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Barber of the Year

Artistry that showcases texture mastery in barbering on hair texture types 3-8.

Collection Barber John Mosley After.png
Collection Barber John Mosley 2.png
Collection Barber John Mosley 3.png

Guidelines & Regulations

T.H.E. Collection Barber of the Year category celebrates texture mastery in barbering on hair texture types 3-8. These stylists demonstrate an advanced understanding of texture through techniques that use a skilled touch or expert hand to blend, fade, and create lines and styles that enhance the hair’s texture and/or curl pattern while creating balance within shapes and defining features.

We are looking for you to showcase your barbering skills, elevation, innovation, and creativity across a cohesive collection of three (3) unique barbered looks. 

We encourage you to be creative with your canvas,  push the boundaries of your barbering, and show the full range, beauty, and ability of textured hair in your creations.

Entry Open: Jan. 16, 2023

Submission Deadline: August 18, 2023

Finalist Announced: Aug. 25, 2023 

Winners Announced: Oct. 8, 2023, at THE Summit

Submission Conditions

  • Each entrant may submit entries for both THE Collection and THE Snapshot without conflict

  • Each entrant may submit the same image collection across a maximum of two THE Collection categories. Please be sure to check that your collection meets the rules and requirements for both categories

  • There are no limits to category submissions per entrant

  • Each entrant must complete and submit an Artist Release Form per entry

  • A Model Release Form must be submitted per model and hair color formulation(s) must be included for all hair color entries

  • Each submission must meet the rules and regulations specific to their category in order to qualify 

Final Collection Submission Requirements

  • 3 final images showcasing 3 uniquely different cuts* on 1 or more models**. No more than ¾ of the body in the photo–the hair should be the focus. 

  • 1 unedited photo of each final image

  • 1 before photo of each model (with natural hair) or 1 before photo of each model with unstyled wigs/extensions is required, if utilizing wigs/extensions***

  • *At least 1 look must be thermally styled and at least 1 look must be styled naturally.

  • **Models must have natural texture type 3-8. Please review the official rules & judging criteria for detailed information.

  • ***Wigs must have a natural texture type 3-8. Please review the official rules & judging criteria for detailed information.

  • ****3 final images, 3 unedited final images, 1 before image for each model (Note wig/extension specifications if utilizing).

Headpieces & Hair Ornaments

  • Headpieces and hair ornaments are NOT allowed

Creative Photo Effects/Retouching

  • Photo retouching of the hair color or shape is NOT permitted and will be subject to disqualification.

  • Creative photo effects (i.e., filters, overlays, etc.) are allowed as long as they don’t take away from the visual judging of the hair.

  • Light retouching of skin is permitted.

Image Quality

  • All images must be in portrait format

  • All images must be in JPEG (.jpg) format

  • All images must have a resolution of 300DPI (CMPI not accepted)

Barbering Tips

  • Attention to detail, crisp lines, and out of the box designs

Entries Open Jan. 16, 2023

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