How on Earth will you go to the loo? Nail Art Olympics sees long and pointy acrylics adorned with feathers, toys and figurines

Worldwide competition saw 220 compete in Italy alone for top prize of £600

Competition in Rome, Italy on Monday saw extravagant designs such as subaquatic scenes and Geisha girls atop sharp and lengthy false nails



Contest started in Las Vegas 12 years ago and now takes place in over 50 countries

If you were impressed by Jessica Ennis's nails at the Olympics, prepare to be amazed.

The best and most creative nail technicians from around the world compete in the International Nail Olympics - or Nailympics - each year.



And this time, we're got behind-the scenes photos of the most extravagant designs from Rome.



Nailing it: A new reality show is set to offer a glimpse into the highly competitive world of nail art - here a model exhibits her talons at Nailympics, held in Rome earlier this year

Eight judges from Japan, the USA, Korea, Italy, Sweden, and the Czech Republic chose winners in seven specialties among 220 competitors in the two day competition of nail art from the technical to the fantastic.



Art on show on Monday included a 'From Charleston to Burlesque' design, themed around a busy mess of feathers and figurines of 1920s flapper girls, suited gentlemen and showgirls.

Another pirate ship design featured skulls, mermaids and lots of seaweed, while many less busy designs were long and pointy acrylics sprayed with coloured paint effects.

Shiver me timbers: A model displays the Looking for Treasure design by Cristina Bea

Under the sea: A close up of the intricate subaquatic design featuring a mermaid and an octopus

Ahoy mateys: Skulls, pirates and even a ship feature on this busy and extravagant design

But most impressive of all was a Japanese design of carefully balanced Geisha girls stuck on top oriental decorated talons, which was best observed with a hand laid flat.



The first Nail Olympics took place in Las Vegas on 2001, since then the competition has spread around the globe.



The Nailympics draws thousands of competitors from over 50 countries worldwide at its various global competition locations.

Balancing act: A model displays a Japan inspired creation by Carmen Gamero from Spain

Their website says of the competition: ' From Los Angeles to London the Nailympics has created an artistic atmosphere where a beginner or seasoned professional can test their skills against the best competitors in the world.

' We want you to fall in love with the nail industry again by reaching outside your comfort zone and trying something new, something that will make you grow even if it makes you a little uncomfortable.'

Rave party: A competitor adds the finishing touches to a design that could definitely poke your eye out

Do my nails look big in this? A model prepares for the Stiletto competition