Crossover Competition in Collaboration With Luchmun Studios

Crossover Competition

In Collaboration With Luchmun Studios

Celebrating the Winners of the 2026 Crossover Competition

Hosted by Kevin Luchmun and presented in collaboration with Luchmun Studios, the 2026 Crossover Competition celebrated the creativity, technical skill and innovation shaping modern barbering. Bringing together emerging and established barbers at Salon International, the live competition challenged professionals to showcase their talent, push creative boundaries and demonstrate their skills across three categories: Fast Fade, Creative Hair Design and Creative Haircut.

Congratulations to all our winners and finalists, and a huge well done to everyone who entered! The standard of talent, creativity and dedication on display made this year's competition a fantastic celebration of modern barbering.

Discover the category winners, explore the competition challenges and celebrate the talent that made this year's competition a showcase of modern barbering.

Meet the 2026 Winners

Fast Fade

2026 Category Winner: Robert Silverstone

The Fade Competition is designed to test technical precision, speed, and execution under pressure. Competitors must create the cleanest and most technically accomplished fade possible within the allotted 15 minutes.

Both clippers and scissors may be used. Competitors are free to choose their preferred fade style, whether low, mid, high, drop, burst, or skin fade, but the focus should remain on seamless blending, balance, and overall finish. Shape-ups, edge work, and detailing are not mandatory; however, these finishing elements will be taken into consideration by the judges and may contribute positively to the overall score.

Creative Hair Design

2026 Category Winner: Closton Gordon

The Creative Design Competition celebrates artistic expression through hair. Competitors must create an original clipper design that showcases creativity, technical skill, and innovation.

Designs may include freestyle patterns, geometric artwork, graphics, portraits, illustrations, lettering, or any other imaginative concept. Competitors are encouraged to push boundaries and demonstrate their individuality while maintaining a high standard of execution. The design should be clearly visible, well-balanced, and technically clean, with strong attention to detail throughout.

Creative Haircut

2026 Category Winner: Stefan Clark

The Creative Cut Competition is designed to showcase modern men's hairdressing and advanced scissor craftsmanship.

Competitors must create a forward-thinking haircut. Clippers and scissors can be used. The focus should be on shape creation, texture, movement, and personalised design. A minimum of one inch of hair must be removed throughout the haircut. Simple trims or minor adjustments will not be accepted. The finished look should be fully styled and completed within the competition time, with styling forming an important part of the final presentation.

The Future of Barbering Competitions

The next chapter of the barbering competitions is on the horizon.

Register your interest below to receive updates about the 2027 competition, including category announcements, entry requirements and important dates.