Japan Nailist Test Level 3

Recently I took the Japanese Manicurist Test at the beginners level. 

I've been doing nail art now for about four years. I first started at a community centre once a week and when that class was cancelled because there weren't enough members I started going to the teachers salon once a month.

(Usually I work on nail chips)

Last year my teacher suggested that I try for the Level 3 test. I'd never done nail care before but I thought it'd be interesting and a challenge!

The test has two parts, practical and paper. For level 3 you can take the test in Japanese, English or Chinese. I decided to do it in Japanese. In for a penny, in for a pound!

For the practical you need to bring a model with you. Before the test you paint their nails bright red. During the test you have to remove all the polish, file the nails to a certain shape, do cuticle removal, repaint the nails with base, red and top coat and do one nail with nail art. The theme was flowers.

(My teacher helped me improve my design)

You're graded on your technique and speed, you're also graded on using the tools correctly. For example, holding the nail file at a 45 degree angle. And you have to have all your tools labelled and set out correctly.

(I set up my kitchen as a salon!)

The paper test is easier, it's a multiple choice test with things like order of nail care, filing shapes, illnesses and treatments. There's a few weird questions though. Like 'How old must the model be for the test?' 

It's literally testing you about the test, not nail care. I actually got that one wrong because I knew from the start my model would be old enough so I didn't need to know the exact age requirement...or do I thought!

Speaking of models, I had a bit of a disaster with mine! You have to have nails longer than 5mm but my model broke two nails to the quick two days before the test! It meant instead of practicing or studying I was freaking out trying to find someone! Luckily someone I knew was free. Her nails were shorter than they needed to be but I had no choice!

I was so nervous during the test. Because it's hard to get people to practice on I had actually only done nails properly four times before the test, and I had never done taking the polish off before properly. It's my own fault for not wanting to put people out by asking for too much help. Anyway, the polish off took too much time and was messy, and with my hand shaking the polish was a bit messy too.

After the practical, the nailists go into another room to wait and study for the paper test and the staff examine the models' nails. Then we went back in and the models were told they could leave and we packed up our stuff and took the paper test. That part wasn't too bad do long as you have the JNA book to practice from and past tests.

Afterwards I met my friend to take photos for my teacher and remove the polish for her. I sent the pictures to my teacher and she just said "Did you not have enough time?" So I knew I'd failed then. :(

(The nails from the test)

The results came through and I passed the written but failed the practical, which I  already knew. I feel bad but I don't really pass things first time usually so I was  prepared for it. I think I will try again in October, hopefully I'll pass then!

Halloween Costume

We had a kids Halloween party at work so I decided to go in costume (it was optional). I had the pink wig anyway, but it was my first time to try it out.

I also did my nails to match, my first time trying leopard print. It wasn't so bad but I could do with some practice I think.

When I went into town still dressed up I got a lot of looks and made a whole bunch of people smile. Some high school kids even asked to have their photo taken with me!

Candydoll Nail Art & Tweet from Tsubasa

So last night I decided to do some nail art for the first time in months...

Two More Nail Art Sets!

I've completed two more sets!

Painted lace with 3D hearts:



And Halloween!



That's almost half-way and I have three more sets partially completed!

I also bought the stuff to make the actual displays so I'm well on my way to getting this all done on time, it's to be handed in next Wednesday.

Nordic Nail Art

I got started on my sets for the open day! My kitchen table is now covered in nail art gear, I like it!

I've got two sets half done and one completed, the Nordic design:





I took the design the teacher showed us and some ideas from magazines and came up with this, hope my teacher likes it!

Tokyo Nail Expo 2010

Well, Art Every Day Month seems to have fallen by the wayside, but it did give me a bit of a kick in the right direction, which is what I wanted!

Anyway, yesterday and today is Tokyo's Nail Expo 2010. I haven't posted much about my nail art here. I'm not sure why... like it isn't "arty" enough. Well, mostly this blog was to be for the postcards I guess.


Nail Art is really popular in Japan and I've been going to evening class for almost two years now. My strengths are in selecting colours, adapting designs, stonework and painted designs. My weak points are 3D art, detailed paintwork and gradiations.

The Nail Expo is for professionals, students, hobbyists and anyone with an interest. Though I think if you just like to look at the pretty nails you'd be better off with a magazine, it's crowded and the discount tradestands are what most people go for.

I arrived at Odaiba's Big Sight just after it opened and there was already a lot of people there and quite a lot already leaving with big bags off stuff! I made the rounds and looked at most of the stalls before jumping in to the Okamoto stand to pick up some bargins. OPI polish at half the retail price was the best part and I got some higher quality stones than I usually use! I also picked up two bowls for soaking just your fingertips, as I want to do more nail and hand care at home. It was a squash and I got stuck in the aisles a few times. You just had to wait til people shuffled along and then shuffle with! It's not for the claustophobic, that's for sure.

I wandered around watching some of the demonstrations for tips but they are almost always gel nails. My own nails are long and healthy so I really don't need gel. It's a shame there wasn't more old-school demonstrations but it was good to watch the professionals explain things. I also watched a bit of the contest where lots of top nail techs compete for the title. I'll have to wait for the magazines to see who won though.

I also saw my nail art teacher there and because she runs a salon one of the trade stands was giving her and her friend a free bottle of polish so I got one too! Nice timing! Some of the stand were giving samples of hand lotions which are now stashed in my desk at work.

It was crowded, hot, noisy and frantic but it was a great chance and I got some good bargins and I'll definately be back next year!