Lynn Lammers took first place at the April 6 nail competition sponsored by the Allied Beauty Association of Canada (ABA) at its Toronto show. Jessica Ellison took second place, followed by John Hauk in third place. Lammers currently holds the top spot on NAILS’ 2007-2008 Top 25 Competitors Ranking with a commanding lead. (NAILS’ competition year ends June 30 at IBS Las Vegas. 

Since appointing Christine Turner competition director in 2006, the ABA has been working steadily to address criticisms of its nail competitions and increase the number of participants. The ABA, which puts on seven regional nail competitions at its shows each year, was facing declining numbers of competitors and several other problems. There were complaints that the judging was too time-consuming, that it was unfair, and that nail competitors weren’t treated as equals to hair competitors.

After consulting with seasoned competitors, Turner instituted a number of changes including a three judge per competitor scoring system. She instituted a difficulty score to account for the different application techniques used within a single competition. She also made sure score sheets were now provided to competitors and judges were available for questions following the competition. The award presentations were moved to main stage with the hair awards. Turner also offers an informative competition seminar prior to each event.

“We changed the format to ‘salon style’ so that the nails were not so far removed from what the average nail technician does in the salon every day,” says Turner. “This format also allows better time management for competitors so that it is not so difficult to finish the competition within the time constraints. 

To view NAILS’ annual Top 25 Competitors Lists dating back to 1993, click here. 

— Judy