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TIPS OF THE WEEK 
by Vicki Peters
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TIP OF THE WEEK #19
How To Choose A Nail Competition Model by Vicki Peters

Many of you are not competitors and some of you want to compete but need the 
perfect partner, a competition model. Because The Premiere Beauty Show is 
approaching I am getting lots of calls from first time competitors and 
thought I would address how to choose a competition model.

First, look at your model as a "partner" not just someone your using that is 
going to get a full set. This person must be committed to you for the entire 
day and understand the mechanisms of what it takes to be a competition model. 
So you must educate them, even if you don't know what to expect. 

I am going to refer to my completions specifically for the Premiere Beauty 
Show in this article. Some other competitions may be slightly different. 
Here are some things to consider when choosing a competition model:

1. The natural nails must be longer than wider.
2. The natural nails must be flawless and even in length. 
3. No white spots, hot spots or electric file marks or nail biters. These 
problems will not earn you better scores. Big Gun competitors bring perfect 
models. (Would you drive a broken racecar in a race?)
4. Hands must be attractive and in good shape. Older models are ok because 
it is all about the nail work, however the presentation of a younger hand is 
better. Make sure the hands are in good condition and if there is an 
unexpected cut or bruise don't worry about it - there is no place to mark 
down for this.
5. Cuts and red cuticles that happen during the nail competition will be 
marked down on the cuticle score. Judges can tell if they are fresh cuts or 
not and I do not mark the scoresheets before hand on pre-existing cuts. 
6. Exfoliate and condition the hands and nails for a few weeks before the 
competition and again the night before. 
7. File all the free edge complete off for a sculptured competition and 
leave slight corners to catch the forms on when applying. 
8. File the free edge a bit less for a tip and overlay competition. Make 
sure when the judges turn the nails over we cannot see the natural nail 
underneath. 
9. Choose someone who will commit to spending the entire day with you.
10. Arrive or drive together so you have control of her all day. 
11. Make sure she stays for the awards program because if you win we want to 
see the nails and you can get a critique from the judges after the awards.
12. Choose someone who will be into like you are.
13. Give her a job description - like watching the clock for you, or another 
competitor. 
14. Position her in the competition so she can see what is going on and she 
can report to you during the competition. 
15. Choose someone who will understand your stress and will be supportive.
16. Make sure she understands that everyone will want to see her nails and 
teach her how to "model" them so the other contestants can see the nails 
without touching them.
17. Educate her as to what competition she is in - i.e. Sculptured or tip and 
overlay, etc. Non- manicurists don't always know the difference. 
18. Schedule pre-show manicures and conditioning treatments for the weeks 
prior to the show. 
19. Pay your model or give her some free services for her commitment and 
always have a backup model in mind. 
20. Tell her how the day is going to go. How long the briefing, competition 
and judging will take. Judging usually takes 1 hour per 15 contestants. 
21. Choose someone who is a positive person, not a "whiner".
22. Tell her what is to be expected while judging (under a curtain - they 
cannot see what the judges are doing) 
23. Explain what is going to happen in between the end of the judging and the 
awards ceremony. 
24. Definitely let her know she cannot go the bathroom during the competition 
and until after the judging is done. 
25. If you were to win explain to her that she needs to accompany you on 
stage and cross her hands over her chest for the photos. This way we see the 
nails in pictures. Leave purses and bags of stuff you bought behind or on 
the edge of the stage as you walk up. 
26. Have her wear black, so you can use her black outfit as a backdrop when 
viewing the nails as you work. 
27. Tell her to dress warm, long dress or pants, jacket, close toe shoes. She 
is going to freeze, that is always the way it is from sitting there for so 
long. 
28. You may want to bring a heating pad to set under your table towel to keep 
her warm, even in the summer. It is amazing how these poor models get cold 
sitting there for hours so do what you can to make them comfortable. 
The main thing is you want to bring someone who not only has nice nails but 
also is a positive person who will be an asset and support you. Someone who 
takes this as serious as you do and makes a commitment to you completely. So 
many times I have seen models that travel with competitors that think it is a 
free for all and go out drinking all night and do not get enough sleep. This 
not only stresses the contestant but puts a damper on the whole experience. 

Choose someone wisely and if they work out and you produce good work from 
their nails, you may want to make her a permanent partner, especially if she 
can travel freely with you. I had the perfect permanent partner, Margie Hess 
who later went to school and I gave her my clientele when I went to work for 
Nails Magazine. She was just as committed as I was, we coordinated our 
outfits for every show and we were seen as a strong team, everyone knew her 
as my model. She was embraced by the other competitors when we arrived at a 
competition and she networked as much as I did. She was the ultimate model 
and set the standards for modeling in nail competitions. 

It is a team effort so look for a team player and take care of her; it will 
be worth it for both of you. 

Vicki Peters

DISCLAIMER
Any products mentioned in the "Tip Of The Week by Vicki Peters" is not an 
endorsement of any kind.

Vicki Peters 
"When you stop learning your career ends and your job begins"
Visit my new web site: http://vickipeters.com 

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