HBS Winners, mentors and participants reveal the real work and preparation that happens long before the spotlight hits stage.
Words | Preeti Kulkarni
At the HBS Competition, success is never accidental. Behind every cutting-edge, polished look and confident performance lies months of preparation, planning, and astutely handling competitors’ pressure. As India’s most respected merit-first national competition, HBS rewards not just creativity, but clarity of thought, technical discipline and execution under stress.
From choosing the right category and understanding judging parameters, to managing budgets, models, tools and time — every decision made before competition day has a direct impact on performance when it matters most.
So what does it really take to prepare for a stage where talent alone speaks, without influence or shortcuts? Winners, participants and mentors come together to break down the journey behind the podium moments. They share hard-earned insights on identifying your strengths, building concepts, respecting structure, anticipating jury expectations and refining execution through practice. Their experiences reveal one clear truth: at HBS, preparation is not optional — it is the foundation of success.
Choosing Where You Belong
The first step is knowing your strengths — honestly.
“On the HBS stage, your hometown doesn’t matter — your skills do,” says Mangesh Lohor, Beard & Moustache Category Winner in 2025. “You should compete in a category where your technique is already second nature.”
Many artists make the mistake of chasing trends instead of trusting fundamentals.
Bhaskar Jyoti Saikia, Fantasy Hair Category Winner 2025, adds, “Creativity can be developed, but strong basics decide your category.”
Understanding the Rules
At HBS, creativity thrives within structure.
“Judging parameters are extremely clear,” explains the Hair Jury member Asha Hariharan, Director, Enrich AHA Academy. “Ignoring guidelines is one of the biggest reasons artists lose marks.”
From time limits and sectioning to finishing and cleanliness, winners agree that discipline is as important as imagination.
“HBS gave my craft a language the whole industry understands,” says Ravi Kumar Joiya, Ladies Hair Colour Category Winner, 2025. “And that language starts with following the brief.”
Concept, Research and the Power of a Mood Board
Every winning look begins with research.
“At Kapil’s, participants start with mood boards,” shares industry expert Kapil Sharma, Founder, Kapil’s Salon & Academy. “It helps align concept, technique and execution.”
For artists from smaller towns, research often bridges resource gaps.
“My fantasy look was inspired by environmental issues,” recalls Mohammad Rizwan, a participant from Bareilly. “I researched extensively online and adapted creatively.”
“Model selection plays a critical role too — hair texture, facial structure and comfort level can elevate or undermine a concept”, he adds.
The Reality of Logistics and Budgeting
National competitions demand serious commitment.
“I spent more than INR 4,000 only on preparation,” says Ranita Chandra from Kolkata. “But the experience was priceless.”
Travel, accommodation, tools, backup products and model arrangements must be planned well in advance.
“It’s expensive, but once you’re on that stage, everything else disappears,” says participant Kunal Verma of Golden Ratio Salon, Indore.
Dressing the Artist
Your personal appearance matters — but subtly.
“You should look confident and professional without stealing attention from your work,” advises Trend Expression Category Winner 2024, Altaf Khalifa of Sitara Hair Salon. Comfortable, functional clothing and a clean aesthetic allow artists to focus fully on performance.
The Role of a Strong Support System
No one competes alone.
“At Salon Ministry, preparation is collective,” explains Jasleen Kaur, Operating Business Partner at Salon Ministry and mentor to many aspiring winners. “Senior artists mentor, teammates critique, and coaches handle emotional readiness.”
From trainers and mentors to friends managing logistics, a strong support system steadies artists when pressure peaks.
Pull Quote:
“Your support team becomes your anchor on competition day.”
Knowing the Jury Mindset
Smart competitors study their judges.
“HBS juries value precision and intent,” says Uday Takke, Founder & Owner, U Takke’s Hair & Beauty Studio, and a mentor to over six winners in six categories at HBS. “They’re not impressed by gimmicks,” he adds.
Understanding a jury’s professional background helps artists align creativity with expectation — without losing originality.
Refining Work Habits Under Pressure
Competition preparation reshapes working styles.
“You don’t become confident overnight,” says Ravi Kumar Joiya. “Confidence comes from repetition.”
Timed mock runs, tool organisation and disciplined sectioning, become second nature through practice.
Managing Competition Pressure
Nerves are universal — even for winners.
“HBS pushes you out of your comfort zone,” says Altaf Khalifa. “That’s where real growth happens.”
As Hair Castle’s Hardik Malde (a mentor to five winners in six categories) puts it perfectly, “Stepping onto the HBS Competition stage itself is a victory.”
Why the Journey Matters More Than the Trophy
Not everyone takes home a medal — but everyone leaves transformed.
“You either win and grow, or lose and learn,” says Asha Hariharan. “Both outcomes shape an artist.”
For Bhaskar Jyoti Saikia, the message is clear: “Winning proves talent doesn’t depend on geography — only dedication.”
Expert Tips: How to Prepare Like an HBS Winner
- Choose categories based on technical strength
- Treat guidelines as non-negotiable
- Build and refine a mood board early
- Select models strategically
- Budget realistically, with backups
- Practise under timed conditions
- Train with mentors who give honest feedback
- Study jury expectations
- Focus on growth, not just results
(Featured image: Dipak Suryavanshi from Enrich Salon)
