BRAIDING SHOW INTERBEAUTY 2026

We will use the photo of the model before braiding on her name badge at the competition and in the presentation during the Braiding Show.

We want to show the audience not just the final hairstyle but the whole transformation: what hair the braider worked with and what result they created.

Prepare the photo following these rules

• the model wears a black T-shirt or black top
• her hair is down
• the model is photographed from the front
• the shot is roughly waist-up, so the real length of the hair is visible
• the colour and texture of the hair must be clearly visible
• ideally daylight
• a simple, plain background
• good photo quality

Important: this is not a passport photo. :)

The model can smile or have a natural expression, and light make-up is absolutely fine.

The photo will be shown publicly next to her finished hairstyle, so choose one that the model herself likes too.

The goal of the competition and the whole Braiding Show is to show INTERBEAUTY visitors what braiding can do with real hair and a real client.

That is why during the show we will present not only the finished hairstyle but also the photo of the model before braiding.

We want the whole transformation to be visible: the length, colour and texture of hair the braider worked with and the result they created.

The star of the whole presentation is the hairstyle.

That is why we don’t want clothes, make-up or other styling to draw attention away from the braider’s work.

What the model wears

All models will be dressed in black.

You don’t need to buy or prepare any special outfit. It can be a dress, trousers and a top, a skirt, a jumper or other everyday clothes.

What matters is that it is black and that its cut or bold details don’t draw attention away from the hairstyle.

This creates a neutral background, so on the catwalk and in the photos all the hairstyles come together as one collection.

Make-up

Of course you can do the model’s make-up. The aim is for her to feel good and look lovely in photos and on stage.

But we don’t need bold artistic make-up, face painting, body painting or other elements that would compete with the hairstyle for attention.

It’s the hairstyle that competes, not a full fantasy look on the model.

The hairstyle

We don’t want to limit your choice of technique or type of hairstyle.

The hairstyle can be simpler or technically very demanding. It can include creative designs, unusual combinations of techniques and elements you don’t do for clients every day.

But it must still be a wearable hairstyle, one a person could actually live with day to day.

So, for example, wire-reinforced structures, braids hanging in front of the face or other avant-garde elements that would get in the way in everyday wear don’t fit the concept.

We want to show how far a braider’s creativity can go while still creating a real, wearable hairstyle.

Colour palette

All competition hairstyles will be based on the shared Braiding Show colour palette.

You don’t have to use all the colours or copy them exactly. The palette is a shared visual direction.

On stage you’ll see completely different models, techniques and styles, created by different braiders. The shared palette will visually bring them together into one collection created especially for INTERBEAUTY.

Combined with the models’ black outfits, the hairstyles will stay the main focus of the whole show and will also work well together on stage and in group photos.

The model won’t be at INTERBEAUTY just for the judging.

Plan for her to be at the event for about 3 hours. During that time there will be registration, photos, judging of the competition hairstyle and getting ready for the Braiding Show.

The Braiding Show will also include a catwalk on stage.

The model walks down the runway, stops at a marked spot, shows the hairstyle to the audience and the jury, and then walks back.

So it’s important that the model knows this in advance and is ready to go on stage.

It’s completely normal if your model, hairstyle or original plan changes before the competition.

You can edit your application until November 1. You’ll get your edit link right after you submit.

If you change your model, don’t forget to replace her “before” photo too.

After that date we will be preparing the name badges, certificates, presentation, list of participants and running order of the Braiding Show, so please sort out any further changes directly with the organiser, Olga, on Instagram @oobraider.