Atlanta hairstylist Derek J judging Oxygen's 'Hair Battle Spectacular,' debuting August 10

Like similar shows, the competitors are given only a few hours to create something. In this case, it's wild and crazy coifs using chicken wire, wig hair, Pomade, plumes of hairspray and absurdly bright colors. As the show notes, it's "part sculpture, part pop art." It could be a huge peacock or a guitar. They also need to create stage performances to complement the hair. The contestants are then judged for creativity, execution and overall presentation

"They get like five to eight hours," Derek J. said. In comparison, he often takes a week to prep for a challenge.

He was also impressed with the diversity of the ten contestants. Most fantasy hair stylists he sees, he said, are black.

While this show will reward $100,000 to the winner, he said a Bronner Bros. victory might get him $20,000 after investing $15,000. "I do it for bragging rights," he said, not the money.

He's not sure how well he'd do in this competition himself, given the time limits and the size of the prize. But judging was fun.

"It was a great experience," he said. "I'd do it again."

You also might remember Derek J on "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" holding a wig party for Kim Zolciak, who guest judges on one episode of this series. He does the hair of a few celebrities in town, including actresses Nicole Air Parker ("Soul Food") and Terry Vaughn ("Meet the Browns")

Here's the Atlanta contestant J-Rok:

Here's a Derek J show doing an unrelated promo:

On TV

"Hair Battle Spectacular"

Oxygen, 10 p.m. Tuesdays, starting August 10

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