When the cloud of hairspray settles across the stage at Gainesville’s Grove Street Station on Saturday evening, one barber or stylist will reign victorious.

At least, that’s the plan for the culmination of exhibits, seminars, live music and hairstyle modeling at the Northeast Georgia Hair Explosion, a day of events showcasing the talents of area stylists. The event, the first for the area, is a chance for up-and-coming cosmetology students, along with established barbers and hairdressers, to show off their techniques.

Admission to the vendor area is free; the live entertainment, which starts at 3 p.m., has a $15 cover charge at the door.

“A hair show is something that’s very common in the hair industry,  where it gives hair stylists, barbers, cosmetology students an opportunity to show their talents,” said Andre Cheek, the event planner. “They compete — they’re judged and based on the highest score, then they win the competition.”

The stylists are judged by a panel of experts in the field, she said.

On Saturday, the celebrity judges include a Buford barber who cuts the hair of the husband of one of Atlanta’s celebrity “Housewives,” along with Atlanta stylist Jigga and others familiar with the latest styles in the entertainment industry.

Mia Turner, a Gainesville stylist who owns Nuthin But Hair Beauty & Barber Salon, came up with the idea for the event. She said it’s a chance for professionals to get reinvigorated with their industry, and also a chance for students to show their skills.

Turner has organized close to 30 local girls and women who will serve as hairstyle models. At 5 p.m., before the main styling competition starts, she said, the models will show various styles in a runway-style show.

Then, the scissors start flying at 7 p.m.

Close to a dozen professional and amateur stylists and barbers have already signed up, Turner said. And then it’s up to the stylists to see what they can pull off in the amount of time that’s given. The grand prize is $500.

Before the competition gets under way, there also will be vendors selling items such as custom monograms, jewelry and clothes, plus kid-friendly activities and food. There will be live music throughout the day. And local barber James Wright will be teaching a class for both beginners and longtime stylists on techniques, cleanliness and other styling techniques.

Workshops take place from noon until 3 p.m.

Turner said the event should not only inspire established barbers and stylists, but it will give students and anyone curious about the industry a push in the right direction.

“It’s giving them training and the push to go out there and not be scared to do anything,” she said.