FAQs
General Event Information
When and where is the event?
The DA-Link event will take place on Monday, October 19, 2026, at The Industrial Event Space in Las Vegas, NV.
The Industrial Event Space 2330 S Industrial Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Participation Eligibility
- Any U.S.-licensed hairstylist aged 18 or older is eligible to enter.
- Designed for ALL levels — new, emerging, and seasoned stylists
- Stylists must use Milbon products for all prep and live event work.
What is DA-Link?
DA-Link is Milbon’s education-focused, two-part competition designed to celebrate artistry in both digital and live formats. Participants are challenged to define and showcase their distinct, authentic artistry in a social media format, then demonstrate how they bring that artistry to life behind the chair for real clients.
In an era when clients often choose stylists based on what they see online, this experience helps participants align their digital identity with their real-world results for more intentional branding.
Competition Details
What are the two parts of the competition?
Part 1 — Photo & Video Submission: Submit a digital photo and video showcasing your artistry in a social-media-optimized format. Part 1 submission needs to be completed within the following time frame: Monday, August 17 at 12:00AM - Monday, September 14 at 11:59PM (Pacific Time)
Part 2 — 35-Minute Live Model Competition: Personalize your artistry on a live model through cut and style. Cutting during the live portion of contest is required. Part 2 event date & location: Monday, October 19 The Industrial Event Space 2330 S Industrial Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89102
- Contestants must use two different models: one for Part1 submission and a separate one for Part 2 in-person competition.
- Stylists must use Milbon products for all prep and live event work.
Who are the judges?
- Anh Co Tran – Global Creative Director
- Baek Heung Kwon “Pek” – Global Educator
- Lucas Tamaio – 2025 DA-Link USA Grand Prix Winner
What are the judging criteria?
Contestants will be evaluated across 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
Do I have to do an Avant Garde look?
No. Avant Garde is not required. We want to see your authenticity and signature artistry expressed through your submissions and model. Wearability is one of the components our judges will evaluate for the final look at the Part 2 competition.
Awards
What are all of the awards?
- Grand Prix
- Judge’s Award chosen by Anh Co Tran
- Judge’s Award chosen by Baek Heung kwon
- Judge’s Award chosen by Lucas Tamaio
- Audience Award
What does the Grand Prix winner receive?
- Plaque
- Opportunity to represent the USA at DA-Link International in Japan on November 17, 2026*
- Milbon products (Valued at $500, winner can choose products)
- Dinner with the Milbon Team on the night of the event
*Includes economy flight tickets for you, your assistant (if applicable), and model to/from Japan, plus hotel accommodation for 3 nights to compete in DA-Link International 2026 in Japan.
What do the Judges award and Audience award winner receive?
- Plaque
- Milbon products (Valued at $500, winner can choose products)
- Dinner with the Milbon Team on the night of the event
Registration & Pricing
What does it cost to join or attend?
Contestant Tickets:
Early Bird: $89 (Apr 15–Jun 30)
General: $109 (Jul 1–Aug 1)
Assistants: $20
Audience Pricing:
Early Bird: $30 (Apr 15–Jun 30)
General: $49 (Jul 1–Oct 1)
Friends & Family Tickets:
Contestants will receive a promo code for special pricing for friends and family
Where do I get tickets?
Ticket sales and updates will be available on https://pro.milbon-usa.com/pages/da-link
Education Support
Are there learning sessions before the event?
We offer a variety of opportunities for you to learn about and get ready for the event. Free virtual presentations about the DA-Link event: Stylists can learn more in-depth information about the event, why they should participate, and ask any questions they may have before singing up.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83403565411
- Monday, March 30 — 10:00am PT / 1:00pm ET
- Monday, May 18 — 10:00am PT / 1:00pm ET
Two in-person workshops hosted by our Celebrity Stylist judge Pek: “New Era Smart Designer" workshops are perfect for stylists interested in the event and the O2O concept.
Free Virtual Office hours with our DA-Link USA 2025 winners: Stylists can sign up for 1:1 time with DA-Link expert stylists, whether or not they are sure about attending the event, to ask any questions or to get help preparing.
Lucas Tamaio April 27th
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FAEAB2AABFCC07-63136624-office
Cyrus Miller June 1st
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FAEAB2AABFCC07-63137510-office
Iulia Dima July 13th
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FAEAB2AABFCC07-63139753-office
Cyrus Miller September 14th
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FAEAB2AABFCC07-63140015-office
SMS messages & videos: You can receive helpful tips, key dates, and reminders via text message. Subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/1d01b826721d/da-link
Free Virtual Discovery & Readiness Sessions:
Join our virtual educational sessions to help you learn & prepare for the event!
Discovery Session: Monday, April 20th at 1pm ET ~ 3pm ET / 10 am ~ 12pm PT
Readiness Session: Monday, Aug 31st at 1pm ET~ 3pm ET/ 10am~ 12pm PT
Part 1 Submissions
What should Part 1 photo/video submissions include?
