The Nail Competitions returned to Professional Beauty & Hair 2026, giving both student and professional nail techs the opportunity to stand out in a range of categories.
Taking place over the two days of the show on 19-20 April at the RDS in Dublin, competition directors Jacqui and Sean O’Sullivan praised the standard of the work, as more entrants than ever showed off their skills.
“This competition was all about talent, dedication and the wonderful sense of community that brings us all together,” said Jacqui O’Sullivan.
This year's judging panel featured Shaun Booth, Dorota Palicka, Joanna Figasinka, Kat Kruszynska, Adriana Onofre, Daniela Orlea and Charli Jepson, while Kirsty Meakin, Hazel Dixon, Alex Fox, Anita Chahal and Joanna Figasinka were among the online judges.
The winners of the Nail Competitions at Professional Beauty & Hair 2026 are:
Sunday, 19 April
Structure/BIAB
Winner: Karolina Bastian
Second: Maksymillian Borowy
Third: Beatriz Braga
Learn a Skill
Winner: Aurelija O’Neill
Second: Mariana Nishimaru
Third: Patrycja Loniewska
On Location Nail Design
Winner: Karolina Bastian
Second: Patrycja Loniewska
Third: Maksymillian Borowy
Monday, 20 April
Manicure
Winner: Lucy Price
Second: Vaida Griskeviciute
Third: Maksymilian Borowy 149pts
UV Gel Polish
Winner: Maksymilian Borowy
Second: Beatriz Braga
Third: Karolina Bastian 150pts
Salon Nail
Winner: Maksymilian Borowy
Second: Karolina Bastian
Third: Lucy Price
Mixed Media Boxed Student
Winner: Ashleigh Arcaini
Second: Megan Rhodes
Third: Demi Fletcher
Mixed Media Boxed Professional
Winner: Aneta Denkowska
Second: Amanda Johnstone
Third: Zsuzsanna Radicsne
Instanail Student
Winner: Ella Mai Hooley
Second: Mya Travis Stewar
Third: Demi Fletcher 92pts
Instanail Professional
Winner: Amanda Johnston
Second: Aurelija O’Neill
Third: Zsuzsanna Berecz 99pts
Instanail Voter’s Choice
Winner: Arina Dres
Nail Champion PBH Ireland
Winner: Maksymilian Borowy
