Day One –  March 8, 2026
 IBS New York – Booth #501
Duration: 60 Minutes  ( 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM )
Awards Ceremony: 3:30 PM
Sponsored by HEBS & PureO Natural Products

Competition Prizes

• 1st Place: $1,000 cash + Trophy
• 2nd Place: $500 worth of product + Trophy
• 3rd Place: $100 worth of product + Trophy

Registration Details

• $75 per category. Includes entry to IBS for you and your model.
• Registration must be completed at the PureO booth (#501)

Eligibility:
• May be solo or partnered
• Hair must be at least shoulder length
• Hair must be clean, dry and product free
• All hair must be braided down
• No pre-parting, pre-braiding, or partial styling
• Fade must go completely around the head shape
• Accessories allowed: Beads, cuffs, bands, wraps
• Models must meet eligibility requirements in order to serve as a model
• Contestants are welcome to send in photos of models for approval to [email protected] if they would like to.

Rules:
• Time limit: 60 minutes
• Allowed products: Pure O Neatbraid ONLY (other PureO Products are allowed), barber approved tools permitted
• No outside gels, sprays, oils, or holding products
• Tools allowed: combs, clips, beads, cuffs, bands, wraps
• Hair extensions: not permitted
• Fade must be cut around the entire head and above the nape
• No Enhancements allowed including fibers, sprays, color additives, or concealment products.

Judging Criteria (100 Points)

Completion — 25 Points

• Braiding style fully completed across the entire head
• Fade completed around the full head shape 
• No rushed, unfinished, or uneven sections
• Overall look finished within allotted time

Neatness — 15 Points

• Clean scalp, braid bases, nape, and behind the ears
• Fade is free of loose hair, debris, or patchiness
• Line-up and edges are clean with no enhancements
• Polished presentation from all angles

Precision — 15 Points

• Sharp, clean parting for braids
• Fade transitions are smooth with no harsh lines
• Crisp, controlled line-ups and detailing
• Intentional tool control and clean execution

Symmetry — 10 Points

• Braids evenly distributed left to right
• Fade balanced around the entire head shape
• Line-up, temples, and sideburns are even
• No visual imbalance from front, sides, or back

Overall Design — 15 Points

• Braids and fade flow together cohesively
• Fade complements the braid pattern (no bulk buildup)
• Design is intentional, clean, and visually appealing
• Finished look makes sense as one complete style

Consistency & Technique — 20 Points

• Even braid tension and uniform braid size
• Consistent fade density and blend throughout
• Proper barbering and braiding techniques used correctly
• Clean execution from start to finish without breakdown