Border Beauty Showcase
Annual Events
Contact Us
Tiffany Skinner
Health and Wellness General Inquiries
tiffany.skinner@lakelandcollege.ca
780 871 5482
Border Beauty Showcase returns on March 23, 2026
Offering barbers, hairstylists and makeup artists a chance to show off their skills, this competition features the following categories:
- Barbering
- Professional makeup
- Bridal updo
- Nail art
- Avant garde
- High school makeup
- High school up
Registration
All students and industry professionals are welcome to compete.
The registration fee is $25. Registration is free for all high school students and Lakeland students/alumni.
Thank you for your interest in competing at this year's Border Beauty Showcase!
- Entry deadline is March 2026.
- Late entries will not be considered.
Thank you for your interest in being a vendor at this year's Border Beauty Showcase trade show.
- Entry deadline is March 2026.
- Late entries will not be considered.
- Trade show booths will be approximately 3x8 ft.
- You'll be sent details on how to submit the $50 registration fee after you submit this form. Your registration isn't complete until you've paid the fee.
- Booth allocation and additional info will be sent closer to the event date.
Event details
Thank you for your interest in the Border Beauty Showcase. Below, you'll find the rules and regulations for each competition. If you have any questions, please contact the event organizer.
1. Eligibility:
- The competition is open to all apprentice and journeyman barbers and hairstylists.
2. Preparation and Equipment:
- Contestants must come prepared with a live model and all necessary equipment to participate in the competition.
- Models' hair must not be pre-cut, trimmed, shaped, or styled prior to the competition.
- Temporary colors are allowed during the competition.
3. Judging Criteria:
- Judging will be based on visual evaluation only.
- Judges will consider creativity, technique, precision, originality, and overall aesthetics.
- Contestants will be judged on their ability to execute a well-balanced and visually appealing haircut and style.
4. Equipment and Product Restrictions:
- Contestants must bring their own tools and equipment.
- Each contestant is permitted one electrical outlet.
- All electrical equipment must comply with safety standards.
- The use of any prohibited or unsafe products is strictly prohibited.
- Sinks are not available.
5. Check-In:
- All contestants must check in at the registration area starting at 12 pm on day of competition.
- Late contestants will forfeit their place in the competition and their paid entry fee.
- Look for the "Registration" sign upon arrival at the event.
6. Competition Time:
- Contestants will have a specific time allotted to complete their cut and style.
- The competition organizers will announce and strictly enforce the time limits.
7. Dress Code:
- Participants should dress in a manner appropriate for a professional setting.
- Spa or salon attire or neat, casual clothing is recommended.
8. Professional Conduct:
- Contestants are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner throughout the competition.
- Any disruptive or inappropriate behaviour may result in disqualification.
- Respectful use of space and equipment.
- No shaving tools.
9. Judge's Decision:
- The decision of the judges is final and binding.
10. Model Release:
- Contestants must obtain consent from their models to participate in the competition and any associated promotional activities.
11. Photography and Videography:
- Photography and videography are allowed during the competition, but contestants should be aware and respectful of their models' privacy.
12. Event Etiquette:
- Contestants and attendees must adhere to event rules and guidelines, respecting the venue and fellow participants.
By participating in the Live Barbering competition, all contestants agree to comply with these rules and regulations. The organizers reserve the right to amend or add rules as necessary for the smooth conduct of the event.
1. Eligibility:
- The competition is open to all apprentice and journeyman hairstylists and makeup artists who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of traditional hairstyling.
- Participants must adhere to the guidelines set forth for the Avant Garde category.
2. Group Participation:
- Stylists may enter individually or as a team.
- In group entries, each member must contribute significantly to the creative process, and their individual roles should be clearly defined.
- The collaborative effort should result in a cohesive and innovative avant-garde presentation.
- By allowing group participation, the competition aims to encourage collective creativity, collaboration, and the exploration of avant-garde concepts by multiple stylists.
3. Stylist guidelines:
- Natural and synthetic hair extensions and hairpieces are permitted. Headpieces and/or hair ornaments worn on the head are allowed only if they do not restrict viewing of the model.
4. Model Requirements:
- Each participant must bring their own model for the competition.
- Each participant must showcase a unique look that demonstrates creativity, innovation, and experimentation in hairstyling.
