Barbering Division
Modern Comb Over
Championship
Competitors must execute a clean, structured comb-over that demonstrates mastery of cutting precision, volume control, and polished styling. A timeless technique executed at the highest level of craftsmanship.
Time Limit
40 Min
Format
Live Barbering Competition
Criteria
100 Points
1st Place
$1,500
Modern Comb Over
Quick Division Overview
Time Limit
40 Min
Model Required
Yes
Category
Barbering
Entry From
$75
Regional Prizes:
Regional Champion
$1,500
Cash Prize
Regional Finalist
$1,000
Product package
Regional Finalist
$500
Product package
Entry Fees
Early Bird
Standard
- What to Expect
Competition Format
Everything you need to know about how the Modern Comb Over championship is structured and what is required on competition day.
Time & Format
40-Minute Live Competition
Competitors have 40 minutes to execute a complete, clean, structured comb-over on a live model. All cutting and styling must be performed live on stage within the allocated time.
- 40 Minutes — Complete Style Required
Required Elements
What Must Be Included
The finished look must include: a defined side part or natural directional part, visible comb movement and flow, controlled volume, and a balanced taper or fade. All four elements are required for a complete entry.
- 4 Required Elements
Tool Restrictions
Barbering Standards
Competitors may use clippers, trimmers, scissors, and razors within the standard barbering toolkit. The Modern Comb Over must demonstrate comb direction visible from all angles — the defining technical feature of this division.
- Full Barber Toolkit Permitted
Scoring
Barber Technical Criteria
This division uses the Barber Technical Criteria scoring system: 85 performance points + 15 compliance points = 100 total. Cleanliness & compliance includes: clean tools (3pts), proper disinfectant use (3pts), hand sanitizer use (3pts), sharps container (3pts), and clean station post-service (3pts).
- 85 Performance + 15 Compliance
Powered By
Men't Pro Tools
The Modern Comb Over Championship is powered by Men’t Pro Tools — Founding Season Sponsor for all barbering divisions on the Road to HEBS™ Championship Tour. Professional-grade tools for championship-level barbering.
- Founding Season Sponsor · Barbering Divisions
Official Scoring
How You Will Be Judged
Judged using the Barber Technical Criteria: 85 performance points plus 15 cleanliness & compliance points. All competitors are evaluated by HEBS-trained, certified judges. Scoring is based strictly on visible execution — not personal preference.
Total Scoring: 100 pts
Performance Points → 85 pts
Cleanliness & Compliance→ 15 pts
Nicks or Cuts (per violation) –3 pts
Winner is determined by highest average score across all judges. Each judge scores independently. All judging decisions are final.
01
CUTTING TECHNIQUE
- Clean sectioning and accuracy
- Balanced weight distribution
- Intentional, controlled cutting
25pts
02
FADE & BLENDING
- Smooth transitions between lengths
- Clean fade or taper execution
- No visible lines or inconsistencies
20pts
03
PART DEFINITION & DIRECTION
- Clearly defined part line
- Consistent comb direction
- Strong flow and structure
10pts
04
STYLING TECHNIQUE
- Controlled volume and shape
- Clean, intentional styling
- No flyaways or unfinished areas
- Consistent spacing and pattern
15pts
05
CLEANLINESSCLEANLINESS
- No loose hairs or flyaways
- Clean edges and finish
- Polished presentation
5pts
06
INTEGRATIONS
- Subtle, professional application
- Enhances, not overpowers, haircut
- Does not mask structure
5pts
07
OVERALL DESIGN
- Balanced and complete look
- Complements head shape
- Clean from all angles
5pts
Cleanliness & Compliance Breakdown (15 pts total)
- Clean tools maintained throughout service
- Proper disinfectant use
- Hand sanitizer used appropriately
- Sharps properly disposed
- Clean station post-service
- 3 pts
- 3 pts
- 3 pts
- 3 pts
- 3 pts
DISQUALIFICATIONS
- Pre-cut or pre-shaped hair
- Failure to create a comb-over style
- Use of non-approved products
- Overuse of enhancements masking poor technique
- Incomplete haircut within time limit
DISQUALIFICATIONS
- Precision and consistency of cutting
- Control of styling and volume
- Clean, wearable, professional finish
- Clean neckline and finished edges
- Defined comb direction visible from all angles
- Controlled, polished styling
DEDUCTIONS
- Nicks or cuts: -3 pts
Official Scoring
How You Will Be Judged
Judged using the Barber Technical Criteria: 85 performance points plus 15 cleanliness & compliance points. All competitors are evaluated by HEBS-trained, certified judges. Scoring is based strictly on visible execution — not personal preference.
