The Salon Awards USA
Where every salon, stylist, and beauty professional gets the recognition they deserve
A major new professional awards program designed to reward and recognise hair and beauty professionals for both creative excellence and business skill. After nearly a decade of success in the UK and Ireland, The Salon Awards arrive in the US to offer credible, industry-led awards that celebrate real businesses of all sizes — not just celebrity names.
The Salon Awards discover the most outstanding hair and beauty professionals, local by design these are national awards offer achievable recognition and the ultimate platform for you to showcase your expertise, business acumen, and passion for all things hair and beauty. Join us on this electrifying journey and revel in the commercial opportunities and career-defining moments taking part can bring. Start your entry here.
Key Dates
Plan your entry early and give yourself time to submit your strongest work.
Entry deadline: Midnight, 30 April 2026
Finalists announced: 31 May 2026
Awards celebration: September 2026
Who can enter
Open to the industry — whatever your size or experience
Independent hair and beauty professionals; Salon suite owners; Single-location salons; Barbershops; Beauty studios; Multi-location salon groups in all states of the USA.
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, beauty, nails, and overall 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 awards in-person celebration.
Entry Pack 2026
Take Step towards the spotlight
Categories
Hair Specific – Barber Specific – Beauty Specific – Overall Awards
Compete based on business performance, customer experience, design, and team performance and individual excellence. All entries are judged anonymously by an independent panel of industry experts, ensuring fairness and credibility.
Hair & Beauty
Master categories open to both hair and beauty
Best Salon Group
Best Salon Suite
Best Beauty Salon
Best Barber Shop
Best Hair Salon
Customer Experience Award
Salon Design Award
Best Salon Team
Future Talent Award
The People’s Choice Award
Hair
Categories for Hair Salons and Individual Hair Professionals
Best Color Salon
Best Salon for Bridal & Occasion Hair
Best Salon for Hair Extensions & Wigs
Best Texture Salon
Barber of the Year
Bridal & Occasion Stylist of the Year
Colorist of the Year
Creative Image of the Year
Extension Artist of the Year
Session Stylist of the Year
Stylist of the Year
Texture Stylist of the Year
Wig Artist of the Year
Beauty
Categories for Beauty Salons and Individual Beauty Professionals
Best Salon for Facials
Best Salon for Lash & Brows
Best Salon for Massage
Best Salon for Nails
Best Salon Professional Skin & Body Care
Best Salon for Waxing
Brow Artist of the Year
Groomer of the Year
Lash Artist of the Year
Makeup Artist of the Year
Nail Artist of the Year
Visionary Nail Artist of the Year
Wax Master 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.