About the competition
Beauty Spotlight: Braiding Edition is a bold, high-impact competition celebrating the talent, creativity, and business mindset of self-employed braiders. Hosted by The Beauty Business Event — a platform known for empowering beauty professionals through workshops, events, and mentorship — this is your chance to gain exposure, connect with industry mentors, and win a career-elevating prize package.
Whether you’re running your own studio, working mobile, or operating from a home salon — if you’re self-employed and passionate about your craft, this is for you.
How it works
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Application Window
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Launch: 1st June 2025
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Deadline: 1st July 2025
Apply online by uploading photos of your previous work and/or sharing a portfolio or social media handle showcasing your braiding skills. We want to see your creativity, detail, and technique.
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Selection Process
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Shortlisting: 5th–10th July 2025
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Finalists Announced: 15th July 2025
Our team and guest judges will review all applications and select 12 finalists to move forward to the main event.
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Content Creation Day
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Date: Saturday 2nd August 2025
Finalists will attend a promo and content day where we’ll shoot interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and social media content to promote you in the run-up to the live competition.
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Competition Day
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Date: Sunday 24th August 2025
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Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
You’ll compete live in front of a panel of celebrity judges and a room full of beauty professionals. The live competition will last 3 hours, followed by a judging presentation, prize ceremony, and networking with brands and industry guests.
Terms & Conditions
1. Eligibility
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Open to self-employed braiders and hairstylists based in the UK or Ireland.
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Must be aged 18 or over.
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You must provide your own model for both the content and competition days.
2. Application Process
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Submit via our official form, including either:
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A portfolio (PDF or link to Instagram/socials), and/or
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A photo gallery showcasing your work.
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No fee to enter.
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Finalists must be available for the Film Day (2nd Aug) and Competition Day (23rd Aug).
3. Competition Guidelines
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You’ll have 3 hours to complete your braid style live.
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Bring your own tools, hair, accessories, and kit (we may provide sponsored materials, to be confirmed).
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No pre-braiding or pre-styling allowed — the entire style must be created during the event.
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Models must arrive with clean, blow-dried hair.
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You and your model must follow all hygiene and safety protocols.
4. Styling Setup Provided
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Styling station with mirror and chair
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Access to power (for dryers, lights, etc.)
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Photography and media support
5. Judging Criteria
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Finalists will be judged on creativity, execution, time management, and final presentation.
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Winners will be selected by our celebrity judging panel.
6. Media & Promotion
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By entering, you consent to the use of photos/videos from the competition and content day for marketing, PR, and future promotion by The Beauty Business Event.
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Finalists will be promoted via our social media, press outreach, and event campaigns.
7. Conduct
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All participants are expected to conduct themselves professionally at all times.
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Any inappropriate behaviour may result in disqualification.
8. Travel & Costs
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Finalists are responsible for their own travel and accommodation.
9. Accessibility
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If you have any access needs or specific requirements, please let us know during the application process.
10. Prizes
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Prizes are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash.
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Winners will be announced on the day and paid within 14 days.
Why Apply?
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Get featured in press, social media, and beauty platforms
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Build your network with industry insiders
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Compete in front of respected judges and potential collaborators
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Win a career-changing prize and spotlight
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Be part of a movement that celebrates beauty creatives like YOU
FAQ's
Q: Is the event open to the public?
A: Yes! The live competition on 23rd August 2025 is a ticketed event open to the public.
Q: Where and when is the event?
Live Competition: 23rd August 2025 | 10 AM – 3 PM
Venue TBA.
Q: How do I get tickets?
A: Tickets will be available online soon. Follow us for updates!
Q: Do finalists get free tickets?
A: Yes! Each finalist gets 2 free guest tickets for friends or family.
Q: Who can enter the competition?
A: Self-employed braiders or stylists, age 18+, based in the UK or Ireland.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Submit your portfolio or social links between 1st–30th June 2025. No entry fee.
Q: What happens if I’m selected?
A: You’ll take part in Content Day (2nd Aug) and compete live on stage (23rd Aug).
Q: What’s the challenge on Competition Day?
A: Complete a full braid style live in 3 hours. No pre-styling. Bring your own tools, model, and hair.
Q: What’s included for finalists?
A: Styling station, photography, media coverage + 2 guest tickets.
Q: What can the public expect?
A: Live competition, vendor booths, networking, and beauty industry vibes!
🎟️ Want to be first in line for tickets or finalist announcements?
Follow @Beautybusinessevents on Instagram or subscribe via our website.