What happened at the PB Nail Professional of the Year 2018 judging day

The judging process, which took place at the London College of Beauty Therapy (LCBT), included both a practical exam and interview, which gaged the techs knowledge of the industry as well as what they are doing to better the profession.

This year’s finalists – Katie Barnes, Michelle Brookes, Bethany Denby and Kayley Cairns (pictured below) – had one hour and 45 minutes to perform four treatments: three nails with a natural nail manicure; two nails in soak-off gel polish; four nails with pink and white enhancements; and one nail with nail art of their choosing. 

The finished looks are pictured above (L–R) – Barnes, Brookes, Denby and Cairns. 

The techs then had to take part in a 15 minute interview, where the judges grilled them on everything from the biggest challenges they face to what it means for them to win. The winner will be revealed at the Professional Beauty Awards 2018, which takes place in London on February 25.

This year’s judges were nail competition director and salon owner Denise Wright, LCBT director of curriculum Rochelle Saneria, and nail techs Jacqui O’Sullivan and Liza Smith – split between floor and curtain judging.