Barbers brought their A-game to the first day of the 2025 International Beauty Show in New York, where clippers buzzed and creativity reigned supreme at the Fades & Blades Barber Battle, powered by L3VEL3.
Held on Sunday, March 23rd, the high-octane competition unfolded at the event's Glam & Go Stage with hundreds in the audience to cheer on nine barbers battling it out in two exhilarating rounds for the ultimate prize of $1000 in cash and a champion's belt.
Round one kicked off with five barbers, followed by a second round featuring four more, each given 40 minutes to complete their look.
With the pressure on and the crowd watching their every move, the artists transformed their models with flawless fades, intricate designs, and show-stopping style — all under the bright lights and high expectations of the International Beauty Show crowd.
The Total Look competition required wardrobe, color, cut and style to round out the finished product, plus a transformation that Incorporated both scissors and clippers in the cut. Contestants were based on several criteria including precision, presentation, and finishing.
Cocco Pro gifted clippers to each contestant to use during the competition.
The battle was hosted by L3VEL3 barber education leaders Christopher Benson, Hannah Patricia Benson, Yahia Jaber with guests Carlos Pagan and Henry Rodriguez, who bantered and answered questions from the enthusiastic audience, giving away lots of L3VEL3 swag bags as the barbers cut onstage behind them.
At stake were coveted prizes and ultimate bragging rights.
First place went to Freddy Meza of Puerto Vallarta, MX, who lives and works in Westchester County, NY. He earned a Fades & Blades Championship Belt, a $1,000 cash prize, and a swag bag with $250 worth of L3VEL3 pro tools and $250 worth of products.
Second place, Kara Kraemer from Poughkeepsie, NY walked away with a trophy and a duffle bag with L3VEL3 pro tools and $100 in products. Third place, Misch from Ft. Myers, FL, took home a trophy and duffle bag with $100 in L3VEL3 products.
Fades & Blades wasn’t just a barber battle; it was a celebration of barbering excellence and a call to elevate the craft.
With tailored education sessions, exclusive product demos, and hours of content dedicated to the barber community, L3VEL3 made sure the experience extended far beyond the stage.
Every competitor walked away a little sharper — fueling the next generation of fade artists, beard sculptors, and grooming innovators.
The 2025 International Beauty Show-New York is ongoing through Tuesday, March 25 at the Javits Convention Center, along with the International Esthetics, Cosmetics, and Spa Conference. On-site registration is available.