GlossaryLive Social Stars Ismael Camero

Ismael Camero

Ismael Camero

Champion nail artist Ismael Camero is making a loud noise on the global nail art scene, enjoying much attention through his intricate and specialized nail art pieces. Taking up nails at the early age of 16, Ismael has spent the last 10 years building a career in educating across Latin America, while also competing at various events around the world to much acclaim. In 2023, Ismael was invited to collaborate with the toy brand Lego, where he shared his work on a campaign that garnered much attention on Lego's social networks. Collaborating with nail brands has also been a successful enterprise, which has helped Ismael grow his name and following in the world of nails.

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GlossaryLive Pro Tips Alex Fox First Step Of Entering A Nail Competition

First Step Of Entering A Nail Competition

First Step Of Entering A Nail Competition

If you've made the significant decision to enter a nail competition, the next crucial step is to thoroughly read the rules. Rules vary for each nail competition, so it's imperative to review them carefully. This is particularly important as competition organizers often update and adjust the rules annually to reflect industry trends. Additionally, if available, it's beneficial to study the score sheets. These sheets clearly outline where points are allocated, enabling you to identify areas where the most points can be gained. This insight will aid you in devising a practice schedule and focusing your efforts effectively.

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GlossaryLive Life on the Free Edge Alex Fox

Alex Fox

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Alex Fox

Alex Fox, a journalist since 1993, began her career in photographic journalism. In 1998 she transitioned to the beauty world, working on the first UK trade nail magazine, Nails Plus. In 2003, Alex co-founded Scratch magazine, the UK's only trade title for nail professionals. During her role as editor, she introduced the first consumer nail title, Gloss, and expanded into the Middle East market with Scratch Middle East in 2014. In August 2021, Alex retired as the editor-in-chief at Scratch to focus on other nail industry projects including the launch of Glossarylive.com, alongside Nailympia Competitions as its global competition director. Alex's contributions to the industry include co-founding the Scratch Stars Awards in 2012 and has collaborated with industry professionals to create Nail Safari, a unique annual five-day education event. Currently sitting on the volunteer board of the UK's Federation of Nail Professionals (FNP), Alex remains dedicated to raising standards and celebrating global nail artists through her editorial role on GlossaryLive.com.

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Nailympia London

NEWSWORTHY

Nailympia London: Latest News

In an unforeseen development, Nailympia London introduces a new competition six weeks after the event has taken place

Article by Alex Fox | Published in 2023

In an unprecedented move, the team at Nailympia took a series of requests to appeal scores from the latest Nailympia London, to a whole new level. “After noting that the Invent a Nail Shape competition was proving challenging for judges and creating confusion for competitors, it was necessary to relook at this competition and revitalise it,” reveals Alex Fox, global director of Nailympia Competitions. “It was clear that very few entries right across the globe have been actual shape and structure nail inventions since introducing this competition, however we have seen stunning nails crafted for this category, therefore it’s been hard to judge and has afforded concerns that if competitors were not fitting the brief, then should these entries be disqualified?

“I’m not one to disqualify unless it’s deemed absolutely necessary, therefore we needed to find a solution that works now and moving into the future.”

Opting for a solution-oriented approach, the team, inspired by head judge Marian Newman’s insight, decided to listen to industry feedback. Marian Newman observed that competitors were pushing for an industry shift, seeking a competition that allowed complete creative autonomy over shape and design after establishing the stiletto structure. The competitors wanted to create a stiletto nail and from there let their creative juices go wild and bring a new-fashioned nail to life. From this premise it was decided to take all the entries that had been submitted, scored and awarded for Invent A Nail Shape, at Nailympia London 2023, and move them into a new competition. The criteria was reformed, the initial 4 judges from the original competition were invited to re-score the entries and a fifth judge was added, giving the competition 13 different criteria. Now, six weeks after the event, Nailympia London 2023 presents To Stiletto & Beyond, which affords three winners across three divisions who will receive a certificate by email and a medal in the post. Additionally, score sheets for this new category will be sent to all participants, providing a comprehensive and fair evaluation of their creative endeavours. To Stiletto & Beyond will replace Invent A Nail Shape at Nailympia London.