- Models should be prepared to showcase the avant-garde looks on the competition stage.
5. Originality and Artistry:
- The Avant-Garde category celebrates originality, artistry, and the ability to create extraordinary and visionary looks.
- Participants are encouraged to break free from conventional norms and showcase their artistic expression through hair.
6. Check-In:
- All contestants must check in at the registration area starting at 9 am and ending by 3 pm on day of competition.
- Late contestants will forfeit their place in the competition and their paid entry fee.
- Look for the "Registration" sign upon arrival at the event.
7. Competition Time:
- Participants will be given a designated space to complete their Avant-Garde creations on the competition day.
- The space will be available after 9 am.
- Participants must have models complete by 4:30 pm.
8. Dress Code:
- Participants should dress in a manner appropriate for a professional setting.
- Spa or salon attire or neat, casual clothing is recommended.
9. Professional Conduct:
- Contestants are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner throughout the competition.
- Any disruptive or inappropriate behaviour may result in disqualification.
- Respectful use of space and equipment.
10. Judge's Decision:
- The decision of the judges is final and binding.
11. Model Release:
- Contestants must obtain consent from their models to participate in the competition and any associated promotional activities.
12. Photography and Videography:
- Photography and videography are allowed during the competition, but contestants should be aware and respectful of their models' privacy.
13. Event Etiquette:
- Contestants and attendees must adhere to event rules and guidelines, respecting the venue and fellow participants.
By participating in the Avant Garde competition, all contestants agree to comply with these rules and regulations. The organizers reserve the right to amend or add rules as necessary for the smooth conduct of the event.
1. Eligibility:
- The competition is open to all nail technicians.
2. Theme:
- The competition will have a springtime theme.
3. Preparation and Equipment:
- Contestants must come prepared with brushes, gel polish colors, gel paint, topcoats; matte or/and shiny or any other nail art supplies that may be used. Nail stands with tips will be provided for art to be performed on. Curing lamp and sundries will be supplied for each competitor.
- Contestants can bring a printout photo to work from.
4. Judging Criteria:
- Judging will be based on skill and precision.
- Contestants will be judged on their ability to execute clean lines, creativity, proper composition of design on nail tip and continuity of springtime theme.
- Judges will consider clean and even polish application, detail in painting, smooth and clean topcoat application, overall neatness, and aesthetic.
5. Equipment and Product Restrictions:
- Contestants must bring their own tools and products.
- Each contestant is permitted one electrical outlet.
- All electrical equipment must comply with safety standards.
- The use of any prohibited or unsafe products is strictly prohibited.
6. Check-In:
- All contestants must check in at the registration area starting at 12 pm on day of competition.
- Late contestants will forfeit their place in the competition and their paid entry fee.
- Look for the "Registration" sign upon arrival at the event.
7. Competition Time:
- Contestants will have a specific time allotted to complete their nail art.
- The competition organizers will announce and strictly enforce the time limits.
8. Dress Code:
- Participants should dress in a manner appropriate for a professional setting.
- Spa or salon attire or neat, casual clothing is recommended.
9. Professional Conduct:
- Contestants are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner throughout the competition.
- Any disruptive or inappropriate behaviour may result in disqualification.
- Respectful use of space and equipment.
10. Judge's Decision:
- The decision of the judges is final and binding.
11. Photography and Videography:
- Photography and videography are allowed during the competition.
12. Event Etiquette:
- Contestants and attendees must adhere to event rules and guidelines, respecting the venue and fellow participants.
By participating in the Nail Art competition, all contestants agree to comply with these rules and regulations. The organizers reserve the right to amend or add rules as necessary for the smooth conduct of the event.
1. Eligibility:
- The competition is open to all makeup artists.
2. Theme:
- The competition will have a formal theme related to makeup suitable for bridal or formal events.
3. Model Requirements:
- Each participant must bring their own model for the competition.
- Models should arrive with a clean, moisturized face, ready for makeup application.
4. Preparation and Equipment:
- Contestants must come prepared with a live model and all necessary equipment to participate in the competition.
- Participants must bring their own makeup kit, including all necessary tools and products, and cleaning supplies.
- The use of false eyelashes, face jewels, and other decorative elements is allowed.
5. Equipment and Product Restrictions:
- Each contestant is permitted one electrical outlet.
