Day One –  March 8, 2026
 IBS New York – Booth #501
Duration: 60 Minutes  ( 2:15 PM – 3:15 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:
• 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
• Must have a full head of natural hair
• Braiding styles: cornrows, stitch braids, geometric or intricate designs
• Accessories allowed: Beads, cuffs, bands, wraps
• Models must meet eligibility requirements ignorer 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

Judging Criteria (100 Points)

Completion — 25 Points

• Full style completed within time
• Braids are finished from start to end
• No unfinished sections or rushed areas

Neatness — 15 Points

• Clean scalp and braid bases
• No frizz, fuzz, or excessive product
• Overall polished appearance

Precision — 15 Points

• Sharp, clean parting
• Controlled braid execution
• Clean lines and intentional placement

Symmetry — 10 Points

• Even distribution from left to right
• Balanced braid size and spacing
• Consistent alignment across the head

Overall Design — 15 Points

• Clear and intentional style concept
• Braids flow together cohesively
• Finished look is visually appealing

Consistency & Technique — 20 Points

• Even tension throughout the head
• Uniform braid size and control
• Proper technique from root to ends