French ❤️

A true competition classic.

With the rise of enhancements and overlays, it’s becoming less common to apply polish directly to the natural nail—but that’s exactly what makes this category so challenging.

There is nowhere to hide. No structure to disguise imperfections. No enhancement to perfect the shape.

Competitors must showcase flawless preparation, crisp application, beautiful cuticle work, and precision polishing. Every detail matters, and every flaw can be seen.

Sometimes the most simple-looking categories are the ones that require the greatest level of skill.

🏆 MELBOURNE • 2026 🏆
📅 Sunday 13th September
📍 Novotel Preston

Where creativity meets competition 💫

🥇 Show off your skills
🥈 Explore the expo floor
🥉 Be part of something unforgettable

www.globalnaildesignawards.com.au



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✨ Runway Ready – Mystery Set ✨

Picture this...

You’re sitting backstage at a fashion show when a designer rushes over and says:

“I need a set of nails to match this dress... NOW!”

Thankfully, you have your kit in the car. 😂

You have just 45 minutes to create a 5-tip set inspired by the mystery image revealed on the day.

This category is all about thinking on your feet, adapting your skills, and creating under pressure. No weeks of planning. No endless Pinterest boards. Just your creativity, technical ability, and artistic vision.

Let’s be honest—how many times have clients sat in our chair, pulled out a photo, and said, “Can you do something like this?”

Now it’s time to show us exactly what you’re made of.

⏱️ 45 Minutes🎨 Mystery Inspiration Revealed on the Day💅 5-Tip Design Challenge

Are you ready for the runway?

🏆✨ MELBOURNE 2026 ✨🏆
📍 Novotel Preston
📅 Sunday 13th September

Ready to step into the spotlight?
🥇 Compete with the best
🥈 Experience the expo magic
🥉 Connect, learn & be inspired

www.globalnaildesignawards.com.au



🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆SPONSORS🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆




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🦄🐉Fantasy🐉🦄

Where imagination meets artistry.

Combine elements of flat art, mixed media, miniature masterpieces, and extreme nail design to create a one-of-a-kind fantasy masterpiece. Your model and costume should complement your theme, bringing your entire vision to life.

Think beyond the ordinary and create something truly unforgettable.

🏆✨ MELBOURNE 2026 ✨🏆
📍 Novotel Preston
📅 Sunday 13th September

Ready to step into the spotlight?
🥇 Compete with the best
🥈 Experience the expo magic
🥉 Connect, learn & be inspired

www.globalnaildesignawards.com.au



🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆SPONSORS🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆




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💜 Proud is an understatement! 💜

These amazing women are the heart of NZ Nail Academy's education team, and I couldn't be more grateful to have them representing our brand.

I'm incredibly selective about who joins our education team because our students deserve the very best. Talent, passion, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed are non-negotiable.

Thank you all for your dedication and support. I'm so excited for what's ahead because we have some incredible things planned! ✨

Thinking about starting a career in nails or wanting to upskill your existing knowledge?

💅 Nationally Recognised Certification
💅 27+ Years Industry Experience
💅 Expert Educators
💅 Ongoing Support

The future of nail education is looking bright! ✨

Much love Deb x

🚀Extreme Nail Art – Cyberpunk Galaxy🚀

This is my personal favourite category! Here, the limits are pushed and creativity knows no bounds.

Create an extraordinary set of nails inspired by a futuristic cyberpunk galaxy theme, where bold design, technical skill, and artistic vision come together. From intricate details and innovative techniques to striking styling and photography, every element plays a part in bringing your concept to life.

This is your chance to showcase not only your nail artistry, but your ability to create a complete visual masterpiece. Let your imagination run wild and show us just how far your creativity can take you. 🚀✨🌌

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nails





🏆✨ MELBOURNE 2026 ✨🏆
📍 Novotel Preston
📅 Sunday 13th September

Ready to step into the spotlight?
🥇 Compete with the best
🥈 Experience the expo magic
🥉 Connect, learn & be inspired

www.globalnaildesignawards.com.au

✨ Natural Nails – Sell It ✨

Think simple can’t be stunning? Think again.

Using natural nails and a single colour application, create a photographic image that sells a product, object, or idea. Your challenge is to use styling, posing, and creativity to turn a simple set of nails into a captivating visual story.

One colour. Natural nails. Endless possibilities.

CreativeNails

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nails





🏆✨ MELBOURNE 2026 ✨🏆
📍 Novotel Preston
📅 Sunday 13th September

Ready to step into the spotlight?
🥇 Compete with the best
🥈 Experience the expo magic
🥉 Connect, learn & be inspired

www.globalnaildesignawards.com.au

✨ Salon Style – Bridal ✨

This photographic category is one we can all relate to. From timeless elegance to modern romance, we’ve all created countless bridal sets over the years — now it’s your turn to design the bridal set of your dreams.

Showcase your creativity, attention to detail, and flawless salon-style finish in a set worthy of the aisle. 💍🤍

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆SPONSORS🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆




nails





🏆✨ MELBOURNE 2026 ✨🏆
📍 Novotel Preston
📅 Sunday 13th September

Ready to step into the spotlight?
🥇 Compete with the best
🥈 Experience the expo magic
🥉 Connect, learn & be inspired

www.globalnaildesignawards.com.au

✨ Mixed Media ✨

This is where you bring your canvas to life… 🎨

Showcase your hand-painted skills while creating depth and dimension, enhancing your visual concept with 3D elements that make your artwork feel alive.

Blend mediums, textures, colour and creativity to transform your set into a true masterpiece. Whether it’s whimsical, dark, elegant or completely fantasy-driven — this category is all about pushing your imagination beyond the surface.

Create art that people don’t just look at… they feel. ✨

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆SPONSORS🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆




nails





🏆✨ MELBOURNE 2026 ✨🏆
📍 Novotel Preston
📅 Sunday 13th September

Ready to step into the spotlight?
🥇 Compete with the best
🥈 Experience the expo magic
🥉 Connect, learn & be inspired

www.globalnaildesignawards.com.au

🎨✨ FLAT ART ✨🎨

This is your chance to truly showcase your skill in hand painting and transform 10 nail tips into one breathtaking canvas of creativity.

From detailed wildlife scenes and fantasy worlds to soft florals, portraits, or abstract masterpieces — this category is all about precision, storytelling, shading, depth, and artistic flow across the full set.

No 3D elements. No heavy embellishments. Just pure painted artistry and technique.

Let your brushes do the talking and create a design that captures attention from the very first nail to the last 🖌️🏆

What would your canvas look like? 👀

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆SPONSORS🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆




nails







🏆✨ MELBOURNE 2026 ✨🏆
📍 Novotel Preston
📅 Sunday 13th September

Ready to step into the spotlight?
🥇 Compete with the best
🥈 Experience the expo magic
🥉 Connect, learn & be inspired

www.globalnaildesignawards.com.au