INJA General Rules
"Before entering any category, please review the official INJA 2026 General Rules and Competition Policies. These documents outline the professional standards, division qualifications, and scoring zones required for all participants at the Heartland Nail Expo.
- Division Selection: Ensure you review the Division Rules to determine if you should compete in Division 1, 2, or 3.
- Standardization: Familiarize yourself with the Rule of Nail Zones to understand how the judges will be evaluating your technical execution.
All competitors are expected to adhere to the Competition Policies to maintain a fair and professional environment."
2026 Theme: Artist Choice
"Your vision. This year, we are celebrating pure creativity with an Artist Choice theme across all categories. Whether you're entering in person or via mail, show us the signature style that defines you as a professional.
Sample Submission: Ultimate Nail Art Competition
Watch this example of a single contestant entry to see the Ultimate competition criteria in action. Pay close attention to the execution and artistic flow required to meet the INJA scoring standards for this year’s competition. Once you've reviewed the standards, please use the link below to complete your registration via Eventbrite."
Hands-On In person Competitions
"Test your technical precision and speed in our live, on-site categories. Review the official INJA 2026 rules below to prepare your kit and techniques for the expo floor.
- Ticketing & Divisions: To compete, purchase a Primary Ticket for your first category. To enter a second or third category (Gel Art, Salon Style French, or Salon Nail Art), simply purchase the corresponding Add-on Ticket within your division.
- Checkout Requirement: During checkout on Eventbrite, you will be prompted to select the specific competition(s) you are officially entering.
- The Ultimate Nail Art Challenge: This remains a standalone premier competition. It is scored independently and requires its own specific registration separate from the general hands-on categories.
Download the rules for your chosen category below. Once you're ready, click the Register button to secure your spot
Submitted Nail Art Competitions
Showcase your artistic vision and technical mastery with these pre-prepared entries. All submitted art must be created on nail tips and securely displayed within a professional tip box according to the dimensions and standards found in the competition rules.
Hybrid Entry Options: This category is open to both In-Person and Mail-In submissions. At checkout, you will be required to specify your delivery method.
Ticketing & Entries: Purchase a Primary Ticket for your first category and Add-on Tickets for additional entries (up to 5 total).
Rules & Standards: Please download the Submitted Art Criteria and Art Definitions to ensure your tip box and artistic execution meet the official INJA requirements. Once you have reviewed the criteria below, click the Register button to finalize your entry."
Mailing & Shipping Instructions
For those selecting the Mail-In option, please ensure your work arrives by the deadline to be eligible for judging.
The Deadline: All mail-in entries must be received by July 24th, 2026.
Tip Box Protection: Ensure tips are firmly attached inside the box. Double-box your entry with plenty of padding to prevent damage during transit.
Shipping Label:
TO: > Heartland Nail LLC / Karlette Morrison 2608 W Kenosha St. Suite 285 Broken Arrow, OK 74012-8952
📦 ATTENTION: MAIL-IN ONLY COMPETITORS
If you are mailing your entry and NOT attending the Expo in person, please select the specific "MAIL-IN ONLY" primary ticket during registration.
- Submitted Art (Tip Box) Primary: $25 (Novice) / $30 (Intermediate) / $35 (Master)
- Virtual (Practice Hand) Primary: $65 (Novice) / $50 (Intermediate) / $60 (Master)
➕ ENTERING MULTIPLE CATEGORIES?Your Primary Ticket covers your first entry. To enter additional categories (up to 5 total), you must select the corresponding "Additional Category" options in the Add-ons section before you finish checking out.
Note: These tickets cover your judging and entry fees only and do NOT include admission to the Expo floor. If you plan to attend the Expo, please choose the "w/ EXPO" primary ticket instead.
Virtual Nail Art Competitions
Compete from anywhere by submitting your work through our Virtual Mail-In categories. Please review the official INJA 2026 rules below for shipping deadlines, packaging requirements, and technical criteria. ⚠
⚠️ REQUIREMENT: All virtual entries MUST be created and submitted on a practice hand with the tips securely glued. Unlike the submitted category, these entries are evaluated on the hand to meet INJA structural and stability standards.
Ticketing & Entries: Purchase a Primary Ticket for your first virtual entry. You may submit up to 5 total entries by purchasing the corresponding Add-on Ticket for each additional category.
Checkout Requirement: During registration on Eventbrite, you must answer the required questions to specify which virtual category you are entering.
Deadline: All entries must be received by the July 24th deadline. Once you have reviewed the rules below, click the Register button to secure your entries.
Mailing & Shipping Instructions
To protect your artistry during transit, please follow these specific guidelines for practice hands:
Check the Glue: Ensure all 5 tips are firmly attached. Any tips that come loose during shipping cannot be judged for structure.
Protective Wrap: Wrap the practice hand securely in bubble wrap. If the hand has long or delicate 3D elements, use a "bridge" of cardboard to keep the bubble wrap from pressing directly against the art.
Double-Box: Place the wrapped hand in a sturdy shipping box with extra padding (packing peanuts or paper) so it does not shift.
Labeling: TO: Heartland Nail LLC / Karlette Morrison 2608 W Kenosha St. Suite 285 Broken Arrow, OK 74012-8952
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