Rookie Best Fade & Style

Time: TBD
Entry Fee: $120
Date: TBD

Prizes

1ST PLACE: BARBER CHAIR, CHAMPIONSHIP BELT, CLIPPERS/TRIMMERS & PRIZE BAG
2ND PLACE: TROPHY, CLIPPERS/TRIMMERS & PRIZE BAG
3RD PLACE: TROPHY, CLIPPERS/TRIMMERS & PRIZE BAG
4TH PLACE: MEDALLION, CLIPPERS/TRIMMERS & PRIZE BAG
5TH PLACE: MEDALLION, CLIPPERS/TRIMMERS & PRIZE BAG

Description:

Rookie barbers must deliver a clean fade combined with a styled top (waves, curls, pompadour, comb-over, etc.).

Judging Criteria:

Fade Quality: Transition smoothness, cleanliness, consistency.
Styling Ability: Shape, hold, direction, and polish of the top.
Precision: Sharp lines, neckline, and detail work.
Model Suitability: How well the haircut fits the model’s head shape.
Professionalism: Chair control, cleanliness, and time management.
*All contestants must be RESPONSIBLE for getting all their prizes from the organizers the day of the show, before leaving the premises. If not, you will FORFEIT EVERYTHING. No calling, texting, DM or emailing the next day.*

Rookie Student Best Creative Cut

Time: TBD
Entry Fee: $120
Date: TBD

Prizes

1ST PLACE: BARBER CHAIR, CHAMPIONSHIP BELT, CLIPPERS/TRIMMERS & PRIZE BAG
2ND PLACE: TROPHY, CLIPPERS/TRIMMERS & PRIZE BAG
3RD PLACE: TROPHY, CLIPPERS/TRIMMERS & PRIZE BAG
4TH PLACE: MEDALLION, CLIPPERS/TRIMMERS & PRIZE BAG
5TH PLACE: MEDALLION, CLIPPERS/TRIMMERS & PRIZE BAG

Description:

Open to barbers with two years of experience or less. This category mirrors the advanced creative cut but is dedicated to emerging talent to spotlight skill and potential.

Judging Criteria:

Creativity: Innovation and design originality.
Technique: Line sharpness, pattern consistency, blend work.
Control: Clean execution with minimal mistakes.
Difficulty for Experience Level: Judges consider rookie status fairly.
Overall Impression: Artistic value and haircut cohesion.
*All contestants must be RESPONSIBLE for getting all their prizes from the organizers the day of the show, before leaving the premises. If not, you will FORFEIT EVERYTHING. No calling, texting, DM or emailing the next day.*

Best Bald Fade & Style w/ Beard

Time: TBD
Entry Fee: $150
Date: TBD

Prizes

1st Place: Barber Chair, Championship Belt & Prize Bag
2nd Place: Trophy & Prize Bag
3rd Place: Trophy & Prize Bag

Description:

Barbers must execute a clean, skin-tight fade blended seamlessly into the beard. Competitors can choose any beard length or style, but the overall haircut must demonstrate mastery of balance from head to face. Enhancements are allowed must look natural.

Judging Criteria:

Blend Quality: Smooth transitions, no lines or shadows.
Beard Sculpting: Sharp line-up, symmetry, fade continuity.
Precision: Clean edges, clean detailing around the ears and neckline.
Technical Difficulty: Use of advanced techniques (clipper-over-comb, freehand work).
Overall Presentation: Model’s finished look, style coherence, cleanliness.

The Traditional Best Fade & Style Champion

Time: 4:55pm – 5:40pm
Entry Fee: $150
Date: Sunday 19th.

Prizes

1st Place: $500 Cash, Championship Belt, Clipper/Trimmers & Prize Bag
2nd Place: Trophy, Clippers/Trimmers & Prize Bag
3rd Place: Trophy, Clippers/Trimmers & Prize Bag

Each competitor has 45 minutes to execute a Traditional Best Fade and Style. Cut must incorporate scissors and clippers, MLBarber is looking for gentlemen cuts: Combover, Pomps, Tapers, Straight Part, etc. Low Or Mid Fade Is Allowed! Judges will be focusing on, cleanliness, fade, style, precision, technique, finish.

