Admit it, your weeknight guilty pleasure is reality television. We know you've seen all the episodes of The Real Housewives of Melbourne, and thanks to Oxygen, we added a new beauty-centric show to your DVR lineup this Fall. The network created a genius nail art competition show — called Nail'd It — and we watched every episode to keep up with the juicy drama. Unfortunately, season one of the show is over with up-and-coming nail artist Ashley Craig taking the final prize.
The 10-week series was hosted by Adrienne Bailon and judged by top manicurists like Tom Bachik and CND cofounder Jan Arnold. Each episode, the manicurists competed in a two-part tournament. The first trial was all about chic, wearable designs, while the elimination round required in-depth 3D work. In the end, Ashley was chosen over 18 contestants, taking home $100,000 and a cover shoot for Nail It! magazine. Keep reading to see all the manicures from the competition including Ashley's winning designs.
Ashley had a leg up on this nail competition because she has a degree in visual art, which means she is comfortable with any medium from tattoos to murals and manicures.
With celebrity clients like Nicki Minaj and Demi Lovato, Kandi has already established herself in the nail business. Her colorful designs are in close competition with her bright rainbow hair color.
Instagram: @kandiyamz
A Florida native, Lauren serves as a pastor and nail art aficionado to her husband's church congregation. She's a pro at intricate designs and wearable nail looks.
Instagram: @wildflowersnails
Classic has already won over 30 nail art trophies and planned to complete her nail art education in Japan with the Nail'd It prize money. She's a pro at acrylic and 3D nail art with a special passion for sharp stiletto nails.
Instagram: @ClassicMully
Robert has won trophies for his 3D nail creations and often works with international brand OPI. Soon he'll open his own Beverly Hills nail salon called House of Polish.
Instagram: @nailguytv
Already a Canadian nail art champion, Angela is a master at customized designs, which gave her a step up in the competition.
Instagram: @Angela_Beer
China prefers to be called the "Bling Queen" in a nod to her extremely embellished design aesthetic. This nail pro never met a diamond she didn't like!
Instagram: chinanails
Celeste loves glitz, glam, and glitter! You can always expect a touch of bling in her manicures, whether it's 3D studs or powdered particles.
Instagram: @celestialnails
Jamie already owns her own nail salon in Fresno, CA, but she's looking to rise up the ranks of internationally known nail artists. She is most well known for her mastery of the duck feet design, where the tips of nails are wider than the cuticles.
Instagram: @nailsbyjme
Amber's innovative spirit caused her to start a successful nail business out of her own home. She practices all her self-taught skills on her 7-year-old daughter.
Instagram: @preciousnails220
Jami pulls her design inspiration from the street art and graffiti, making her manicures modern and edgy. Even though she's relatively new to the nail scene, Jami already owns her own salon in Syracuse, NY.
Instagram: @nailbang
Already Julie is a YouTube manicure sensation with over 40,000 subscribers. She's also considered one of the top young manicurists to watch. You can find her working in the Paintbox studio in NYC.
Instagram: @juliev37
Chris brings his South African culture to his nail work with elements of Japanese, African, and European design. Even though he's working as a manicurist now, Chris has also got talent as a graphic designer.
Instagram: @JeweledNails
Lakia, aka Miss International, has a knack for creating over-the-top 3D elements. One day she hopes to create her own brand, Miss International Cosmetics.
Instagram: @Exclusive_nailsbykia
Winnie may be a newbie to the nail industry, but you can already see her work in fashion catalogs. The big editorial magazines are sure to be her next frontier.
Instagram: @WinnieIsAwesome
Thao's nail style is eye-catching, to say the least. Her pop art designs typically feature her signature eyeball design complete with 3D lashes.
Instagram: _lovepeacenails
Temeka's manicures are White House-approved. She once created an Obama design starring the entire first family (that's skill).
Instagram: Customtnails1
Florida native LaToya may be in her first nail art fight, but she's bringing her original style to the ring. From graphic colors to leopard print, you can expect her designs to have that Miami flair.
Instagram: @nailartaddict305