Cosmetologists Chicago Association

The Texture Expert category celebrates the artistry and technical skill required to work with textured hair. This category invites professionals to showcase their ability to embrace and enhance the natural beauty of textured hair, whether through styling, cutting, or other techniques. The focus is on demonstrating a deep understanding of texture, including, curls, coils, waves, and kinks, and how to work with these unique hair types to create stunning and innovative styles. Texture can be natural or created. Braids are allowed but should not dominate the look.

Styles can be created with natural or enhanced texture (e.g., curls, coils, waves, kinks).
Braiding is permitted but should not dominate the overall look.
Work must demonstrate versatility, understanding, and respect for textured hair.
Wigs and extensions allowed but must be disclosed and before images provided.

Qualifications for Entry / Who Can Enter

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.

Entry materials will NOT be returned and become the property of Cosmetologists Chicago®