The Sharpfade Freshman Class is project based competition where barbers with under 25K followers submit a collection of pictures and a video of a haircut based around a common theme. This year's theme is project sandbox. 500 applicants have already entered, trying their hand as videographers, wardrobe stylists, and visionaries. Here's why the competition is so important

1) Encouraging barbers to create

In an industry where so many burnout from the day to day grind of a barbershop, it is essential to have an outlet to create. The perspective of a haircut is shifted from a paycheck to an artform, even if just for a second.

2) Showing the power of hair 

The Freshman Class photo and video shoot is a full scale production. From the scenery, to the outfits, to the haircuts, everything must be cohesive to take home the prize. Barbers must think critically about what haircuts are suitable for a certain theme. The haircut completes the look.

3) Taking notes from salon industry

The salon industry is a goliath. They do some pretty cool things. One of them is incorporating hair as a primary piece of runway shows and productions. Bringing these events into the barbering space will help the industry attract new talent in men's hair.

4) Providing a platform for small creators

Social media is hard. Often times individuals with great content seldom get noticed. Large creators keep on growing, while small creators get left behind. The following limit of the contest allows accessibility for all types of creators,