- All electrical equipment must comply with safety standards.
- The use of any prohibited or unsafe products is strictly prohibited.
6. Check-In:
- All contestants must check in at the registration area starting at 12 pm on day of competition.
- Late contestants will forfeit their place in the competition and their paid entry fee.
- Look for the "Registration" sign upon arrival at the event.
7. Competition Time:
- Contestants will have a specific time allotted to complete their look.
- The competition organizers will announce and strictly enforce the time limits.
8. Dress Code:
- Participants should dress in a manner appropriate for a professional setting.
- Spa or salon attire or neat, casual clothing is recommended.
- Models may dress to enhance the look. This will not be scored but will enhance presentation.
9. Professional Conduct:
- Contestants are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner throughout the competition.
- Any disruptive or inappropriate behaviour may result in disqualification.
- Respectful use of space equipment.
10. Judge's Decision:
- The decision of the judges is final and binding.
11: Model Release:
- Contestants must obtain consent from their models to participate in the competition and any associated promotional activities.
12. Photography and Videography:
- Photography and videography are allowed during the competition, but contestants should be aware and respectful of their models' privacy.
13. Event Etiquette:
- Contestants and attendees must adhere to event rules and guidelines, respecting the venue and fellow participants.
By participating in the Professional Makeup competition, all contestants agree to comply with these rules and regulations. The organizers reserve the right to amend or add rules as necessary for the smooth conduct of the event.
1. Eligibility:
- The competition is open to all apprentice and journeyman hairstylists.
2. Theme:
- The competition will have a bridal theme.
3. Model Requirements:
- Each participant must bring their own model for the competition.
- Models should arrive with clean, dry hair, ready for styling.
4. Preparation and Equipment:
- Participants must bring their own styling tools, accessories, and products.
- Accessories may be used to enhance style but should not overpower or make up more than 50% of the look.
5. Judging Criteria:
- Judging will be based on visual evaluation only.
- Judges will consider creativity, technique, precision, originality, and overall aesthetics.
- Contestants will be judged on their ability to execute a well-balanced and visually appealing updo.
6. Equipment and Product Registrations:
- Contestants must bring their own tools and products.
- Each contestant is permitted one electrical outlet.
- All electrical equipment must comply with safety standards.
- The use of any prohibited or unsafe products is strictly prohibited.
7. Check-In:
- All contestants must check in at the registration area starting at 12 pm on day of competition.
- Late contestants will forfeit their place in the competition and their paid entry fee.
- Look for the "Registration" sign upon arrival at the event.
8. Competition Time:
- Contestants will have a specific time allotted to complete their updo.
- The competition organizers will announce and strictly enforce the time limits.
9. Dress Code:
- Participants should dress in a manner appropriate for a professional setting.
- Spa or salon attire or neat, casual clothing is recommended.
10: Professional Conduct:
- Contestants are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner throughout the competition.
- Any disruptive or inappropriate behaviour may result in disqualification.
- Respectful use of space and equipment.
11. Judge's Decision:
- The decision of the judges is final and binding.
12. Model Release:
- Contestants must obtain consent from their models to participate in the competition and any associated promotional activities.
13. Photography and Videography:
- Photography and videography are allowed during the competition, but contestants should be aware and respectful of their models' privacy.
14. Event Etiquette:
- Contestants and attendees must adhere to event rules and guidelines, respecting the
venue
and fellow participants.
By participating in the Bridal Updo competition, all contestants agree to comply with these rules and regulations. The organizers reserve the right to amend or add rules as necessary for the smooth conduct of the event.
1. Eligibility:
- The competition is open to high school students in grades 10-12 who have an interest
in
hairstyling and updo design. - Participants must be enrolled in a high school at the time of the competition.
2. Theme and Wishes:
- The competition will have a formal theme.
- On the day of the competition, "wishes" will be randomly determined and announced.
- Competitors must incorporate all randomly selected wishes into formal updo.
3. Model Requirements:
- Each participant must bring their own model for the competition.
- Models should arrive with clean, dry hair, ready for styling.
- Models may be fellow high school students or individuals willing to participate.
4. Workspace:
- Students will use the Lakeland College Salon to complete the updo.
5. Equipment and Supplies:
- Participants must bring their own styling tools, accessories, and products.
