Competition FAQ 2026

2026 Competition FAQ Updated 25th Jan 2026

HAIRDRESSING

Q. What is classed as a professional mannequin?

A. Any mannequins that are from reputable companies/wholesalers that supply mannequins.

Q: Do you have to use a specific mannequin head?

A: No, any professional mannequin head is allowed but it must not have any reference to the competitor or college/training centre on the neck.

Q: If a model has extensions already in their hair, is it okay for them to still be a model?

A: Yes, it is, we have allowed all models with hair extensions to enter any competition.

PROSTHETICS

Q: If doing an injury on the shoulder which leads down to the bicep, will this cover one of the three areas?

A: Yes, it will.

Q: What does direct modelling mean in competition 22?

A: Direct modelling is when you use product to directly model onto the skin. The direct application onto the skin of any of the following: (basically not pre-made- i.e. prosthetic), Skin sculpt, wax, gelatine, latex/tissue, burman gel effects.

Q: Create an injury competition, we wanted to add fake glass into the wound would this be classed as a prosthetic?

A: Fake glass is not a prosthetic; Prosthetics are stuck and blended. If using fake glass it should be industry standard.

NAILS

Q: Can you use glitters, 3D, gems, powders and blooming gel in competition 11 commercial nail art?

A: Yes you can.

Q: In the nail art mood board competition, can they produce a mood board with a square nail, a stiletto nail, a duck nail, a coffin nail and an almond nail.

A: Yes, each nail can be any shape or length. They can even be the extreme length nails.

Q: Does the nail mood board competition still have a step by step.

A: No, the step-by-step guide has been removed.

Q: In the nail competitions can competitors use a magnifying lamp?

A: Yes, as long as it is battery operated.

Q: What are alternative nail tip shapes?

A: Stiletto, long, square etc.

Q: Can the nail be prepped with nothing on the nail but have completed cuticle work prior to going on the comp floor for competition 11?

A: Yes, it is expected a pre-manicure, cuticle work on the nail will have been performed. But the plate should not be prepared, in terms of natural nail prep for gel polish application.

Q: Can you use a ‘glass yellow’ gel polish product?

A: No, as you would have to mix different brands of polish – you must keep to the same brands to achieve the result required.

Q: The lamps college use are SUN UV lamps- these are the exact same photo initiator that the brand lamps, could we bring these or if we are using Glitterbels products do we specifically need to bring Glitterbels lamps?

A: Yes, manufacturers for example Glitterbels will tell you which lamps to use with their products.

See competition rule:

5. LED/UV lamps must be used to cure the nails. YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR OWN LAMPS THAT ARE COMPATIBLE WITH THE PHOTO INITIATOR IN THE GEL POLISH.

N.B. IT IS ADVISABLE TO HAVE THIS EVIDENCE PRESENT TO SHOW THE SCRUTINEERS.

BODY PAINTING

Q: What about the arms and hands? When you say all skin do you mean there needs to be nude paint on areas left neutral?

A: All skin from torso up to be covered in paint. If you are wanting skin colour, there must be skin colour applied. You can use both types of paints, water, creme and oil, but all skin must have makeup.

Q: No pre prepared skin additions are allowed. what does this mean? can I not apply a premade paper piece to the skin? it’s only small to add texture. Or can I only apply if its paper not drawn or painted on, ie not magazines, newspapers etc?

A: Pre prepared skin addition is a prosthetic. You are not allowed to pre make, buy or sculpt anything to be applied. You can use adornments, ie, stick on bits that aren't skin quality/product. These should be used to enhance design, not create it.

Please note, anything used should be a makeup product and safe for skin adhesion.

Q: No direct modelling applications. what does this refer to?

A: Direct modelling is using things like we used for injury, skin sculpt, skim imitation silicone, wax, latex, or any other product where you model directly onto the skin.

This is a painting competition; we want to see the artistry. It is not SFX.

Think using illusion painting if you require an effect.

Q: Can I use stencils?

A: Yes, stencils can be used.

Q: Can I use eyeshadow for a different texture?

A: Eyeshadows and setting pigments can also be used.

Q: Can I apply things onto the skin with glue, such as paper?

A: You can use adornments, i.e. stick on bits that aren't skin quality/product. These should be used to enhance design, not create it.

Q: Can I sit to paint when needed?

A: Yes, you can sit to paint.

Q: Can I take in the comp drafts and references?

A: You can have drafts/references.

Q: What about applying temp tattoos? is this allowed?

A: No, this is not make-up artistry.

Q: Direct entry Body Painting competition' - Upper Torso 'Butterfly Wings' however is this front and back torso including the arms for the 2hrs?

A: It says upper torso but not FULL so we would be expected to see all elements of upper torso painted/used. Front, back, arms, face with possible hair/headdress. It does not stipulate all skin so areas could be unpainted.

Q: Can foundation makeup be used on the face in comp 2 body painting?

A: NO, the rules say 'all skin to be painted' so only painting products can be used not makeup.

Q: Can you use a small prop for the half body painting competitions?

A: Yes, you can but only the body art painting will be judged.

Q: Can you wear costume on the bottom half of the body in the half body painting competition?

A: Yes, you can but only the body painting will be judged.

FACE PAINTING

Q: Can you use wax in the face painting competition?

A: No, you cannot use wax in the face painting competition as this would make the wax a prosthetic.

Q: Can you use fake blood in face painting competition?

A: Yes, you can. Competitors can use fake gel blood for example Snazaroo gel blood as part of their face paint. Competitors cannot use fresh clotted, wound filler; coagulated or fresh scab as these can produce a 3D effect and this would then constitute a special effect and not face painting.

BARBERING

Q: Can you use the same model for competitions 7 and 20?

A: No as the hairline will already be pre- cut from competition 7.

MAKE-UP

Q: Are you allowed to use tape in the make-up competition?

A: No, only in the drag competition.

Q: If a model has semi – permanent make-up (eyebrows/lip liner etc.), is it okay for them to still be a model?

A: Yes, it is, we have allowed all models with semi – permanent eyebrows/lip liner etc. to enter any competition.

Q: If a model has semi-permanent eye lashes, is it okay for them to still be a model?

A: Yes, it is we have allowed models to have semi-permanent eye lashes.