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 NZHA Editorial Collection and NZHA Textured Artistry categories, 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. Entrants are encouraged to submit entries in advance to the closing date, so we can communicate and accommodate changes such as this.

• Barbers cannot enter the NZHA Editorial Stylist awards (except for NZHA Editorial Collection and NZHA Editorial Artistry awards), and hairdressers cannot enter the NZHA Editorial Barber awards.

• Both hairdressers and barbers can enter the NZHA Editorial Collection and NZHA Editorial Textured Artistry 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 Wednesday
30 July 2026. No entries will be accepted after this date.

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

• Entry fees apply and are non-refundable. Entry is free for students who are in full time training with a H&BNZ training provider member. Students enrolled in fulltime training can enter both NZHA Editorial Stylist/Barber – New Talent (less than one year in the industry) and NZHA Editorial Stylist/Barber – Next Generation (less than four years in the industry).

• 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 and uploaded as high-res digital format file (jpeg) (Portrait).

•  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. (Portrait)

• Hot tip: H&BNZ Members: You are welcome to join the Private Facebook Group “NZHA Editorial Mentoring”; a space where H&BNZ and members support one another with questions and preparation.

• 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 29 July 2026. 

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 hairdressing 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.

 2026 NZHA Terms and Conditions of Entry

1.    Creative Integrity & Exclusivity
The entry or entries must be a 100% original and created by the entrant. To maintain the prestige of the awards, work must be previously unpublished. This includes social media, "behind-the-scenes" sneak peeks, or outtakes from the same session. While the entrant is welcome to use the same model, the hair and styling must be a fresh, distinct concept from any other work.

Images entered into the New Zealand Hair Awards cannot be shared on social media or entered into other competitions until our finalists are officially announced.

2.    Copyright & Intellectual Property
While the entrant and photographer retain the copyright to the work, the entrant must ensure they have full permission to enter. By entering, the entrant confirms they have a written agreement or license from the photographer and creative team allowing the New Zealand Hair Awards and H&BNZ to feature their imagery across our media platforms and events.

3.    AI Generation
All editorial images must feature work executed on real people. The use of AI-generated models, AI-generated hair, or mannequins as models is strictly prohibited. Entrants are required to capture one behind-the-scenes photograph on a mobile device at the time of the photoshoot, clearly showing the model. This image must be retained in its original, unedited form and provided upon request as evidence that AI has not been used. Post-production is permitted for general image enhancement, including adjustments to the model, wardrobe, or background, and the removal of minor imperfections such as stray hairs, provided that the integrity of the hair and the workmanship remain unchanged. The use of Photoshop or similar software to alter the colour, texture, or any defining characteristics of the hair is strictly prohibited.

4.    Reproduction Rights
For three years following the closing date, the New Zealand Hair Awards and H&BNZ may showcase the entries across any current or future media platforms. To protect the entrant's work, New Zealand Hair Awards and H&BNZ undertakes not to sell or trade images for commercial gain to any third party without the entrants written consent. The use is strictly dedicated to celebrating and promoting the entrant's talent and the awards. 

5.    Artistic Integrity & Recognition
The New Zealand Hair Awards and H&BNZ acknowledges the moral rights of our creatives under the Copyright Act 1994. We are committed to the entrant's right to be identified as the author of their work. To respect their vision, we will never intentionally edit, alter, or misrepresent the imagery, ensuring the artistic integrity remains exactly as the entrant intended.

6.    Model and Property Release
The entrant is responsible for obtaining all necessary written permissions and releases from any individual and/or the owner of any property that is identifiable in the submitted entry or entries. The entrant agrees to provide copies of such permissions and releases to the New Zealand Hair Awards and H&BNZ upon request.

7.    Legal Responsibility
The entrant is responsible for the legal integrity of their submission. They agree to protect the New Zealand Hair Awards and H&BNZ from any third-party claims or disputes regarding the ownership or rights of their images. Their entry or entries is their word that all creative permissions are cleared and documented.

8.    Insurance
While every entry is treated with the utmost care, the New Zealand Hair Awards and H&BNZ cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to entries. Maintaining appropriate insurance coverage is the entrant’s sole responsibility.

9.    Privacy
By entering, the entrant confirms that their entire creative team has given their permission for the New Zealand Hair Awards and H&BNZ to store their professional details—such as names, contact info, and salon/barbershop or provider affiliations. This allows us to correctly credit the team and share the success when promoting the awards and our future industry events.

10.    Trophy
Should the entrant move to another salon or barbershop, the winner's trophy remains with the winning entrant.