*No Pre-Cut*
*Beard Is Optional*
*You must show a complete transformation*
*Entry includes competitor and model*
*All contestants must be RESPONSIBLE for getting all their prizes from the organizers the day of the show, before leaving the premises. If not, you will FORFEIT EVERYTHING. No calling, texting, DM or emailing the next day.*

MLB Tag Team Blades & Braids

Time: TBD
Entry Fee: $300
Date: TBD

Prizes

1ST PLACE: $200, STYLIST CHAIR, CHAMPIONSHIP BELT, CLIPPERS/TRIMMERS & PRIZE BAG
2ND PLACE: TROPHY, CLIPPERS & PRIZE BAG
3RD PLACE: TROPHY, CLIPPERS & PRIZE BAG

Description: Two-person team event: one barber handles the cut/fade, while the other performs braids. The goal is a unified final look that blends sharp cutting with intricate braiding. Judging Criteria:

Team Coordination: Seamless transition between cut and braid work.
Blend & Cut Quality: Consistency, smoothness, sharpness.
Braid Execution: Clean parts, tight braids, uniform tension, creativity.
Creativity & Cohesion: How well the cut and braids complement each other.
Difficulty & Detail: Complexity of braids and precision of cut.
Overall Presentation: Finished look, cleanliness, style harmony.
*All contestants must be RESPONSIBLE for getting all their prizes from the organizers the day of the show, before leaving the premises. If not, you will FORFEIT EVERYTHING. No calling, texting, DM or emailing the next day.*

The Best Creative Cut

Time: TBD
Entry Fee: $150
Date: TBD

Prizes

1st Place: $500 Cash, Championship Belt, Clipper/Trimmers & Prize Bag
2nd Place: Trophy, Clippers/Trimmers & Prize Bag
3rd Place: Trophy, Clippers/Trimmers & Prize Bag

Description:

A freestyle category where barbers showcase artistry and imagination through design work, patterns, color enhancements must look natural, and unique cutting concepts.

Judging Criteria:

Originality: Creativity and uniqueness of design.
Execution: Sharpness of lines, clarity of patterns, precision of cut.
Complexity: Level of difficulty and technical techniques used.
Symmetry & Flow: How well the design fits the head shape and haircut.
Artistic Impact: Visual appeal, cohesiveness, and wow factor.
*All contestants must be RESPONSIBLE for getting all their prizes from the organizers the day of the show, before leaving the premises. If not, you will FORFEIT EVERYTHING. No calling, texting, DM or emailing the next day.*

Best Taper

Time: TBD
Entry Fee: $150
Date: TBD

Prizes

1st Place: $500 Cash, Clippers, Championship Belt & Prize Bag
2nd Place: Trophy, Clippers, & Prize Bag
3rd Place: Trophy, Clippers, & Prize Bag

Description:

Competitors must deliver a clean and polished taper at the neckline, temples, or both, paired with a cohesive haircut that highlights their taper technique. Enhancements are allowed must look natural.

Judging Criteria:

Fade Control: Smoothness in transition from dark to light.
Line Work: Crisp, sharp edges.
Balance: Symmetry between left and right sides.
Technical Execution: Consistent grain direction, proper use of guards/clipper-over-comb.
*All contestants must be RESPONSIBLE for getting all their prizes from the organizers the day of the show, before leaving the premises. If not, you will FORFEIT EVERYTHING. No calling, texting, DM or emailing the next day.*

GENERAL RULES FOR ALL CATEGORIES

A competition must have 10 or more contestants to receive the full payout. Less will be negotiated.
If a category has 2 contestants a few days before the competition, it will be cancelled and the contestants will receive a refund.
All categories are open to all barbers and cosmetologists.
Each competitor must provide a live model. (Their admission included in entry fee.)
All competitors must check-in at the registration area at least two hours prior to the competition to allow makeup time on model. If a competitor is late, they will forfeit their place and their paid entry fee.
All participants (competitors and models) must sign a release form for photos & videos.
A competition briefing will be provided in the competition arena prior to the competition to ensure all have a good understanding of 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 are to bring their own tools and products including capes, combs, clips, shears, clippers, spray bottles with water, brushes, blow dryers, irons, styling products, etc.
Dye and Fiber enhancements is allowed in ALL CATEGORIES except for THE BEST BALD FADE.
Enhancement must look natural.
ALL SALES are Final.

If you have any questions about these guidelines, please contact us in advance. If you disagree with these guidelines, please do not compete. The panel of judges and their decisions ARE FINAL!