The Salon Awards UK
Celebrating Excellence. Powering Success. Elevating Careers.
The Salon Awards is the UK’s only professional awards programme dedicated to recognising hair professionals for technical skill, creative brilliance and business excellence — right in their local communities.
With nearly a decade of industry-led success, we celebrate real salons and real professionals of every size. Our credible, respected awards shine a spotlight on the most outstanding talent and businesses across the country.
Our unique local judging format, builds genuine credibility where it matters most — in your community. Proven to attract new clients and strengthen your reputation, The Salon Awards is a true must-enter for salons and hair individuals looking to stand out and stay top of mind.
The journey culminates in our prestigious in-person awards celebration, bringing the nationwide hair industry together unforgettable nights in November. It’s a chance to celebrate success, capture moments of pride, and leave inspired — ready to fuel your business and career for the year ahead.
Winning or being shortlisted isn’t just an accolade — it’s a powerful marketing tool.
Key Dates
Plan your entry early and give yourself time to submit your strongest work.
Entry deadline: Midnight, 8 June 2026
Finalists announced: 30 June 2026
Awards celebration: November 14 & 15 2026
(split by region)
Who can enter
Open to the whole hair industry — whatever your size or experience
Independent hair and barbering professionals (employed, freelance, rent a chair); Single-location salons; Barbershops; Multi-location salon groups; Wig and Hair Replacement specialists; Freelance/Rent a Chair, Salon Owners, in all counties of England, Scotland and Wales. (excludes NI)
Start Your Awards Journey
How to Enter
Step 1: Choose your category
Select the award that best matches your role, business type, and strengths—hair, barbering, occasion hair, bridal, wig work, business awards. (you can enter as many as you like!)
Step 2: Prepare your evidence
You’ll submit the materials required for your category—focused on results, standards, experience, and business excellence. (Guidance is available in on the forms and in the entry pack)
Step 3: Submit online
Complete your entry form, upload supporting materials, and confirm submission before the deadline.
Step 4: Anonymous judging
All entries are judged anonymously by an independent panel of industry experts to ensure fairness and credibility. (exception is the Peoples Choice Awards)
Step 5: Finalists & celebration
Finalists are announced, then winners revealed at the award’s in-person celebration.
Entry Pack 2026
Take Step towards the spotlight
Categories
The Salon Awards turn your quality into proof, boost reputation and increase consumer confidence—enter the categories that make you stand out.
Compete based on individual excellence, business performance, customer experience, design, and team performance. All entries are judged anonymously by an independent panel of industry experts, ensuring fairness and credibility.
Team & Mixed Categories
Categories for Teams, Individual and Salons
The People’s Choice Award
Marketing Star Award
Best Salon Team
Team Creative Image of the Year
Hair
Categories for Hair Salons and Barbershops
Best Boutique Salon
Best Colour Salon
Best Customer Experience
Best Salon
Best Salon for Bridal & Occasion Hair
Best Salon for Extensions, Wigs or Replacement
Best Texture Salon
Most Sustainable Salon
Salon Design Award
Individual
Categories for Individual Hair Professionals
Apprentice of the Year
Barber of the Year
Bridal & Occasion Hair Artist of the Year
Colourist of the Year
Creative Image of the Year
Extension, Wig or Replacement Hair Artist of the Year
Future Talent Award
Men’s Image of the Year
Stylist of the Year
Texture Stylist of the Year
Start Your Awards Journey
It’s no ordinary awards
There are so many good reasons to enter the Salon Awards, whether it’s personal career focused or part of your business strategy, they are designed for all hair salons and individuals. Whether you are just starting out, have hidden talents, own a boutique salon, or part of an established group—this year’s finalists are on the cusp of a journey that will enable them to smash their goals. Let’s celebrate that!
Industry Credentials
The Salon Awards are impartially judged by the industry making them the ultimate platform to showcase your talent or business acumen and gain industry credibility.
Build Client Trust
Entering awards builds trust and confidence with your customers and creates loyalty. This will generate referrals and secure new business.
Create Conversation
Talking about your achievements is a great conversation starter and a powerful way to build salon and personal credibility quickly.
Marketing & PR Opportunity
Attract new clients, promote your services or salon. Use the Salon Awards as part of your business strategy and improve your marketing and PR opportunities.
Local By Design
As the only professional awards programme for business they are a great way to accelerate your business profile in the local area.
Team Morale
Entering awards brings your salon together, boosting team spirit and morale, creating loyalty and aiding recruitment.
Headline Sponsor
Category Sponsor
