Award-winning nail technician Tom Holcomb dies aged 44

Tom Holcomb, one of the nail industry's leading nail artists has passed away. The nail champion died on Friday October 28, 2011.

The cause of death is currently not known. Holcomb began his career in the mid-1980s in the US and gained a reputation as a superior nail artist winning more than 200 competitions during the 26 years he competed.

His pink and whites became renowned worldwide and he introduced techniques such as the sculpted moon, which he created in 1989. He was crowned World Champion numerous times, was named Japan Master five times, and was twice International Champion in both Munich and Dusseldorf.

Holcomb was associated with a number of global brands, including Premium Nail Products, Galaxy Nail Products, EZ Flow, and Entity, which he co-founded with nail technician Tom Bachik.

Holcomb was an inspiration to many of you in the industry and named in this month's Professional Beauty Insider survey as one of the nail technicians you would most like to have a masterclass with. He is survived by his two daughters, Madison (23) and Spenser (21).