If you look closely at the diminutive self-portrait of nail tech Sol Yanira Ortiz, you’ll note bold strokes of gold forming her eyeglasses, earrings, and even hinting at a gold tooth. It’s details like those that made the Arecibo, Puerto Rico-based nail tech a stand-out to the judges and earned her to top prize in NAILS’ second annual Nail Art Self-Portrait Contest.
Much to our delight, delicate brushwork and astounding likenesses were plentiful among this year’s crop of entries. Take a look at the faces of our winners and some other mighty talented techs.
Winner: Sol Yanira Ortiz, Beautiful Nails, Arecibo, Puerto Rico
1st Runner-up: Yasue Nakao, Awilda Salon, Beverly Hills, Calif.
2nd Runner-up: Mary L. Piper, Salon Pzazz, Columbia, Mo.
3rd Runner-up: Alexandra Maldonado, Flushing N.Y.
Honorable Mentions:
Diana Laarz, Deserrie’s Salon, Hamilton, N.J.
Regina McManus, “You’ve Got Nails” Nail & Tanning Salon, Ocala, Fla.
Maylena Smith, Chic University, Standale, Mich.
Rena Rivera-Ryan, Rena’s Nails, Jacksonville, Fla.
Lisa Fry, Nailhouse Rock, Farmville, Va.
LaDawna Lawton, JJ Clemons Salon, Lemoore, Calif.
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