- The use of decorative elements, donuts, and hair accessories is encouraged.
6. Judging Criteria:
- Judging will be based on creativity, technical skill, incorporation of the announced
wishes,
overall aesthetics, and suitability for a formal event. - Judges will also consider the ability of the participant to adapt and improvise with
the
announced wishes.
7. Originality:
- Originality in design and interpretation of the announced wishes is highly valued.
8. Check-In:
- All contestants must check in at the registration area starting at 11 am on day of
competition. - Late contestants will forfeit their place in the competition and their paid entry fee.
- Look for the “Registration” sign upon arrival.
9. Competition Time:
- Contestants will have a specific time allotted to complete their updo.
- The competition organizers will announce and strictly enforce the time limits.
10. Dress Code:
- Participants should dress in a manner appropriate for a professional setting.
- Spa or salon attire or neat, casual clothing is recommended.
11. Professional Conduct:
- Contestants are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner throughout
the
competition. - Any disruptive or inappropriate behavior may result in disqualification.
- Respectful use of space and equipment.
12. Judge's Decision:
- The decision of the judges is final and binding.
13. Model Release:
- Contestants must obtain consent from their models to participate in the competition
and any
associated promotional activities.
14. Photography and Videography:
- Photography and videography are allowed during the competition, but contestants should
be aware and respectful of their models' privacy. - Participants are encouraged to document their updo designs through photographs for
personal portfolios and promotional purposes.
15. Sportsmanship:
- Participants are expected to display good sportsmanship and respect for fellow competitors.
By participating in the High School Formal Updo competition, all contestants agree to comply with these rules and regulations. The organizers reserve the right to amend or add rules as necessary for the smooth conduct of the event.
1. Eligibility:
- The competition is open to high school students in grades 10-12 with an interest in
makeup
artistry. - Participants must be enrolled in a high school at the time of the competition.
2. Theme:
- The competition will have a formal theme related to makeup suitable for formal events
such
as proms or dances.
3. Model Requirements:
- Each participant must bring their own model for the competition.
- Models should arrive with a clean face.
- Models may be fellow high school students or individuals willing to participate.
4. Workspace:
- Students will use the Lakeland College Spa to complete their look.
5. Makeup Kit:
- Participants must bring their own makeup kit, including all necessary tools and products.
- The use of false eyelashes, face jewels, and other decorative elements is allowed.
6. Judging Criteria:
- Judging will be based on creativity, technical skill, adherence to the formal theme,
overall
aesthetics, and the ability to enhance natural features. - Judges may also consider the ability of the participant to adapt to unexpected challenges.
7. Check-In:
- All contestants must check in at the registration area starting at 11 am on day of
competition. - Late contestants will forfeit their place in the competition and their paid entry fee.
- Look for the "Registration" sign upon arrival at the event.
8. Competition Time:
- Contestants will have a specific time allotted to complete their look.
- The competition organizers will announce and strictly enforce the time limits.
9. Dress Code:
- Participants should dress in a manner appropriate for a professional setting.
- Spa or salon attire or neat, casual clothing is recommended.
10. Professional Conduct:
- Contestants are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner throughout
the
competition. - Any disruptive or inappropriate behavior may result in disqualification.
- Respectful use of space and equipment.
11. Judge's Decision:
- The decision of the judges is final and binding.
12. Model Release:
- Contestants must obtain consent from their models to participate in the competition
and any
associated promotional activities.
13. Photography and Videography:
- Photography and videography are allowed during the competition, but contestants should
be aware and respectful of their models' privacy. - Participants are encouraged to document their makeup designs through photographs for
personal portfolios and promotional purposes.
14. Sportsmanship:
- Participants are expected to display good sportsmanship and respect for fellow competitors.
By participating in the High School Formal Makeup competition, all contestants agree to comply with these rules and regulations. The organizers reserve the right to amend or add rules as necessary for the smooth conduct of the event.
If you are unable to view the schedule above, you can also open a fullscreen version.
For more information
Please contact:
- Tiffany Skinner
- call 780 871 5482
- email tiffany.skinner@lakelandcollege.ca
- Daphne Thompson
See the 2025 event in photos








Want to view the whole collection? Check out the 2025 Border Beauty Showcase album on Flickr.
