Cosmetologists Chicago Association

The Barbering category encompasses all facets of the barbering craft, including cutting, clipping, grooming, styling, and more. It honors a culture of craftsmanship, individualism, and a deep mastery of technique. Competitors in this category are expected to demonstrate their expertise with clippers, shears, and razors, creating looks that are not only technically sound but also commercially viable and wearable.

Looks should reflect barbering techniques such as cutting, fading, clipping, grooming, or beard shaping.
Entries should be wearable and commercially viable while displaying mastery of technique.
All work must be done on natural hair.

Open to all licensed salon professionals, nail technicians, and barbers, or the business equivalent, where licensure is not required.

Professional Categories: Must include three (3) separate images of three (3) separate models.

Orientation & Resolution: All images must be in portrait orientation and high-resolution (300dpi).
File Format: Submit ONLY electronic files saved as jpg or png; sized at 8 x 10” in portrait orientation.
Ownership: Entry materials will NOT be returned and become the property of Cosmetologists Chicago®.

Gender Neutral Categories: All category models are open to all genders.
Global Participation: Entries are welcomed and encouraged from around the world.
Multiple Entries: You may enter a category more than once, but can only be a finalist one (1) time per category.
Category-Specific Requirements: Review each category description for specific image requirements.
Entry Forms: Must be fully completed. A brief artist statement is encouraged but not required.
Headshot Submission: A high-resolution photo (300dpi) of the artist(s) must accompany every entry.
Model Release Forms: Required for each model photographed, along with the photographer and team. Failure to submit will result in disqualification.
Team Collaboration: Only 2 or more people can enter the Team Collaboration Category. Collaboration submissions cannot be entered in any individual categories.
Name Listing: Entries with two (2) or more names not in the Team Collaboration category will only list the first entrant’s name.