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THE NHACUTS®
NHA presents the International Afro-Textured Hairstyling Competition
The NHA, a leading platform dedicated to celebrating and promoting natural hair, is proud to launch NHACUTS®, its first-ever live hair competition on Saturday, June 21 and 22 during #NHA2025 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, showcasing curly, frizzy, kinky, and locks hair.
This first edition is proudly supported by
Design Essentials®.
A unique event that showcases the art, creativity, and excellence of both established and emerging talent. NHACUTS® celebrates the beauty of natural hair and the richness of Afro textures.
We offer a true platform for passionate hairdressers and barbers: a unique opportunity to showcase their expertise and artistic vision to the NHA audience.
To win
2000€
For the winner of the hairdressing competition
500€
For the finalist of the hairdressing competition
2000€
For the winner of the barber competition
500€
For the barber competition finalist
Professional product bundles and Design Essentials training for all semi-finalists and finalists
An exceptional Jury
During the semi-finals and live final at #NHA2025 - Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, hairstylists and barbers will be judged by a panel of renowned hair experts and professionals. The jury's votes will count for 50% of the final result, with the other half being allocated to the public vote.
Nadeen Mateky
Hair designer, creator of sculptural hairstyles and collaborator of international figures
Teldra Campbell
Design Essentials International Artistic Educator, Locsologist & Natural Hair Specialist
Nefhairdydy
Hairdresser and hair artist specializing in natural hair and enhancing black beauty
Joshua Lomotey
International Sales Manager,
McBride Research Labs., Inc.
makers of Design Essentials
Jessy "Jay" Durimel
Owner of Jay's Barber Shop, a benchmark in the world of barbering in France, nominated
Register for NHACUTS
Are you passionate about hairdressing or barbering? Come showcase your talent at the NHA!
Whether you're a professional, a hobbyist, or simply passionate about textured hair, this competition is for YOU . It's your moment to express yourself, get noticed, and join a community that's been celebrating natural beauty since 2012.
You have until Monday, April 14, 2025, 11:59 p.m. to submit your application.
2nd step
Quarter-finals
online
The eight selected hairstylists and barbers will each create a hairstyle or cut based on a set theme. Each creation will be published on the NHA's Instagram account (@naturalhairacademy).
2025 Quarter-finals Required Themes
Hairdressing competition
Free expression on the theme of "Royalty"
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The hairstyle can be done on curly, frizzy, kinky or locks hair.
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Outfit, makeup, style: everything counts! Voting will be done on Instagram, so every detail must be eye-catching. Think total look, not just hair.
Barber competition (hair and beards)
Free expression on the theme of "Urban Identity "
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The look can be achieved on curly, frizzy, kinky or locks hair
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Outfit, style: everything counts! Voting will be done on Instagram, so every detail must be eye-catching. Think total look, not just haircut/beard.
For each competition (hairdressing and barbering), the 4 hairdressers and barbers whose posts have received the most likes will advance to the live semi-finals on Saturday, June 21 at the NHA.
3rd step
Live semi-finals
Saturday, June 21
The hairdressing and barbering semi-finals will take place concurrently, in a dedicated space at #NHA2025 – Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. Each participant must bring two designs, as two set themes will be explored during the day: one in the morning, one in the afternoon.
2025 Semi-finals Required Themes
Hairdressing competition
Hairstyle 1: “Afro bohemian with braids”
Hairstyle 2: Free expression street style "Paris - NYX - Lagos"
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Hairstyles can be done on curly, frizzy, kinky or locks hair
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Hairstyles aren't enough: the model's outfit, makeup, and overall style will also be considered. The jury will judge the overall harmony and visual impact.
Barber competition (hair and beards)
Look 1: "Total Warrior Look" Mohawk with Fade and Beard
Look 2: “Freestyle design” with patterns and/or coloring
The looks can be achieved on curly, frizzy, kinky or locks hair
Hairstyles/cuts alone are not enough : the model's outfit, makeup, and overall style will also be considered. The jury will judge the overall harmony and visual impact.
The two finalists from each competition will be selected that same evening during the main stage, in the presence of the jury and the audience. The unsuccessful semi-finalists, whether in hairdressing or barbering, will each receive a full range of Design Essentials professional products.
NefhairDydy Hairstyle #NHA2019 Fashion Show
4th step
Live Finale
Sunday, June 22
The hairdressing and barbering finals will take place concurrently, in a dedicated space at #NHA2025 – Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. Each participant must bring a model.
Hairstyle Finale – Theme: Wedding day
The hairstyle can be done on curly, frizzy, kinky or locks hair.
Hairstyles aren't enough: the model's outfit, makeup, and overall style will also be considered. The jury will judge the overall harmony and visual impact.
The two finalists of the hairdressing competition will have the day to create their creations. The final decision will be made during the main stage, in front of the jury and the public.
The winner will receive €2,000, the runner-up €500, as well as a full range of Design Essentials products.
Finale Barber – Theme: Wedding day
The look can be achieved on curly, frizzy, kinky or locks hair
Hairstyles and cuts alone are not enough: the model's outfit, makeup, and overall style will also be considered. The jury will judge the overall harmony and visual impact.