Total Scoring: 100 pts
Performance Points → 85 pts
Cleanliness & Compliance→ 15 pts
Nicks or Cuts (per violation) –3 pts
Winner is determined by highest average score across all judges. Each judge scores independently. All judging decisions are final.
01
Precision & Consistency of Cutting
Quality of shear, clipper, and razor work — precision, control, and proper execution of foundational cutting techniques. Clean sections and sharp execution throughout.
15pts
02
Control of Styling & Volume
Control and finish of the comb-over — proper product use and polished presentation. Controlled volume from root to end with intentional directional movement visible from all angles.
15pts
03
Clean, Wearable, Professional Finish
The final look must be competition-ready and wearable. A polished, professional result that represents the highest standard of barbering craft.
15pts
04
Clean Neckline & Finished Edges
Sharp, clean edges and crisp detailing around the hairline, neckline, and perimeter. Precision of lineup and detail work that completes the overall look.
15pts
05
Defined Comb Direction Visible From All Angles
The signature element of this division — the comb direction must be clearly defined, intentional, and visible from the front, side, and back. Flow must read as controlled and deliberate.
15pts
06
Controlled, Polished Styling
Overall structure of the haircut — symmetry, proportion, and how well it complements the model’s head shape. Complete visual impact of all elements together.
10pts
Cleanliness & Compliance Breakdown (15 pts total)
- Clean tools prior to competition
- Hand sanitizer use
- Clean station post-service
- 3 pts
- 3 pts
- 3 pts
- Proper disinfectant use
- Sharps container usage
- Nicks or cuts (per violation)
- 3 pts
- 3 pts
- -3 pts
Know Before You Compete
Key Competition Rules
All competitors are responsible for understanding and following the rules of their category. Violations may result in point deductions or disqualification.
All Required Elements Must Be Present
The finished look must include a defined part, visible comb movement, controlled volume, and a balanced taper or fade. Missing required elements affect scores across all judging criteria.
No Pre-Cutting Permitted
No pre-cutting, pre-styling, or pre-shaping before the competition begins. All work must be performed live within the 40-minute window.
Stop When Time is Called
Competitors must immediately stop all work the moment time is called. Continuing after the time limit results in deductions or disqualification.
Clean Tools Before Competition
All tools must be visibly clean prior to the start of competition — no buildup, hair, or residue. Proper disinfectant use during and after service is a scored compliance requirement.
Sharps Container Required
All blades and sharp objects must be safely disposed of in a proper sharps container or equivalent. This is a scored compliance requirement worth 3 points.
Nicks or Cuts Result in Deduction
Any visible nick or cut caused during service results in an automatic –3 point deduction per violation for unsafe practice.
What You Can Win
Regional Championship Prizes
Top 3 competitors in every category at each regional event advance to the HEBS National Championship in Secaucus, New Jersey.
Regional Champion
-
Cash prize — $1,500
-
Championship Trophy
-
Qualification to HEBS Nationals
-
VIP Champions Welcome Party access
Regional Finalist
-
Product prize package — $1,000 value
-
Championship Trophy
-
Qualification to HEBS Nationals
-
VIP Champions Welcome Party access
Regional Finalist
-
Product prize package — $500 value
-
Championship Trophy
-
Qualification to HEBS Nationals
Top 3 Advance To
HEBS National Championship — Secaucus, NJ
Only 1st place National Division Champions receive flight & hotel to HEBS Lagos, Nigeria.
Fight for the Belt.
Win the Crown. Represent on the Global Stage.