PRESENTED BY
FOR COSMETOLOGY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND INSTRUCTORS
Together with Pivot Point International, ICA proudly presents our annual Student Competition celebrating the creativity, passion, and artistry of cosmetology students, and the instructors who guide them.
Open (and FREE) to students attending accredited cosmetology schools, the competition is made up of three phases:
- STUDENT VIDEO ENTRY: Student submits a 30-second video responding to the prompt: “As a future professional, what makes the texture hair category exciting to you?” Note: There are no wrong answers.
- FINALIST PHOTO COMPETITION: Five finalists will be selected from the video submissions to compete in the technical photo contest. Their work will be showcased online and during the ICA Fall Atelier in New York City, October 3–6, 2026.
- WINNER ANNOUNCED: Judges select 1 winning student and their instructor who will receive an all-expense-paid* trip to New York City to attend the 2026 ICA Fall Atelier and be recognized onstage before leading salon owners and artists. *includes roundtrip airfare and 2 nights hotel for winning student and their instructor.
- DEADLINES:
- Video Submission Deadline: June 15, 2026
- Technical Photos Submission Deadline: July 13, 2026
The ICA Student contest is an exciting introduction for students to their new career path, potential employers, and different facets of the industry. The contest helps connect the dots of recruitment between schools and salons, highlights the benefits of ICA salons to students, and brings the most competitive and talented students to interface directly with ICA members at the events.
2026 Student Contest Details
HOW TO ENTER (IT’S FREE!)
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY VIDEO BY JUNE 15
Students are invited to create a short video (under 30 seconds) on their phones, responding to the prompt:
“As a future professional, what makes the texture hair category exciting to you?”
There are no wrong answers.
WHAT ARE THE RULES?
- Finalists for the Intercoiffure Student Contest will be selected based on their submitted videos.
- Each finalist will choose a beauty school instructor to collaborate with.
- Finalists will receive a Pivot Point Premium Series mannequin, along with detailed contest guidelines and submission instructions for their special occasion-inspired look.
- Entrants must be students at an accredited beauty school at the time of submission. Students may have graduated by the ICA Fall Atelier (October 3-6).
- All work must be the student’s original creation, completed under the supervision of their instructor. The final entry must include both the student’s and instructor’s names.
- Looks may include any combination of cut, color (including spray colors), and styling.
- Mannequin makeup is optional.
- Hair fillers are not permitted.
JUDGING
Judging:
Judging is based on technical execution and creativity. All judges’ decisions are final. Judges include:
- Sonya Dove (Intercoiffure Artistic Director)
- Jason Russell (Learning Engagement & Artistic Manager, Pivot Point International)
- Additional judges to be announced
FINALIST GUIDELINES
- Entrants must be enrolled in an accredited cosmetology school at the time of entry.
- Students may graduate before the ICA Fall Atelier.
- Finalists must partner with an instructor.
- Finalists will receive a complimentary Pivot Point Premium Series mannequin and detailed competition guidelines.
- Entries must be the student’s original work completed under instructor supervision.
- Looks may include cut, color (including spray color), and styling.
- Makeup is optional. Hair fillers are not permitted.
- Finalists must submit:
- Front, back, left, and right-side cell phone photos
- One group photo featuring the student, instructor, and finished mannequin
- By entering, students and instructors confirm the work was completed at school under instructor supervision.
- Rule violations may result in disqualification.
- All submitted videos and photos become the property of ICA and contest partners for promotional use.
