Milbon DA-LINK USA 2026 Contest Rules



Eligibility 

  • US-licensed stylists, 18 years of age or older 

Stylist Registration Limit

  • Each stylist must register individually. During the initial registration period through June 30, a maximum of five (5) stylists per salon may register. If more than five stylists from the same salon register before June 30, some registrations may be canceled. Beginning July 1, this limit may be lifted based on availability.

Use of Hair Products 

  • Contestants may only use Milbon products for all aspects of preparation, including color and styling.  

Competition Overview 

DA-Link is a two-part competition: 

  • Part 1 

    Photo and video submission (August 17 – September 14)
    Theme: Showcase your signature artistry for social media  

  • Part 2 

    In-person competition in Las Vegas, Nevada (October, 19) 
    Theme: Personalize that artistry on a live model through cut and style 

Competition Part 1 
Theme: Showcase your signature artistry for social media 

Photo and Video Submission (August 17 – September 14) 

  • Submit work that represents your brand (“Signature Style”) and showcase your specialties on a model, as if presenting it on social media to attract your target client. 

One photo – “Signature Style”  

  • Capture a photo with a model that showcases your unique artistry and aesthetic, whether through cutting and styling alone or with color. Think of it as a statement of your personal brand, similar to how you would present your work on social media to attract your ideal clients. 
  • Models have to be 18 years of age or older
  • Wigs, extensions, and other hair accessories beyond the model’s natural hair are permitted.
  • CG processing, color correction, and other creative effects are allowed.
  • Photo Specifications:
    • Aspect ratio: 3:4 or 1:1 (Width × Height)
    • File format: JPEG or PNG
    • Maximum file size: 5MB 

One video (Up to 30 seconds) – “Signature Style”  

  • Along with the photo, submit a video (30 seconds or less) featuring the same model to complement your image. The video may include behind-the-scenes footage and/or clips that highlight the aesthetic of your theme. Think of it as content you would share on social media to connect with your ideal clients.
  • Video Specifications:
    • Aspect ratio: 16:9 (horizontal or vertical) or 1:1
    • File format: MP4 or MOV
    • Maximum file size: 300MB  

Social Media Hashtags and Caption – “Signature Style” 

  • Submit up to five hashtags that represent your unique style.
  • Include a caption that would accompany your photo and video.  

    How to Submit 

    • Contestants will receive access to the submission portal.  
    • Submit between:  
      Monday, August 17, 12:00 AM PT – Monday, September14, 11:59 PM PT 

      Important Notes 

      • Original Work: All work must be created by the contestant(s). Submissions that plagiarize or imitate others’ work (including photos, artwork, costumes, etc.) are prohibited. 
      • Unpublished Work: Submissions must be original and unpublished in magazines or industry journals. 
      • Duplicate Submissions: The same work may not be submitted to other contests, even if presented with different angles, poses, or costumes. 
      • Publication: Submitted work may be used in Milbon’s marketing or educational materials, including but not limited to advertisements, the official website, social media, and brochures, without prior consent from the applicant. 
      • Model Releases: Consent for photo/video shooting must be obtained from both the model and photographer. Model releases and publication permissions are required. 
      • Copyright: The copyright for all submitted work belongs to the Milbon Group. Milbon is not responsible for any disputes related to image rights or copyrights. 
      • Disqualification: Any awards or prizes granted will be revoked in the event of a rule violation.   
      • Contestants are responsible for obtaining a model release. Failure to obtain proper consent may result in disqualification. 
      • Only participants who submit Part 1 within the required timeline will be eligible to participate in the Part 2 in-person contest.  
      • In the event a contestant is disqualified, no refunds will be issued. 

      Competition Part 2: 

      Theme: Personalize that artistry on a live model through cut and style

      In-person Competition in Las Vegas, Nevada (October 19)  

      • Contestants must bring one model who is 18 years of age or older. The model must be different from the one used for the photo and video submissions. 
      • Contestants will showcase their cutting and styling on a live model during a 35-minute segment.  
      • Cutting is mandatory.  
      • Contestants may perform color or any chemical service on their model prior to the event day.  
      • Must use the model’s natural hair—wigs and extensions are prohibited. 
      • Contestants must ensure that their model, including professional models, signs Milbon’s official model release authorizing photography and video recording during the event prior to participation.  

      Day-of Schedule 

      • Model Prep (approx. 2 hours)
      • Opening Ceremony
      • Contest (35 minutes)
      • Model Showcasing 
      • Awards & Closing Ceremony  

       Assistant Guidelines 

      • An assistant may help with makeup, handling a mirror, or managing tools during the 35-minute contest.
      • The assistant is not permitted to work directly on the model's hair or provide advice on hair direction. 

      Work Space 

      • Each finalist will have an approximately 6’ x 6’ space to work on their model. 
      • One electrical outlet is provided per booth. 
      • Using multiple tools simultaneously is prohibited due to power capacity. 
      • Contestants may only bring cutting and styling tools, styling products, and makeup to the booth. 
      • Contestant activity must remain within their designated booth space.  

      Awards 


      • Award winners will be selected based on their Part 1 submissions (photo, video, hashtags, and caption) and their performance in the Part 2 competition (live model).  

      Judging Criteria
      Contestants will be evaluated in four categories:   

       

      Part 1
      Theme: Showcase your “Signature Style” for “Online” (social media) presence

      • Distinct “Signature Style”
        • How effectively the stylist’s unique brand identity is expressed 
        • Authenticity of the look 

      • Aesthetically Appealing 
        • Overall story and execution 
        • Visual appeal and harmony across all elements 

        Part 2 
        Theme: “Personalize” your Signature Style for “Offline” (in-salon) guests 

        • “Personalization” 
          • Adaptation of Signature Style to the model 
          • Precision, creativity, and technical excellence  

             

        • Aesthetically Appealing
          • Refinement and harmony across hair, wardrobe, and makeup  
          • Wearability of the finished look 

            

          Awards and Prizes 

          • Grand Prix Award  
            • Plaque  
            • Trip to Japan*  
            • Opportunity to compete in the DA-Link 2026 International event   
            • Dinner with the Milbon Team on 10/19  
            • Milbon products with a total value of five hundred dollars, based on salon cost.
                
              *Includes economy flight tickets to/from Japan and hotel accommodation for 3 nights for the winning contestant, model, and assistant (if applicable) to compete in the DA-Link 2026 International event on 11/17/2026.  

          • Judge’s Award chosen by Anh Co Tran  
            • Plaque 
            • Dinner with the Milbon Team on 10/19 
            • Milbon products with a total value of five hundred dollars, based on salon cost. 
          • Judge’s Award chosen by Baek Heung Kwon  
            • Plaque  
            • Dinner with the Milbon Team on 10/19  
            • Milbon products with a total value of five hundred dollars, based on salon cost.  

          • Judge’s Award chosen by Lucas Tamaio

              • Plaque  
              • Dinner with the Milbon Team on 10/19  
              • Milbon products with a total value of five hundred dollars, based on salon cost.  
          • Audience Award  
            • Plaque 
            • Dinner with the Milbon Team on 10/19 
            • Milbon products with a total value of five hundred dollars, based on salon cost. 

          Milbon Products  

            • All products must be shipped to a single location in one order within two weeks of the event. 
            • Assistants are not eligible for the credit. 
            •  Exceptions may apply.