Runway to NTNA: Who Won and Who’s Packing Up Their Brushes

Congratulations to Ashton Harlan for winning the first challenge of Season 5! Ashton’s plague doctor nails were beautifully handpainted and depicted dark imagery in a fresh and lovely way. Her finger accents were subtle and played up the nail design.

Head judge Beth Livesay said, “These nails are scary, but lovely! The bird shaping of the nail was a cool added touch. The antiquing technique was well done as was the hidden bio hazard symbol. Great video as well!”

Head judge Jan Arnold said, “Great storytelling! Loved your research and interpretation of the runway. Your hand painting and shading techniques are exquisite. You utilized fundamental skills with excellent control.”

NAILS art director Yuiko Sugino said, “Good, clean overall design. Niche choice of colors; love the contrast between dark theme and feminine colors. Consistent technique.”

Read more about Ashton’s look here and here.

Ashton will be receiving a prize pack from CND valued at over $500!

The nail tech who is packing up her paintbrushes this week is … Jennifer Wirth.

This won’t be the last you hear from Jennifer. She will move on to CND’s Last Chance Design Lab where she’ll have one last chance to stay in the competition. Check back next Friday to see who Jennifer will go up against in the first Last Chance battle.

Tune in Monday to see the results of the Akzentz challenge and vote for your favorites! Good luck to our remaining 11 competitors.