AND THE WINNERS ARE:

To Stiletto & Beyond

Division 1

1st – Nozi Brandel - Israel

2nd – Mei Kwan Leung - Australia

3rd – Tatiana Solovyeva – Russian Federation

Division 2

1st – Mariana Costirco - UK

2nd – Natalia Cibizova - Italy

3rd – Lyubov Tudakova – Russian Federation

Division 3

1st – Mino Vo - UK

2nd – Tatyana Texter – Germany

3rd – Charisse Cassie - UK

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Hazel Dixon | Artist of the Month

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Hazel Dixon

An international nail champion, educator, product developer, expert, judge and artist, Hazel Dixon has her finger in every nail pie imaginable, but where did it all start?

Article by Alex Fox | Published in 2023

Known worldwide as an award-winning Fantasy Nail Art champion, Hazel was up to her neck in nappies, AKA diapers, when she was drawn into the world of nails. Seduced by the creative edge that nail styling presents, as well as the ability to stay at home with her three young children, Hazel swiftly immersed herself in everything nails. “I was drawn to the idea of doing nails when I saw an airbrushed set sporting the Nike logo. I’d never seen anything like it before,” Hazel recalls. Her interest sparked and creative taste buds tickled, Hazel looked directly into courses as, she confesses, “I felt it couldn’t be that hard, but boy was I in for a shock!”

Attracted to a schedule of working evenings and weekends around her family, Hazel quickly realized it was more a calling than a quick-fix solution. “I love nails,” she chuckles. “I can explore my creative edge while transforming nails into tiny pieces of art. The buzz I get when I’ve finished a set, and see the client’s face light up, renders me speechless, it’s such a powerful, positive feeling.” Boasting a wide repertoire of nail skills, Hazel admits her strengths lie in both structure as well as all nail art genres including extreme techniques. Entering the world of nails in 2006, she took her initial training with CND and has since taken over 73 different classes with an array of brands including Akzentz, NSI, EzFlow, Crystal Nails, Brillbird, as well as completing an NVQ 3 in nails, and untold trainings with a host of award-winning educators across the world. Hazel cites, “Great education, lots of patience, an immense amount of practice and fantastic ongoing support from educators,” as the secret to her ongoing success.

Keen to share her entrepreneurial spirit, the highly decorated trophy and medal winner, Hazel, hung up her competition brushes in 2021 and picked up the mentor mantle. With her own nail brand (HD Professional Systems) and academy to run, alongside her salon, Hazel stood down from the competition circuit in order to use her expertise to support others moving in that spectrum. Working one day a week in her salon, Purely Nailz, Hazel’s philosophy steers her into keeping on top of her salon skills while innovating and raising industry standards. She explains, “The HD Nail Artist Academy has several locations up and down the UK where the 10-strong educator team presents a full array of ABT accredited courses plus workshops from total beginners to the most advanced techniques.” Located in the patchwork of pines and heathland that make up Thetford Forest in Norfolk, Hazel’s trinity comprising salon, academy and warehouse is a hive of activity and a thriving family business. “My academy offers something for everyone. Over the past few years I’ve written over 100 classes and workshops, presenting an array of training that best suits individual needs. I offer both in-house and online training, however, it’s my belief that complete beginners should only be taught in-house due to the science that must be covered. I feel it’s so important the educator be beside the student every step of the way.”

With two types of online training on the menu, Hazel is sure she’s got all bases and learning styles catered for. “Online training is packaged as pre-recorded workshops for existing techs with core, fundamental nail knowledge already in their repertoire. I also offer live Zoom training sessions, which are not accredited, but for students that prefer having the educator ‘live’ with them whilst learning.” A boost like no other, a mentoring program offers significant advantages to those who take the plunge. Mentor, Hazel advises, “Find a fellow, passionate nail tech or mentor. Surround yourself with like-minded people that will encourage, motivate and help you through the good and bad times. Having someone you can call or message that ‘gets you’, is so important. I don’t know what I’d have done without the people who keep me motivated on a daily basis.” Hazel also encourages nail pros to, “Invest your time and money wisely. Research the academy properly before taking a course, to ensure it can provide you with the skills and outcomes you’re looking to achieve, then be specific about this, don’t try to ‘learn’ too much, too quickly. Take your time and be sure you’ve successfully learned and perfected each skill before moving onto the next. Choose one that offers ongoing support, as this is so important.” Believing in a ‘practice makes perfect’ work ethic, Hazel concludes, “I don’t get time for hobbies, but I always make time for my husband and family, as well as indulging in retail therapy and dinner dates. Quality time outside of nails is essential to success, for balance as well as to relieve and relax the mind.” Hazel’s mantra sums this up nicely.

“Be happy with what you have, while working for what you want.”

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