Our second pre-challenge paid homage to our head sponsor, CND, and their three word tagline:  Nails. Fashion. Beauty. We tasked our Top 18 to think of their own three-word tagline and create a 3-D design across 10 nail tips (not on a model) using a variety of products. We wanted to see the three words in their finished design.

The judges were blown away by all the 3-D work that was done in just one week and enjoyed getting to know the competitors a bit better. Unfortunately, six contestants had to be eliminated from this round. The remaining 12 will go on to compete for the title of NAILS’ Next Top Nail Artist, starting September 7.

The first pre-challenge for Season 3 of Next Top Nail Artist got things off to a rapid start, as 24 competitors presented their interpretations of a NAILS cover, using handpainted design on a single hand. An incredible variety of covers were selected, from the very first cover in 1983 to the May 2015 cover created by 2015 NTNA 1st runner-up Lexi Martone.

After careful review of the entries, the judges submitted their scores and the 18 highest scorers moved on to the second pre-challenge.

It was no easy task reviewing applications, nail art photos, and videos from all over the world, but at long last the team at NAILS has named its 24 semi-finalists for season three of NAILS Next Top Nail Artist sponsored by CND.

This was the most intense year of first round cuts, as several returning competitors and international nail artists alike threw their hat in the ring. The countries represented this year in our Top 24 include Greece, Australia, Sweden, England, Canada, and Trinidad and Tobago, in addition to The United States.