Rules of Entry

• Cover Shot/Colour Concept/Derek Elvy Visionary Award
Entrants are welcome to enter multiple categories, however, the same image
CANNOT be entered in Cover Shot, Colour Concept or Derek Elvy Visionary
Award categories.

Stylists can enter images that are submitted as part of the Editorial Collection
category, provided the image is entered only once across Cover Shot, Colour
Concept and Derek Elvy Visionary Award.

(eg, If all three images in your Collection have their own completely different total
look, then all three images can be submitted in Cover Shot, Colour Concept OR Derek Elvy Visionary Award - provided they meet the category requirements).

New Talent and Next Generation stylists can enter multiple (different) entries in
their respective categories, AND the same image/s again in ONE of:
• Colour Concept
• Cover Shot
• Derek Elvy Visionary Award

NB: A completely new image is not the same hair concept slightly reworked, with
the model in a different position. A completely new image is where the hair,
clothing and total look are 100% different.

• The New Zealand Hair Awards reserves the right to cancel a category with less than three entries submitted. Where possible, every attempt will be made to submit your entry into another category where your entry also meets the criteria.

• Barbers cannot enter the Editorial Stylist awards, and hairdressers cannot enter the Editorial Barber awards.

• Both hairdressers and barbers can enter the NZHA Editorial Collection award.

• By entering the awards, you agree to abide by the competition rules and terms & conditions.

• Entry fees apply and are non-refundable.

• Entries and supporting documents (where requested) are due by Thursday 31 July 2025. No entries will be accepted after this date.

• The judges’ decisions are final, and no correspondence will be entered into.

• Shortlisted finalists may be required to verify the information they have submitted if the evidence provided is not sufficient. All information received and submitted will be treated in the strictest confidence.

• All editorial images must showcase work executed on real people. The use of IA generated models and/or hair, or the use of mannequins as models, is prohibited.

• All entrants will be required to take one 'behind-the-scenes' photograph, on their mobile phone; of their model on the day the photoshoot occurs. You must keep this raw, unedited image, in case the NZHA judges request to see proof that AI has not been used. 

•  Computer programs can be used to enhance the model, their wardrobe, the background, or remove the odd flyaway hair; provided the integrity of the hair and workmanship is not affected. Photoshop, or other similar programs cannot be used to alter colour, texture or any other such elements of the hair.

• Should the entrant change salons/barbershops/training providers after entering the competition their details will remain as the salon/barbershop/training provider they entered under. 

Entry Requirements

•  The hair work in entries must be that of one individual stylist/barber.

•  Whilst retouching of your images is not a requirement, we suggest that you retouch your images to magazine standard.

•  All photographs must be saved on and uploaded as high-res digital format file (jpeg).

•  All entries must be uploaded, with the entrant’s name and the category clearly stated in the file name (Melanie Smith - Colour concept) and must be accompanied by a completed entry form.

• All entry forms must be signed by the entrant and appropriate waiver agreements completed.

• Create an image suitable for the front cover of a magazine that will forecast fashion for the coming season.

• Hot tip: We encourage all entrants to research all forms of fashion media; creating a mood board is a fantastic idea to be able to communicate your ideas with a makeup artist, photographer, fashion stylist and your model.

• All entries must be received by 31 July 2025. 

Judging Process and Criteria

At all stages, judges score independently of other judges:

• The judges and organising committee have the sole discretion as to the assessment of each photographic entry and their discretion in all aspects of assessment is final.

• Stage one of judging is carried out by New Zealand Hair Awards representatives.

• Stage two of judging is carried out by international hair or barbering industry representatives. Judging is carried out independently and judged blind (competitors are not identified in the judging process). Outlined below are the criteria used to judge this award.

Hair: Shows elements of technical skill with the hair being the main focus (i.e. a neutral background is recommended).

Fashion: Including complimentary makeup, clothing & accessories.

Photograph: Quality is suitable for a magazine cover, with consideration given to your model’s angle and positioning, contributing to the overall artistic expression of your entry.

NEW ZEALAND HAIR AWARDS 2025 - TERMS & CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

The 2025 New Zealand Hair Awards terms & conditions can also be downloaded here
 

TERMS & CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
1.       Originality
The Entrant must be the original creator of the hairwork represented in the photography. All entries must be original and previously unpublished, this includes all online media formats and behind the scenes photos. You cannot submit “out takes” or another edit of the same shoot, however, you can use the same model restyle the hair and clothing in a different manner, for submission. Photographs submitted for the New Zealand Hair Awards cannot be used to enter other photographic competitions until the finalists have been announced. Photographs submitted for the New Zealand Hair Awards cannot be posted on any website or social media platforms by the Entrant until the finalists have been announced.

2.       Copyright
Copyright of the submitted entry or entries remains with the photographer and hairstylist/barber. Approval for entry and use of that entry or entries in the competition is the responsibility of the Entrant who must have the written permission, or alternatively a licence, from the hairstylist/barber and photographer for such entry or entries or use, including the use by the New Zealand Hair Awards and H&BNZ for any legitimate purpose and in any fora.

3. AI Generation
All editorial images must showcase work executed on real people. The use of IA generated models and/or hair, or the use of mannequins as models, is prohibited.  All entrants will be required to take one 'behind-the-scenes' photograph, on their mobile phone; of their model on the day the photoshoot occurs. You must keep this raw, unedited image, in case the NZHA judges request to see proof that AI has not been used.  Computer programs can be used to enhance the model, their wardrobe, the background, or remove the odd flyaway hair; provided the integrity of the hair and workmanship is not affected. Photoshop, or other similar programs cannot be used to alter colour, texture or any other such elements of the hair.

4.      Reproduction Rights
The New Zealand Hair Awards and H&BNZ may reproduce an entry or entries in any existing or future medium of its choice for three years from the closing date of entries. The New Zealand Hair Awards and H&BNZ undertakes not to trade that entry or entries for any gain or for any other use to any party, apart for promotional purposes, without first obtaining the written permission of the copyright holder(s).

5.      Moral Rights Protection
The New Zealand Hair Awards and H&BNZ acknowledges the moral rights provisions of the Copyright Act 1994 including the right of the hairstylist/barber to be identified as the author of any entry or entries. To protect the artistic integrity of the entry or entries the New Zealand Hair Awards and H&BNZ will not intentionally edit, alter, demean or misrepresent the entry or entries in any way.

6.      Model and Property Release
It is the Entrant’s responsibility to obtain appropriate written permission from any person and/or the owner of any property that is identifiable in the entry or entries. The Entrant agrees to provide the New Zealand Hair Awards and H&BNZ with a copy of this written permission if requested to do so.

7.      Indemnity
The Entrant indemnifies The New Zealand Hair Awards and H&BNZ against any claim(s) arising from any breaches of the intellectual property rights of any third party referred to in these terms and conditions of entry.

8.      Insurance
All entries will be treated with care, but no responsibility will be accepted in the case of loss or damage. Insurance is the Entrant’s sole responsibility.

9.      Privacy
By entering this competition, the Entrant undertakes that they have obtained the permission of all parties associated with the entry or entries for the New Zealand Hair Awards and H&BNZ to hold their personal information (including name, contact details and place of employment or study) for the purposes of promoting the New Zealand Hair Awards and H&BNZ, its competitions and events.

10.      Trophy
Should a winner change salons or barbershops, the trophy is to remain with the winner.