Requirements:
- Model must be 18+
- Wigs, extensions, accessories allowed
- Editing allowed
Submissions (details to follow):
- #1: One photo
- #2: One video (30 seconds or less)
- #3: A caption with up to 5 hashtags#
#1: One photo: Show your signature style through cut, style, and/or color. Think social-ready and aligned with your brand.
Specs:
- Ratio: 3:4 or 1:1
- Format: JPEG or PNG
- Max: 5MB
#2: One Video (≤30 sec, same model): Support your look with short-form content (BTS or final aesthetic).
Specs:
- Ratio: 16:9 or 1:1
- Format: MP4 or MOV
- Max: 300MB
#3: Caption + Hashtags:
- Up to 5 hashtags
- 1 caption
How to Submit
Provided upon registration Aug 17 – Sept 14 (11:59 PM PT)
Important Notes
- Original, unpublished work only
- No duplicate or previously submitted work
- Model consent required (your responsibility)
- Content may be used by Milbon
- Rule violations = disqualification (no refunds)
- Part 1 required to move to Part 2
Do I need a professional video?
No. You can use any type of video,as long as it shows judges how you present yourself online. It should give a clear sense of your signature style and what a client would expect in your chair. This is your opportunity to express your artistic identity, whether through behind-the-scenes content or a more conceptual approach.
Can I post my Part 1 submission on social media?
No. Please wait until after the contest. After the contest is over, you may post your Part 1 submission on social media.
Part 2 In-Person Contest
What do I need to do for Part 2 35-minute in-person competition?
Requirements:
- Cutting is required during the 35-minute competition
- Cutting and styling must be completed within 35 minutes
- Color/chemicals can be done before
- Natural hair only (no wigs/extensions)
- Model must be 18+
- Model must be different from the Part 1 submissions
- Model must sign a release
- Up to 1 assistant allowed:
- 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.
Wardrobe and Makeup:
- Wardrobe and makeup should be thoughtfully put together as part of the overall presentation to bring refinement and harmony with hair.
- Model should be dressed prior to the event. Wardrobe accessories may be added during the 35-minute competition segment.
- Makeup could be completed prior to the event or during the 35-minute competition either by the contestant or their assistant.
Can I bring a makeup artist?
Your assistant can be your makeup artist. You may only have 1 person to assist you.
Makeup can be done during prep time or during the 35-min competition.
What should my model wear?
Wardrobe should complement your artistic vision.
How many tools can I use at a time?
You will only have 1 outlet, you can use only one tool at a time during prep and during the 35min competition time.
What tools should I bring with me?
Bring all tools needed to complete your look, including cutting, styling, and finishing tools. You will also need to provide wardrobe and makeup for your model to complete your look.
Can I prep the model ahead of the event?
Yes, stylists may prep their model in advance, including cutting, coloring, or perming. That said, judges will assess the visible transformation achieved during the 35-minute competition, so it’s important to be thoughtful about how much is done beforehand.
On the day of, you may have up to one hour at the venue to prepare the model, including makeup and wardrobe. If you need longer than 1 hour for prep, you will need to find your own prep space.
Do contestants need to bring their own model?
Yes, stylists should arrange their own model. All models are required to sign Milbon's model release form that will be provided.
Can I use the same model for online submission and the in-person competition?
No. You must have two different models to demonstrate how your signature artistry translate across different individuals.
What tools or products should I bring for the live portion of the in-person competition?
Bring all your tools and products needed to showcase your look. Reminder: Cutting is required during the live portion of the in-person competition.
You will have 1 power outlet allowing you to utilize one hot tool or blow-dryer at a time.
Travel & Accommodation
Are travel or hotel arrangements included?
Travel/hotel is not included for general participants. The Grand Prix winner receives economy roundtrip travel to Japan as well as accommodations during the trip.
Other Questions
Where can I watch past recaps?
View the 2025 DA-Link USA Pilot recap featuring:
@lucastamaioartofbeauty, @anhcotran, @hearts_ultrapeku
How can I stay updated?
Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/1d01b826721d/da-link to receive important texts and emails about education, support, reminders and inspiration!
Who can be my models?
You will need two models: one for the Part 1 submission and one for the event day. Consent and release forms are required. 18 and older
Is color a requirement?
No, color is not required but can be used if it showcases your signature artistry. Color services cannot be performed during the 35-minute Part 2 competition, but may be completed in advance, prior to the event.
Am I required to use only Milbon products?
Yes.All final looks must be created exclusively using Milbon products, including color.
What if I’m a versatile artist? How to I create a signature look without everything looking the same?
Having a signature look doesn’t mean everything you create looks the same. It’s about having one consistent element in your work, whether it’s your finishing, coloring, styling, or overall aesthetic, that makes it recognizable as yours. This can also come from your philosophy and values as an artist, how you approach hair, what you prioritize, and the feeling your work gives.
Think about it like this: if someone is scrolling social media or flipping through a magazine, they should be able to spot your work and immediately know it’s you.
Your looks can vary, but that identifiable touch is what defines your signature style. If you are unsure, this competition is an opportunity to discover it.