Once again, the finalists for the 2026 North American Hairstyling Awards are reimagining what’s possible — delivering bold vision, next-level artistry, and flawless execution in collections that push boundaries and stop the scroll.
Now in its 37th year and presented for the first time by JCPenney, the Professional Beauty Association’s signature competition is judged by an elite panel of hairdressing and makeup experts, with submissions evaluated on technical mastery, creative cohesion, and originality.
This year the competition has introduced a new category, International Collection of the Year.
Below, meet the 2026 finalists across all 15 categories, featuring a sneak peek of select looks from each. You can explore every entry in full on the NAHA Gallery — tap the category name to see the full collections.
Winners will be revealed May 31, 2026 live at Premiere Orlando.
Avant Garde
NAHA 2026 finalist for Avant Garde - Michael Polsinelli
- Breanne Gershon *also nominated in the Haircolor category
- Chrystofer Benson *also nominated in the Texture and Team categories
- Erika Fung
- James Valiant
- Michael Polsinelli
Barber of the Year
NAHA 2026 finalist for Barber - Carlos Estrella.
Editorial Stylist of the Year
NAHA 2026 finalist for Editorial Stylist - Maggie Semaan.
- Brendnetta Ashley
- Jamie Wiley *also nominated in the Texture and Team categories
- Josie Vilayvanh
- Maggie Semaan
- Ruth Roche *also nominated in the Styling & Finishing category
Educator of the Year
NAHA 2026 finalists for Educator of the Year - Ashlee Norman, Sonya Dove, Nina Tulio.
Haircolor
NAHA 2026 finalist for Haircolor - Gilad Goldstein.
- Breanne Gershon *also nominated in the Avant Garde category
- Brooke LeMasters
- David Vendittelli *also nominated in the Team category
- Gilad Goldstein *also nominated in the Team category
- Sean Godard *also nominated in the Team category
Haircutting
NAHA 2026 finalist for Haircutting - Tippi Shorter
- Evie Johnson
- Genia Church *also nominated in the Texture category
- Isabelle Lachance
- Marylle Koken
- Tippi Shorter *also nominated in the Texture category
Hairstylist of the Year
NAHA 2026 finalist for Hairstylist of the Year - Vanessa Whitmarsh
- Brayden Pelletier *also nominated in the Styling & Finishing category
- Julie Vriesinga
- Michelle Oliver
- Robin LeChance
- Vanessa Whitmarsh
Inspiring Salon of the Year
NAHA 2026 finalist for Inspiring Salon of the Year - Bliss Salon & Spa
- Bliss Salon and Spa, Kennewick WA
- Genesis Salon and Spa, Mobile AL
- kit. Fort Thomas, Fort Thomas, KY
- Matthew Morris Salon, Denver CO
- Salon Raybon, Baton Rouge LA
International Collection (New in 2026)
NAHA 2026 finalist for International Collection - Tom Yek.
- Carlos Valiente, Spain
- Danilo Giangreco, United Kingdom
- Emma Simmons, United Kingdom
- Gianluca Grechi, Italy
- Tom Yek, Malaysia
Makeup Artist
NAHA 2026 finalist for Makeup - Patricia Bailes
Master Hairstylist
NAHA 2026 finalist for Master Hairstylist - Cassie Carey
Student Hairstylist
NAHA 2026 finalist for Student Hairstylist of the Year - Derek Robinson
- Derek Robinson, Nurtur Aveda Institute Columbus
- Elin Lien, Nurtur Aveda Institute Des Moines
- Madison Jessop, Nurtur Aveda Fredric’s Institute Cincinnati
- Mai Nguyen, Suki’s Salons & Academy
- PJ Hayes, Nurtur Aveda Institute Chapel Hill
Styling & Finishing
NAHA 2026 finalist for Styling & Finishing - Brayden Pelletier
- Brayden Pelletier *also nominated in the Hairstylist of the Year category
- Carlos Alvarez
- Galyna Poczciwinski *also nominated in the Team category
- Laura Gunter
- Ruth Roche *also nominated in the Editorial Stylist category
Team of the Year
NAHA 2026 finalist for Team of the Year - The Upper Hand
- 1CPR: Jamie Wiley, Joel Torres, Nanette Guild, Vinnie Morey, Dayna Gamba
- Chrystofer Benson Collective: Chrystofer Benson, Hannah Benson, Lacye Geitgey, Karine Bélanger, Chris Jimenez, Erin Hensley
- Team INdustry: David Vendittelli, Marilyn Vendittelli, Natasha Gerschon
- The Upper Hand: Hannah Waters, Soleil Rocha, Jordan Dudley, Zoe O'Day
- Ulta Beauty: Gilad Goldstein, Michelle O'Connor, Galyna Poczciwinski, Sean Godard, Beto Sanchez, Janelle Eyre
Texture
NAHA 2026 finalist for Texture - Jaimee Harris Smith
- Chrystofer Benson *also nominated in the Avant Garde and Team categories
- Genia Church *also nominated in the Haircutting category
- Jaimee Harris Smith
- Jamie Wiley *also nominated in the Editorial Stylist and Team categories
- Tippi Shorter *also nominated in the Haircutting category