- 1 point a nail.
- Half points may be given
- Each nail is judged on its own merit.
Convex 5 points
The exterior contour of the nail form should be completely symmetric.
The surface of the nail should have no inconsistencies or appear to be uneven on the outer surface.
The judge will examine the nail by looking at the nail head on and check zone 3 and from the back side perspective check zone 2.
The convex or surface of the nail should contour symmetrically throughout the entire nail until it reaches zone 1.
The nail can earn a 1/2 point for each correct zone. Total 1 point for each nail.
Concave 5 points
The exterior contour of the nail form should be completely symmetric.
The surface of the nail should have no inconsistencies or appear to be uneven on the outer surface.
The judge will examine the nail by looking at the nail head on and check zone 3 and from the back side perspective check zone 2.
The convex or surface of the nail should contour symmetrically throughout the entire nail until it reaches zone 1.
The nail can earn a 1/2 point for each correct zone. Total 1 point for each nail.
Arch and Apex 5 points
The high point (apex) of the arch should not appear overly apparent.
It should have a subtle and gradual incline that is located in the second zone of each nail.
The entire arch including the apex, should be not be overly apparent or appear too flat . The arch should not be located too far forward or back when looking at the entire nail from a profile perspective.
The nail can earn a 1/2 point for each of these two criteria that are required.
Form Fit or Tip Application 5 points
The nails extension should be free of any notches or gaps on the lateral side folds where the free edge extension begins if the nails are sculptured with forms.
The notches are created during the application process and can’t be created with a file.
The nail can earn a 1/2 point for each side of the nail that doesn’t have a notch.
The tip application must be applied to fit the nail properly.
There should be not exposed sidewalls.
The tip must have proper placement and not be to far down on the nail plate or too far up, exposing the natural nail line.
The should not be any gaps between the tip and the natural nail.
The nail can earn 1/2 point for each side that look to have a proper tip fit.
Free Edge Thickness 5 points
The free edge must not be any thicker than 1.5mm beginning at the free edge until it reaches the end of the finger tip from the underside of the nail. This location is where zone 2 and zone 3 meet. The measuring of the thickness will be done with the use of a caliper at the beginning of zone 3 in the center of the nail.
The nail must be consistently thin throughout the free edge and measure the same on the sidewalls and center. The nail will be measured in 3 point of reference for consistency.
The nail can earn a ½ point for each of these two criteria that are required.
See example of measuring tools used to measure the thickness.
Sidewalls 5 points
The nail plate located near the Lateral Folds must be fully covered with product application and must appear straight where the lateral folds are located at Zone 2.
The free edge begins to taper into shape after if extends past the nail plate and Distal folds.
The nail should be uniform on each side.
There should not be any ridges on the free edge extension.
The sides of the free edges should feel smooth and appear to be filed clean.
There is a ½ point earned for each side of every nail being scored.
Lateral Side Extension 5 points
To find the lateral side extension you must look at the extension from the nails profile.
The free edge must extend straight out from the natural nails lateral fold.
The nail should not drop down or appear to be tapered upward from the profile perspective.
The nail should appear to have symmetry so the side extensions are consistently located.
There should be no exposure of the natural nail’s lateral fold.
There is a ½ point earned for each side of every nail being scored.
