Barber Games
Barber Games – HEBS 2026
The Barber Games is where elite talent meets team strategy in one of the most thrilling competitions of the Hair Education Beauty Summit. We invite some of the most well-known and respected barbers in the industry to assemble powerhouse teams and go head-to-head in a high-energy battle of skills, creativity, and precision.
Barbers from across the country will compete in a high-energy, multi-category showdown to prove their versatility, speed, and precision. The Barber Games features both individual and team events with a points system that determines the ultimate champion team. Each team will nominate a team member to compete in the individual competitions. The whole team will work together on the final competition (4X1 relay).
Event Details
- Date: Monday, May 4th, 2026
- Location: Meadowlands Expo Center, Secaucus, NJ
- Hosted By: Hair Education Beauty Summit (HEBS)
Preliminary Submission Entry Fee For Teams of (4 - 5)
$100.00
Category 1
Fastest Freestyle Design
- Time Limit: 15 Minutes
- Format: Individuals
- Model Requirements: Model can be pre-cut, but design must be done live.
Judging Criteria:
- Speed of execution
- Sharpness and clean lines
- Symmetry of design
- Difficulty and originality
Category 2
Fastest Drop Skin Fade
- Time Limit: 30 Minutes
- Format: Individual
- Model Requirements: Model can be pre-cut, but design must be done live.
Hair Length Requirements:
- Straight Hair: Minimum #3 guard on top
- Curly Hair: Minimum #1.5 guard on top
- Focus: Execution of a clean, balanced drop skin fade in record time.
Category 3
Best Authentic Viral Cut
- Time Limit: 1 Hour
- Format: Individuals
- Challenge: Replicate one of two viral cuts popularized by Jaylen Rose:
- Curly top with a skin taper
- Low cut with waves and a half-moon part
Judging Criteria:
- Accuracy in replication
- Clean execution
- Overall finish and visual impact
Category 4
Fastest Braids & Fades
(Tag Team)
- Time Limit: 1.5 Hour
- Format: Tag Team (2 people – one for braids, one for fade)
rules:
- Fade must be a skin fade
- Braiding and fading must both be done live
- Braiding and fading must both be done live
Judging Criteria:
- Speed and execution of each element
- Clean integration of fade and braid
- Creativity and overall presentation
Category 5
4x1 Fading Relay
- Time Limit: 45 Minutes
- Format: Team Event (4 or 5 members)
- Challenge: Replicate one of two viral cuts popularized by Jaylen Rose:
rules:
- Cutter
- Fader
- Line-up specialist
- Cleanup/Detailer
Hair Length Requirements:
- Straight Hair: Minimum #3 guard on top
- Curly Hair: Minimum #1.5 guard on top
Points System
| Standard Events (Categories 1–4) | 4x1 Fading Relay (Category 5) |
|---|---|
| 1st Place: 5 points | 1st Place: 20 points |
| 2nd Place: 3 points | 2nd Place: 10 points |
| 3rd Place: 1 point | 3rd Place: 5 points |
Competition
How to Enter the Competition
01
Assemble
Assemble your team (members do not need to be from the same state)
02
Sign Up Via HEBS
Sign up below via the HEBS website or onsite at the HEBS Registration Desk
03
Submit Fee
Submit the $100 team entry fee upon registration
Frequently Asked Questions
Showcase Your Skills. Represent Your Craft. Win Big.
Join the Barber Olympics and prove your team’s dominance in the industry. Whether you’re bringing innovation to freestyle designs or crushing the competition in the relay, this is your chance to shine on the biggest stage.