Loc 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 Loc Retwist & Style Challenge celebrates professional excellence in loc care, precision, and creative styling. Competitors must complete full-head retwist and finished style within 60 minutes, demonstrating control, clean parting, and
artistic presentation. This category highlights both technical foundation and creative expression in loc styling.
Winning competitors will advance to the LOC DOMINION competition
- Duration: 60 Minutes
- Prize:
- 1st Place: $3000 + Trophy
- 2nd Place: $1000 + Trophy
- 3rd Place: $500 + Trophy
Judging Criteria
- Parting & Sectioning
- Retwist & Styling Technique
- Symmetry
- Creative Concept
- Final polish and cleanliness
- Overall Design
- Accesssory Integration
Rules
- Model must have a full head of natural locs
- Minimum length: shoulder length
- Sides/back may not exceed 1.5–2 inches before ear/tapeline
- Traditional loc size required (approx. 50–60 locs)
- Hair must be: Clean, Fully detangled, Product-free
- Must use PureO “Loc 7 Twist” ONLY. No outside gels, sprays, or oils permitted
- No pre-parting, pre-twisting, or pre-styling
- Clean scalp (no dandruff or buildup)
The best of the best return to the stage.
The PureO Loc Retwist & Style Dominion brings together the top competitors from the Loc Retwist & Style Challenge for an elite, multi-round championship. This is not a showcase, this is a 3 round test of discipline, structure, and mastery. One will rise above the rest and take home an additional $10,000.
- Duration: 90 Minutes
- Prize:
- 1st Place: $10,000 + Trophy
- 2nd Place: Trophy
- 3rd Place: Trophy
ROUND 1: Retwist Discipline
30 Minutes (30 points)
Purpose: Honor the foundation of loc culture.
Challenge Focus:
Clean retwist execution, clear, intentional parting. No styling permitted. No covering errors
This round answers one question:
Clean precise execution of retwist and did you finish the retwist
ROUND 2: Style Authority
30 Minutes (30 point)
Purpose: Translate retwist into structured design.
Challenge Focus:
Logical loc styling. Let your imagination run wild.
- Wearable, balanced execution
- Intentional structure
ROUND 3: The Dominion Final
30 Minutes (30 points)
Purpose: Establish authority.
Final challenge: start over.
Give us your masterpiece. What separates you and your team as the Dominion Champions? Extension is allowed and Enhancements is allowed. Get even more creative for this final round. Wow the crowd.
ARTIST CONDUCT
At any time, only ONE artist may work on the model.
If you are a team your team members stand to the.side no helping and no assistance.
CULTURAL FOUNDATION
Locs are not trends.
They are identity, patience, and discipline.
Dominion was designed around three non-negotiable cultural principles:
Respect for the Scalp
Health and care always come before appearance.
Respect for Time
True loc mastery cannot be rushed even under pressure.
Respect for Mastery
Not everyone qualifies for this level.
Every rule within Dominion exists to protect these values.
Judging Criteria
Round 1:
- Parting & Sectioning
- Retwist Technique
- Completion
Round 2:
- Creativity
- Accessory Integration
- Complete Style
Round 3:
- Creativity
- Accessory Integration
- Complete Style
- Overall Presentation
Rules
- Model must have a full head of natural locs
- Minimum length: shoulder length
- Sides/back may not exceed 1.5–2 inches before ear/tapeline
- Traditional loc size required (approx. 50–60 locs)
- Hair must be: Clean, Fully detangled, Product-free
- Must use PureO Natural Products ONLY. No outside gels, sprays, or oils permitted
- No pre-parting, pre-twisting, or pre-styling
- Clean scalp (no dandruff or buildup)