Registration Opens October 13
Registration Is Now Open
The Competition
Where the Next Generation Begins
Rising Stars HBC is a hair and beauty competition for cosmetology students and recent graduates. Six categories, one day, on the floor at America’s Beauty Show — Saturday, April 3, 2027.
Competition Day
Sat, April 3, 2027
America’s Beauty Show
Rosemont, Illinois
Registration
Opens Oct 13, 2026
Registration Closes
March 15, 2027
Open To
Students & Recent Grads
Six Categories · Three Blocks
Choose Your Categories
The two categories in each block compete at the same time, so you can enter one per block — up to three in total.
One per block
Up to three total
20 competitors per category
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM
Pick one — these run at the same time
Photo coming soon
Men’s Street Cut
A wearable, current men’s cut and style — the kind of work that walks out of a salon or barbershop and looks right on the street. Commercial, not technical.
Full rules →
Photo coming soon
Bridal Style
A soft, romantic bridal look — the kind a real bride would book. At least half the hair styled up, with ornaments welcome.
Full rules →1:10 – 1:50 PM
Pick one — these run at the same time
Photo coming soon
Fashion Cut & Style
A cut and style with a magazine-cover finish. Modern, commercial, and complete — both the cut and the style are done on the floor.
Full rules →
Photo coming soon
Texture Styling
Shaping, defining, and finishing textured hair into a designed, wearable look. Freestyle — the whole design is built on the floor.
Full rules →2:30 – 3:30 PM
Pick one — these run at the same time
Photo coming soon
Fashion Nails
A full set of designed nails — artistry, precision, and one cohesive concept across all ten. All nail systems welcome.
Full rules →Photo coming soon
Editorial Makeup
A finished editorial look — the face you’d see on a magazine cover or in a campaign. Bold is welcome; sloppy is not.
Full rules →Before You Register
What You Need to Know
Registration and payment are handled by America’s Beauty Show. Here’s what to have sorted before you sign up.
Who Can Enter
Students & Recent Grads
Open to students currently enrolled in a licensed cosmetology, nail, or barbering program, and to anyone who graduated on or after April 3, 2026.
Spots Are Limited
First 20 Per Category
Each category is limited to the first 20 competitors. A category closes as soon as it’s full — even before the deadline.
Deadline
Monday, March 15, 2027
Registration opens October 13, 2026. Entry fees are paid per category through the ABS registration system.
Show Tickets
Admission Is Separate
You need your own ABS admission for Saturday, April 3. Student tickets are three-day passes, so they also cover Sunday’s awards.
Live Models
16 or Older — No Exceptions
One model band is included with each entry. Models stay through competition, judging, and the parade — plan on about three hours.
Check-In
Go Straight to the Arena
Competitor check-in is inside the competition arena on the show floor — not the main ABS registration desk in the lobby.
Pack Your Kit
What to Bring
Each station is set up by America’s Beauty Show. Everything else is on you.
You Bring
Competitor supplies
- A Pivot Point mannequin for any hair category — no other brand is allowed.Prepped exactly as your category’s rules describe before holding.
- A mannequin holder — tripod or stand.Station chairs don’t adjust, so plan your height accordingly.
- Your own tools and product.No temporary spray color in any category.
- Your live model for Editorial Makeup — or a model or practice hands for Fashion Nails.
- A table covering or mat if you’re competing in Fashion Nails.
At Your Station
Provided by America’s Beauty Show
- Half of a 6′ table — about 3′ of working space.Shared with the competitor across from you.
- One mirror.
- One standard chair.Not a height-adjustable styling chair.
- One electrical outlet, limited to 1000 watts.
No power strips or multi-plug adapters. The only exception is Fashion Nails, where a multi-plug is allowed as long as everything combined stays under 1000 watts.
Saturday, April 3, 2027
The Day at a Glance
Report to the holding area 20 minutes before your block, with your mannequin prepped and your model with you.
11:00 AM
Show Floor Opens
Go directly to the competition arena to check in. Check-in stays open all day for later blocks.
11:45 – 12:30
Block 1
Men’s Street Cut · Bridal Style — holding at 11:15 AM
1:10 – 1:50 PM
Block 2
Fashion Cut & Style · Texture Styling — holding at 12:45 PM
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Block 3
Fashion Nails · Editorial Makeup — holding at 2:05 PM
4:20 – 4:50 PM
Parade of Competitors
Every competitor lines up with their finished work. 4th and 5th place certificates presented.
5:00 PM
Show Floor Closes
Sunday, April 4
Awards Presentation
Barbers Stage · time to be announced.
All times are subject to final confirmation with America’s Beauty Show.
In Every Category
The Awards
1st, 2nd, 3rd, and the Color Award are presented on stage Sunday. 4th and 5th are presented at Saturday’s Parade of Competitors.
1st Place
Medal and Certificate
2nd Place
Medal and Certificate
3rd Place
Medal and Certificate
4th Place
Certificate, photo, and recognition
5th Place
Certificate, photo, and recognition
Color Award
A separate award for color, presented in every category.
Every Competitor
Receives a Certificate of Participation.
Know the Rules
Every category has its own prep, length, color, and ornament rules — and competitors are responsible for knowing them. Questions about the rules? Email contactus@risingstarshbc.com.
Where This Leads
Your Path to the World Stage
Rising Stars HBC exists for one reason — to give cosmetology students a path to competing at an international level. ABS 2027 is where that path starts.
Compete
→Learn
→Rise
April 2026 — Rosemont, Illinois
It Was Great Seeing You!
Rising Stars HBC made its debut at America’s Beauty Show 2026. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, caught our mainstage presentation, and joined the movement. The energy was incredible — and this is just the beginning.
America’s Beauty Show · April 18–20, 2026
Rising Stars HBC Mainstage Debut
ABS 2026 Presenters & Special Guests
Marty Rizzo
MC · Competition Director
Former Team USA Competitor & Manager
Las Vegas ’84 · Düsseldorf ’88 · Washington DC ’96
OMC Certified Judge Since 2007
Diane Pathieu
Special Guest · ABC Channel 7 Chicago
Gerchel Coffey
Special Guest · Motivational Speaker
Registration Opens October 13
Be First to Register
Each category is limited to the first 20 competitors. Drop your email and we’ll tell you the moment registration opens.
You’re On the List!
We’ll email you the moment registration opens. See you at America’s Beauty Show.
Registration Is Open
Claim Your Spot
Each category is limited to the first 20 competitors, and closes as soon as it’s full. Deadline: Monday, March 15, 2027.