Cleanest Bald Fade
The cleanest bald fade in the building. No enhancements in this category.
Prizes
- 1st Place: barber chair, championship belt, clippers and other products
The Original Midwest TradeshowPast show · Schaumburg, IL
Tri-State Barber ConnectionMonday, April 26, 2027 · Norristown, PA
North Carolina Barber & Beauty TradeshowMonday, November 2, 2026 · Raleigh, NC
The Original Tennessee TradeshowPast show · Nashville, TN
Niagara FallsDates coming soon
Las VegasDates coming soonNext Show : Hampton Inn & Suites, Raleigh NC | November 2nd | Mail : info@mlbarbertradeshows.com | Ph : 267.205.7614
Competitions
5 championship categories on Monday, November 2, 2026 at Hampton Inn & Suites. Every category is open to all barbers and cosmetologists; your model's admission is included in the entry fee.
Compete
Championship categories
Times are show-day local time. Register for a category below — entry is completed securely on our registration page.
Best Rookie Student (Best Haircut)
For barber students and rookies: deliver your best haircut on a live model.
Prizes
- 1st Place: $350, trophy, barber pole, clippers, booster chair and other products
Hevie Fast Taper
A 12-minute bald taper.
Prizes
- 1st Place: $500 cash, championship belt, clippers and a Hevie enhancement kit
Category rules
- C-cut optional.
- Enhancements optional.
- Facial hair must be groomed or removed.
Creative Cut Design
60 minutes to complete your best creative cut — a fade and design of your choice. Hot tools (curling iron, straightener, blow dryer, etc.) are allowed. Full creativity on your model; the finished overall haircut is judged.
Prizes
- 1st Place: $700 cash, championship belt, clippers and other products
Category rules
- No pre-cut.
- Model must be pre-coloured if you plan on colour.
- You must show a complete transformation.
Best Fade & Beard
50 minutes to execute any fade of your choice — low, mid or high — finished with the beard style you desire. Low or mid fade is allowed. Enhancements are optional.
Prizes
- 1st Place: $700 cash, championship belt, clippers and other products
Category rules
- Must show a complete transformation.
- No pre-cut.
- This competition must have 15 or more contestants to receive the full payout; less will be negotiated.
Read before you register
General rules for all categories
- All categories are open to all barbers and cosmetologists.
- Each competitor must provide a live model (their admission is included in the entry fee).
- All competitors must check in at the registration area at least two hours prior to the competition to allow make-up time on the model. Competitors who are late forfeit their place and their paid entry fee.
- All participants (competitors and models) must sign a release form for photos and video.
- A competition briefing is held in the competition arena before each competition so everyone understands the rules and procedures.
- All competitors and models must remain in the competition arena until the judges announce their decision.
- There is no dispute process for the judging of this competition.
- Competitors bring their own tools and products — capes, combs, clips, shears, clippers, spray bottles, brushes, blow dryers, irons, styling products, etc.
- Dye and fibre enhancements are allowed in all categories except The Best Bald Fade. Enhancements must look natural.
- All sales are final.
- If you have any questions about these guidelines, contact us in advance. If you disagree with these guidelines, please do not compete. The panel of judges and their decisions are final.
Competition refunds are issued as store credit — see the refund policy. Questions about a category? Send a competition inquiry.
Never miss a show
Show dates, ticket releases, competition line-ups and exhibitor specials — straight to your inbox before they go public.
No spam. Unsubscribe any time.