Next Show : The Fairgrounds Nashville | July 13th | Mail : info@mlbarbertradeshows.com | Ph : 615.582.3119
The Original Tennessee Tradeshow

Competitions

6 championship categories on Monday, July 13, 2026 at The Fairgrounds Nashville. Every category is open to all barbers and cosmetologists; your model's admission is included in the entry fee.

See the categoriesGeneral rules
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Compete

Championship categories

Times are show-day local time. Register for a category below — entry is completed securely on our registration page.

12:00pm – 1:00pm

Fastest & Cleanest Braids

Show your skills — bring your A-game and speed with your fingers and comb. Must be completed in 60 minutes or less. Hair must be completely untouched (not parted, no prepping); all work is done during the competition. The finished braids are judged on creativity, cleanliness and design.

Prizes

  • 1st Place: $200, stylist chair, championship belt, clippers/trimmers & prize bag
  • 2nd Place: trophy, clippers & prize bag
  • 3rd Place: trophy, clippers & prize bag

Category rules

  • Entry fee includes competitor and model.
  • The first competitor to finish receives bonus points.
Registration closed
12:45pm – 1:15pmEntry $100

The Best Bald Fade

The cleanest bald fade in the building. No enhancements in this category.

Prizes

  • 1st Place: barber chair, championship belt & prize bag
Registration closed
2:15pm – 3:00pmEntry $100

Best Rookie Student

For barber students and rookies: deliver your best haircut on a live model.

Prizes

  • 1st Place: barber pole, champion belt & prize bag
Registration closed
3:15pm – 4:15pmEntry $100

The Best Creative Cut

60 minutes to complete your best creative cut and style — a fade or design of your choice. Hot tools are allowed. Have fun and play with the haircut, colour, style and wardrobe; the finished overall look is judged.

Prizes

  • 1st Place: $500 cash, championship belt & prize bag

Category rules

  • No pre-cut.
  • Model must be pre-coloured if you plan on colour.
Registration closed
5:15pm – 5:55pmEntry $100

Best Blowout Taper

40 minutes to complete a temple taper with taper back on any kind of hairstyle. Enhancements allowed.

Prizes

  • 1st Place: barber chair, championship belt & prize bag
  • 2nd Place: trophy & prize bag
  • 3rd Place: trophy & prize bag
Registration closed
6:15pm – 7:00pmEntry $100

The Traditional Best Fade & Style

45 minutes to execute a Traditional Best Fade and Style. The cut must incorporate scissors and clippers — we're looking for gentlemen's cuts: comb-over, pomps, tapers, parts and comps. Low or mid fade is allowed.

Prizes

  • 1st Place: $500 cash, championship belt & prize bag

Category rules

  • Beard is optional.
Registration closed
Read before you register

General rules for all categories

  1. All categories are open to all barbers and cosmetologists.
  2. Each competitor must provide a live model (their admission is included in the entry fee).
  3. 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.
  4. All participants (competitors and models) must sign a release form for photos and video.
  5. A competition briefing is held in the competition arena before each competition so everyone understands the rules and procedures.
  6. All competitors and models must remain in the competition arena until the judges announce their decision.
  7. There is no dispute process for the judging of this competition.
  8. Competitors bring their own tools and products — capes, combs, clips, shears, clippers, spray bottles, brushes, blow dryers, irons, styling products, etc.
  9. Dye and fibre enhancements are allowed in all categories except The Best Bald Fade. Enhancements must look natural.
  10. All sales are final.
  11. 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.

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The Original Tennessee TradeshowThe Fairgrounds Nashville · July 13, 2026
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