Bulgarian Barber Cup 2026

Bulgarian Barber Cup has three competition categories. The competition includes a final fourth round –Grand Finale, where the winners of the three categories compete, apart from the winner in the Junior category. The grand battle will determine the winner of the big cup and the award Barber of the Year.

Participation fees:

Participation in 1 category –  100 EUR

Participation in 2 categories – 150 EUR 

Participation in 3 categories – 200 EUR

The participation fees are payable by bank transfer within 10 days after registration in the competition. Payment details are sent by email to each participant.  

Category FAST FADE

Working time: 25 minutes

In this category the competitors make a fade of their choice or one that is appropriate for the model. The competitors create their own look, tailored to the model and their concept. Models can have short, medium or long hair, as cutting on stage can be at least 1-2cm. In this category the jury observes the work with all barbering tools. The category has the shortest working time, the competitors need to have trained for speed and quality of work.

CATEGORY COMMERCIAL/CLASSIC

Working time: 40 minutes

In this category, participants must create a haircut and styling inspired by the classic looks of the 80s and 90s. The style follows the characteristic lines, volumes and textures of the period, done through a combination of work with scissors and a clipper.

On stage, the model must be cut in all areas of the head - sides, nape and crown. The final look must be shaped with a brush and hairdryer, followed by a final styling with appropriate products.

Models are allowed to be bleached, dyed, tinted with temporary or permanent coloring, as well as chemically permed in advance. All barbering and styling tools are allowed in the category.

The jury evaluates the overall technique, precision of the shape, authenticity to the style of the era, control over volume and texture, as well as the quality of the final styling.

CATEGORY FREESTYLE/RETRO

In this category the competitors can create their own interpretation of a current men’s look by adding retro element and style twist inspired by classic looks from the past. Interpretations of the following styles are allowed: Buzz cut fade, Textured crop, Caesar cut, Undercut with short top, High fade with a pompadour, Crew cut with texture, Tapered fade cut and others.

The jury evaluates the work with all barbering tools, techniques, prevcision, creativity and original look. Special attention is given to the integration of retro elements, as well as the overall concept and visual representation of the look.. Особено внимание се обръща на интеграцията на ретро елементите, както и на цялостната концепция и визуалното представяне на визията.

CATEGORY “YOUNG TALENTS”/ JUNIOR

Working time: 40 minutes

This category is open only to new barbers with up to 1 year experience in the field. Use of all barber tools is allowed. The task for the competitors is to determine the type of haircut/hairstyle on stage, but to show their skills and creativity in the best possible way. Models with previously dyed hair, cutting with minimum 1-2cm are allowed. In the jury evaluation the beard shaping and overall look are taken into consideration.