The four-day 2002 China International Hair and Beauty Festival, hosted by the China Hair and Beauty Association, starts with the Asian Cup World Hair and Beauty Championship.

Barbers and beauticians from South Korea, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore, the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan will compete in the competition using their skills and creativity.

"The championship will focus on customers' demands in real life," said Yan Xiuzhen, executive vice-president of the China Hair and Beauty Association.

Yan said barbers attending the annual competition used to go in for strange, outlandish hair styles while neglecting basic skills.

Therefore, competitions based on salon styles are to be added to this year's competition. In the salon style category, competitors have to demonstrate their skills in executing the most commonly seen hair styles.

In the beauty care section, beauticians from around Asia will compete in bridal and dinner party make-up categories.

The competition will be followed by a large-scale fair on hair and beauty treatment products.

(China Daily August 3, 2002)