There are three barbering competitions to get on your radar at this year's Barber Connect.
The Competitions Area at Barber Connect 2025 is sponsored by Andis, and has something for everyone, whatever stage you're at in your career.
Generation Barber, brought to you by Barber Connect in partnership with Mike Taylor Education, is all about platforming students and junior barbers.
Stay tuned for updates on the People's Choice Barber coming soon!
What is the Generation Barber Competition?
It's a unique opportunity for the next generation to showcase their skills. Are you hungry for exposure or know someone who is? Enter here!
The two categories - students and apprentices - give newcomers to the profession a chance show the industry what they are made of, build their portfolio and get known to the industry's finest.
Generation Barber Competition 2025 - What Do I Need to Do?
The entry process is easy. Simply submit three photos of your best work (front, side and back of ONE look) through the entry forms below by 5pm on 25th April 2025.
The selected finalists will be invited to compete in a live final at Barber Connect on Monday 19th May 2025 at NEC, Birmingham where they will recreate their look on a model. You MUST be available on these dates.
For details on how to enter, keep reading.
Generation Barber Competition 2025 - Who Can Enter?
There are two categories in this compeititon. The Student category and the Apprentice category.
Student Category: Must currently be studying level 2 at an FE college and have no barbershop experience.
Apprentice Category: An apprentice who is currently training at a training provider or academy.
Generation Barber Competition 2025 - How to Enter
There are two rounds to the Generation Barber competition.
Round 1: Entries will be judged on photographs uploaded to the Modern Barber Website - you must choose between either the Student or Apprentice category.
The closing date for entries to this competition is 25th April 2025 at (5pm).
For further details on specific requirements, please see the Photographic Requirements section on the entry page.
Round 2*: The chosen finalists will be invited to create a look live in the competition area at Barber Connect, taking place on Monday 19th May 2025 at NEC, Birmingham. Make sure you have registered for Barber Connect.
*Criteria: It is acceptable for round 1 to submit a photo of your work on a head-block / mannequin. However, if accepted as a finalist, you must re-create the hairstyle live on a model (a head-block / mannequin will not be accepted).
When Will the Generation Barber Finals Take Place?
Both the Student and the Apprentice finals will take place on Monday 19 May at NEC, Birmingham live at Barber Connect.
10:30 Student Final
14:00 Apprentice Final
The Generation Barber Prize
Winners will not only win the title of Generation Barber Winner 2025, they will also:
🏆 Receive a trophy and certificate
📖 Feature in Modern Barber magazine
🎤 Get a pod slot on the Barber Sessions at Barber Connect 2026
