T.H.E. Collection

Submission Requirements

Entries must show work demonstrated on natural hair, wigs, and/or extensions that fall within the texture type 3-8 outlined within T.H.E Texture Guideline located below and on the Category page and meet the guidelines & regulations outlined within each category in order to qualify.

Three (3) final images* on one (1) or more models
One (1) before image of each model**
A completed T.H.E. Artist Release Form must be submitted per entry, and include hair color formulation(s) for each look for all color entries
A completed T.H.E. Model Release Form must be submitted per model

*At least one (1) look must be styled natural and at least one (1) look must be thermally styled (with the exception of Editorial Submissions).
- Natural styling is defined as working with models with natural texture or natural texture of enhancements and product without the use of curling irons, flat irons, crimping irons, or wave irons (manipulation of texture using comb, rollers or rods is allowed)
- Thermal styling is defined as styling using heat appliances like flat irons, curling irons, crimping irons, or wave irons
*Photo retouching of the hairline, color, or shape is not allowed and will be subject to disqualification
*Moderate retouching of skin is allowed
**If utilizing wigs and/or extensions, an unstyled photo is required and texture specifications must be noted on T.H.E. Artist Release Form

Photo Specifications

All images must be in portrait format
All images must be in JPG (.jpg) format
All images must have a resolution of 300DPI (CMPI not accepted)

Submission Eligibility Requirements

There is no limit to the number of entries per person; however, the same image collection can only be used across two (2) categories max. Please be sure to check that your entry meets the guidelines and regulations for the categories you are entering (included below in Appendix A) in order to qualify

Image(s) submitted to prior competitions will be accepted provided they were not considered as a winning entry. Please be sure to check that your entry meets the guidelines and regulations for the category(ies) you are entering (included below in Appendix A) in order to qualify
Entries for Up Next must submit proof of having their cosmetology license for (1) year or less in order to qualify. If the entrant is enrolled in cosmetology school, school name and state is required at the time of submission. If the entrant has graduated, a valid cosmetology license in the residing state is required at the time of submission (if applicable) and must be issued on or after January 16, 2021
Category finalists must show proof of valid cosmetology license in their residing state where applicable in order to qualify

Judging Criteria

20% Overall Look: Advanced understanding of texture should be demonstrated through balance, symmetry, and cohesiveness of the overall look.
20% Photography & Styling: Submissions should display an overall sense of balance and symmetry. Aesthetic harmony and balance should be prevalent among final submissions. The hair should be the focus. The wardrobe should complement and enhance the overall look.
20% Hair Integrity: Hair health and integrity should be maintained and reflected through technical ability without the use of creative photo effects.
20% Finishing Details: Finishing details should display mastery as to not distract from the overall look (e.g., visibility of hairpins, hair extensions, fly-aways, uneven coloring, gaps/bald spots, etc.)
20% Vision: Pushing the boundaries, interpreting global trends, and showing creativity.

T.H.E. Snapshot
Submission Requirements

Entries must show work demonstrated on natural hair, wigs, and/or extensions that fall within the texture type 3-8 outlined within T.H.E. Texture Guide here and meet the guidelines & regulations outlined within each category in order to qualify.
One (1) final image* on one (1) model - *Final image can be styled natural or thermally
One (1) before image of model**
A completed T.H.E. Artist Release Form must be submitted per entry, and include hair color formulation(s) for each look for all color entries
A completed T.H.E. Model Release Form must be submitted per model
*Final image can be front facing, ¾ angle, or profile. No more than ¾ of the body in the photo–the hair should be the focus. Before image can be front facing, ¾ angle or profile. Photos must be with the same lighting and plain, unobstructed background.
*Final look may be styled natural or thermally styled.
- Natural styling is defined as working with models with natural texture or natural texture of enhancements and product without the use of curling irons, flat irons, crimping irons, or wave irons (manipulation of texture using a comb, rollers, or rods is allowed).
- Thermal styling is defined as styling using heat appliances like flat irons, curling irons, crimping irons, or wave irons.
*Photo retouching of the hairline, color, or shape is not allowed and will be subject to disqualification
*Moderate retouching of skin is allowed
**If utilizing wigs and/or extensions, an unstyled photo is required and texture specifications must be noted on T.H.E. Artist Release Form
Photo Specifications
All images must be in portrait format
All images must be in JPEG (.jpg) format
All images must have a resolution of 300DPI (CMPI not accepted)
Submission Eligibility
There is no limit to the number of entries per person; however, the same image collection can only be used across two (2) categories max. Please be sure to check that your entry meets the guidelines and regulations for the categories you are entering (included below in Appendix A) in order to qualify.
Image(s) submitted to prior competitions will be accepted provided they were not considered as a winning entry. Please be sure to check that your entry meets the guidelines and regulations for the category(ies) you are entering (included below in Appendix A) in order to qualify.
Category finalists must show proof of valid cosmetology license in their residing state where applicable in order to qualify

Judging Criteria
Overall Look (20%)
- Advanced understanding of texture should be demonstrated through balance, symmetry and cohesiveness of the overall look.
Photography and Styling (20%)
- Submissions should display an overall sense of balance and symmetry. Aesthetic harmony and balance should be prevalent among final submissions. The hair should be the focus. Wardrobe should complement and enhance the overall look.
Hair Integrity (20%)
- Hair health and integrity should be maintained and reflected through technical ability without the use of creative photo effects.
Finishing Details (20%)
- Finishing details should display mastery as to not distract from the overall look (e.g., visibility of hairpins, hair extensions, fly-aways, uneven coloring, gaps/bald spots, etc.)
Vision (20%)
- Pushing the boundaries, interpreting global trends, and showing creativity.

Warning !!!

CSS Style is being disabled or blocked. Please enable CSS in your browser.

The Event is closed