HJ's EXTENSIONS COMPETITION 2025

Terms & Conditions

It is totally free to enter HJ's Extensions Competition, simply fill out the form provided. Once entries have closed a strict, anonymous judging process will take place online. Entrants will be notified via email by the end of September whether they have advanced to the final stage of the competition. If selected, all finalists will receive complimentary tickets to Salon International 2025 for themselves and their model. They will be asked to present their completed and styled entry look live at Salon International, and the winners will be announced on the HJ stage on Sunday 12 October.  

HJ’s Extension Specialist of the Year Classic Look - 35 minutes

Classic category entry requirements:

• All entries MUST showcase the extension fit in full, including a description and images/videos of the before, application/fitting and after moments 

• Entries should pay close attention to the technique and methods used to fit the extensions - the wow-factor final look is important, but entrants need to showcase their skills and strong ability to provide best-in-class extension fittings as well

• Written process and detail of how the extensions have been chosen through client consultation, through to detailed method of application and any personal stylist tips and tricks should be provided

• Entries should be supported with strong imagery showcasing the transformative nature of the extension fit as well as the craft and skill of the application 

• Entrants may use any extension brand of their choice for their application 

All entries MUST be able to be recreated within the competition area. The fitting of the extensions can be done in-part in advance for time purposes (wefts, pre-bonded etc), but the final look must be finished on the day 

To enter you need to submit three images: a before shot, an application shot and a beautiful finished look image using extensions

• Only one entry per person. You can enter both competitions, creative and classic, BUT if chosen you can only become a finalist in one.
 

HJ’s Extension Specialist of the Year Creative Look - 35 minutes

Creative category entry requirements:

• Hair extensions are not only used for creating volume and length, they can also be used for colour placement and for elevating up-dos to create outstanding and unique looks - this usage of hair extensions is what this category celebrates 

• All entries MUST showcase the extension fit in full, including a description and images/videos of the before, application/fitting/how the hair is used in the look and after moments 

• Entries should pay close attention to the technique and methods used to fit the extensions - the wow-factor final look is important, but entrants need to showcase their skills and strong ability to provide best-in-class extension fittings as well

• Written process and detail of how the extensions have been chosen through client consultation, through to detailed method of application and any personal stylist tips and tricks should be provided

• If entering an avant garde look, then hair extensions MUST be used to create the final look, but DO NOT have to be applied directly to the roots in the traditional way. For example, the final look could include additional hair like a weft that has been attached using pins 

• Entries should be supported with strong imagery showcasing the transformative nature of the extension fit as well as the craft and skill of the application 

• Entrants are not required to use Remi Cachet human hair for their application

All entries MUST be able to be recreated within the competition area. The fitting of the extensions can be done in-part in advance for time purposes (wefts, pre-bonded etc), but the final look must be finished on the day  

To enter you need to submit three images: a before shot, an application shot and a beautiful finished look image using extensions.

• Only one entry per person. You can enter both competitions, creative and classic, BUT if chosen you can only become a finalist in one.

• Hair can be commercial, but judges will also be looking at creativity and originality so you are encouraged to push the boundaries of extension work.

Prize

For both categories:

• £500 cash prize

• £200 added to winner’s Remi Cachet trade account balance (must already hold a registered and approved trade account)

• 2025 Extensionist of the Year trophy to showcase in-salon or at home 

• Social exposure on HJ and Remi Cachet channels, with award entry material shared and winner’s social handle tagged/collaborated with to help increase their reach

• X2 tickets per winner for the annual Remi Cachet Awards evening, held in Manchester on November 15th 2025 

General Rules

• The deadline for entries is 5pm on Friday 22nd August 2025

• The competition is FREE to enter. Simply fill out the entry form with your three photo submissions of ONE extensions look (before, during application, after).

 • The images can be in colour or black and white and do not have to be shot professionally, but the hair must be fully visible and in focus.

• The model on the day does not need to be the same model as the uploaded image but the finished look must be the same or very close to the one submitted.

• The images you upload must be between 2MB and 5MB in size.

• A first round of judging will take place prior to Salon International 2025 based on the online entries and selected finalists will be invited to Salon International to compete in the live finals.

• Your model must have their extensions already applied BEFORE arriving in the competition area, at Salon International on Sunday 12 October 2025 at ExCeL London. Finalists will have only 35 minutes to complete their styled entry looks (extensions must already be applied before the competition starts) after which judging will begin.

• All models must have their clothes and shoes styled and make-up applied BEFORE the competition starts.

• Models must be aged 16 or over. Models under the age of 18 must complete and sign a consent form. If you require a consent form please email [email protected]

• The organisers reserve the right to refuse or cancel an entry, or cancel a category without disclosure of the reason.

• The winners will be announced live on the HJ Stage at Salon International on Sunday 12 October 2025.

• Photographs will be taken throughout the day for use in Hairdressers Journal International, on Hairdressers Journal and Salon International websites and social media accounts, other associated media titles and future competition promotional material. Please ensure that models are aware of and consent to their images being shown.

PHOTO ENTRY EXAMPLE:

Credit: Alex Ferris, Remi Cachet Brand Ambassador

One entry per person

The images must be between 2MB and 5MB in size

Deadline: 2025