Crossover Competition organised by Luchmun Studios - Terms and Conditions
The Crossover Competition brings together the barbering industry in a high‑energy, live arena at Salon International 2026. Competitors will battle it out live on the Salon floor, showcasing their craft under pressure in front of industry judges and an audience of professionals.
4-5 October 2026 | Excel, London
Entries Open : 5 June 2026
Entries Close: 28 August 2026
ENTRY PROCESS
To enter the Crossover Competition, all entrants must complete the following steps:
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Purchase your competition entry ticket: Choose the correct category for your submission and purchase competition ticket.
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Submit your entry via the official form: Upload the required images and provide all requested details for your chosen category.
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Await your confirmation outcome: You will be notified by early September if your entry has been successful. If your entry is not selected, you can still enjoy free one‑day access to Salon International included with your ticket. You will receive a free code for one day access to Salon International via email.
Anyone who does not follow all steps of the entry process will have their entry disqualified. Please ensure each step is completed in full.
GENERAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Entrants and models must be aged 16 years or over.
- Student Category entrants must provide valid proof of current student status (student card or enrolment confirmation).
- Entries must be the entrant's own original work.
- AI-generated imagery is not permitted.
- Images must not be heavily altered beyond standard colour correction and retouching.
- Images must be submitted in high-resolution JPEG format.
- Entrants may enter multiple categories but must submit separate entries for each category.
- Both phone images and professional image allowed
PHOTOGRAPHIC REQUIREMENTS:
Each submission must comprise of examples of the individual’s work. All entries must be the original and the unassisted work of the applicant. It should be noted that all photographic materials submitted by entrants should be of sufficient quality to enable proper judging (high quality photos taken on mobile phones can be submitted). Any entry that is of poor photographic quality, and therefore insufficient to be accurately judged will be discarded by the judges.
RULES FOR EACH CATEGORY:
FADED HAIRCUT (15 Minutes)- Sunday 4 October 2026
A technically executed fade haircut demonstrating precision, blending, balance and overall barbering excellence.
Objective - Deliver a clean, technically precise fade under extreme time pressure
Submission Image Requirements
- Minimum of 3 images:
- Front View
- Side View
- Back View
- Clean and clear photography with the haircut visible.
- No hats, excessive styling products or distractions.
Judging Focus
- Blend quality
- Symmetry
- Cleanliness
- Shape
- Overall finish
On-site Rules
- Minimum Grade 2 on top before starting
- Side/back must show a clear fade progression (skin/taper allowed)
- No pre marked guide lines or pre cut sections
- Clippers, trimmers and shears allowed
- No colour enhancements or fibres allowed
CREATIVE HAIR DESIGN (30 Minuites)- Sunday 4 October 2026
A clipper-art or hair design competition where creativity is the primary focus. This may include freestyle patterns, graphic work, portraits, illustrations or artistic designs created within the hair.
Objective - Showcase freestyle design creativity
Submission Image Requirements
- Minimum of 3 images:
- Design side/profile view
- Opposite side (if applicable)
- Overall finished look
- Close-up detail image encouraged.
Judging Focus
- Creativity
- Originality
- Technical execution
- Difficulty level
- Overall impact
On-site Rules
- Competitors may use clippers, shears and styling tools
- Hair design, disconnections and texture work allows
- Colour enhancements allowed if applied during the 30 minutes
- No pre cut patterns or designs allowed
- Outfit and overall image is encouraged
CREATIVE HAIR CUT (40 Minutes) - Monday 5 October 2026
A Creative forward thinking haircut competition showcasing creative haircutting skills, shape creation, texture and design. Clippers and trimmers may be used in the creation of the haircut.
Objective - Highlight true hairdressing skill using shears or razor
Submission Image Requirements
- Minimum of 3 images:
- Front View
- Side View
- Back View
- At least 1 inch of hair must be removed during the haircut process.
- Styling and finishing should complement the haircut.
Judging Focus
- Shape creation
- Texture
- Creativity
- Technical execution
- Finished result
On-site Rules
- No clippers or trimmers allowed at any point
- Only scissor and razors allowed
- Hair must not be pre-shaped with clippers beforehand
- Focus on structure, layering, and movement
- Styling allowed but must support the cut
STUDENT BARBERING (45 Minutes)- Monday 5 October
A category designed specifically for students currently enrolled in barbering or hairdressing education. Competitors may use both clipper and scissor techniques.
Objective - To create a finished look to showcase your skill
Submission Image Requirements
- Minimum of 3 images:
- Front View
- Side View
- Back View
- Valid student identification required.
Judging Focus
- Technical ability
- Creativity
- Presentation
- Suitability
- Potential
On-site Rules
- Open to students/apprentices only (proof may be required)
- Clippers and scissors both allowed
- No pre-cutting or shaping
- Focus on clean, wearable barbering
JUDGING CRITERIA
Each competitor is scored across these 5 core pillars:
1. Technical Skill
- Cleanliness of work
- Blending, sectioning, control
- Accuracy of execution
2. Creativity & Vision
- Originality of the look
- Personal style and identity
- Innovation within the category
3. Execution Under Time
- Time management
- Workflow efficiency
- Ability to complete within limit
4. Finish & Presentation
- Final look quality
- Styling and detailing
- Model presentation
5. Overall Impact
- Stage presence
- First impression
- Does it stand out against others
