Braid Competitions
Think you’ve got what it takes to stand above the rest? The HEBS 2026 Barber Competition returns with four electrifying categories designed to test precision, speed, creativity, and classic technique. Each competition will take place live on the show floor, giving barbers a chance to showcase their artistry in front of industry leaders, fellow professionals, and a hyped-up crowd.
Event Details
- Date: Sunday, May 3rd & 4th, 2027
- Location: Meadowlands Expo Center, Secaucus, NJ
Submission Entry Fee: $50
$50.00
The NeatBraid Precision Challenge is a celebration of detail, discipline, and creativity in braiding. This competition highlights the stylist’s ability to produce flawless, clean, andconsistent braids while demonstrating speed and artistry. Competitors must complete a full-head braid design within the allotted time using PureO “Neatbraid” exclusively. This category raises the standard of braiding through precision parting, clean execution, and polished finishes.
- Duration: 60 Minutes
- Prize:
- 1st Place: $3000 + Trophy
- 2nd Place: $1000 + Trophy
- 3rd Place: $500 + Trophy
Judging Criteria
- Parting & Sectioning
- Integrations
- Symmetry
- Braid Technique
- Final polish and cleanliness
- Overall Design
Rules
- Entire scalp must be braided
- No loose or unfinished sections
- No outside styling products
- No pre-parting, pre-braiding, or styling
- Hair must be: Clean, Fully detangled, Product-free
- Must use PureO “Neatbraid” ONLY. No outside gels, sprays, or oils permitted
The NeatBraid Extension Mastery is a premier HEBS braiding competition designed to identify elite professionals capable of executing a full head of braids with extensions, cleanly, consistently, and under pressure. This category is not conceptual. It is not partial styling. It is full-head mastery, evaluated at championship level
- Duration: 90 Minutes
- Prize:
- 1st Place: $3000 + Trophy
- 2nd Place: $1000 + Trophy
- 3rd Place: $500 + Trophy
Judging Criteria
- Parting & Sectioning
- Integrations
- Symmetry
- Braid Technique
- Final polish and cleanliness
- Overall Design
Rules
- Entire scalp must be braided
- No loose or unfinished sections
- To ensure fairness and integrity Vivace Hair (provided) & Styling Product: PureO NeatBraid Gel (provided)
- No substitute braiding hair
- No outside styling products
- No pre-parting, pre-braiding, or styling
- Hair must be: Clean, Fully detangled, Product-free
The NeatBraid Total Look competition is a full presentation category designed to showcase braiding artistry, styling creativity, and complete visual execution. Competitors must create a polished braided look that includes a clear theme, finished styling, headpiece or ornamentation, and coordinated attire. This category is not only about braid technique. It is about the complete transformation from hair to final presentation. This is a total look category, evaluated at championship level.
- Duration: 1 Hour
- Prize:
- 1st Place: $3000 + Trophy
- 2nd Place: $1000 + Trophy
- 3rd Place: $500 + Trophy
Judging Criteria
- Headpiece & Ornament Integration
- Attire & Total Look
- Symmetry & Balance
- Braid Technique
- Final polish and cleanliness
- Theme & Creative Concept
- Overall Design
Rules
- Entire scalp must be braided
- No loose or unfinished sections
- Styling Product: PureO NeatBraid Gel only (provided)
- Headpieces, ornaments, accessories, or decorative elements are required.
- A visible theme or creative concept must be presented.
- No pre-parting, pre-braiding, or styling
- Hair must be: Clean, Fully detangled, Product-free