The Professional Beauty Association is inviting licensed barbers and beauty professionals to showcase their technical skill and artistic vision in one of the industry’s most prestigious competitions.

Entries are now open for the Professional Beauty Association’s North American Hairstyling Awards (PBA NAHA) 2027, giving licensed professionals—including barbers—the opportunity to have their work recognized on an international stage.

For nearly four decades, PBA NAHA has celebrated artists whose creativity, technical excellence and innovation help shape the professional beauty industry. The annual competition recognizes collections that challenge convention, demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship and offer a glimpse into the future of hair and grooming.

Barbering remains an important part of that creative landscape. From precision cutting and detailed fading to styling, texture work and bold editorial concepts, the competition offers barbers an opportunity to demonstrate the breadth of their craft beyond the barbershop chair.

This wider representation is also reflected in PBA NAHA’s refined logo. While respecting the competition’s long history, the updated identity moves beyond its traditional association with hairdressing to represent the full range of artists celebrated today—including those working across barbering, hair, makeup and nails.

“Every year, PBA NAHA reminds us that creativity is one of the most powerful forces shaping our industry,” said Leslie Perry, CEO of the Professional Beauty Association. “These artists don’t just create beautiful work. They challenge techniques, influence trends, and inspire what’s possible for the profession.

“As PBA NAHA continues to evolve alongside the industry, we’re proud to recognize all the extraordinary talent that makes professional beauty so dynamic.”

The 2027 competition will also see the return of Nail Professional of the Year for the first time since 2020, further expanding the disciplines represented by the awards.

Entries are open to non-members until October 13, 2026. PBA members receive an extended deadline and can submit their collections until November 12, 2026.

Finalists will be announced at Premiere Anaheim on February 7, 2027. The winners will then be revealed live at PBA NAHA 2027 on June 6, held alongside Premiere Orlando.

Barbers and other licensed professionals are invited to submit collections that best demonstrate their creativity, technical ability and individual artistic vision.

For competition rules, eligibility requirements, category descriptions and entry details, visit probeauty.org/NAHA.

Premiere San Antonio Presented by SalonCentric returns for its fourth edition August 30-31 at the Henry B. González Convention Center, delivering its biggest and boldest event to date. Through a groundbreaking collaboration with SalonCentric, this year’s show will offer expanded education, enhanced programming, and exciting new experiences, making it the go-to destination for beauty professionals and students across the Southwest.

More than just a beauty show, Premiere San Antonio is a cornerstone industry event uniting attendees with over 115 exhibiting brands across hair, nails, barbering, spa & wellness, brows, lashes, and makeup for two days of education, shopping, and networking. Beauty professionals and students will discover new products and trends, build skills, strengthen relationships, and engage with the industry’s top brands and most influential educators.

“There’s something special about the beauty community across the Southwest, and we’re honored to be coming back to San Antonio,” said Erin McDonald, Event Director, Premiere Shows. “This isn’t just another show—it’s where top artists, educators, and brands who make this industry thrive come to share their expertise, and where professionals, students, and entrepreneurs gain unparalleled access to education, connections, and opportunities that move careers forward. We’ve lined up incredible brands, inspiring experiences, and real ways to elevate your craft and build your business. Show up ready to learn, make genuine connections, and leave energized about what’s possible.”

Exhibit Floor Experience – New Activations 

Premiere San Antonio continues to evolve with exciting new activations designed to deliver immersive education and hands-on experiences.

The SalonCentric Pavilion, will feature brand partners including Bumble and bumble, Color Wow, Framar, House of Foils, Redken, and more, offering product discovery, education, and interactive experiences. Attendees can stop by the SalonCentric booth to participate in the Gamified Experience for a chance to win exclusive custom swag and future education opportunities. Those ready to grow their expertise can also enroll in SalonCentric’s Dry Head Spa Certification, gaining specialized training in one of the beauty industry’s fastest-growing service categories.

“SalonCentric is proud to bring an exceptional lineup of our brand partners and the latest product innovations to Premiere San Antonio,” said LeAnn Bobitt, SVP Brand Strategy at SalonCentric. “We’re committed to providing Southwest beauty professionals with access to the tools, trends, and education they need to stay ahead in this ever-evolving industry. From hands-on demonstrations to expert-led sessions with the educators and brands shaping professional beauty, we’re here to empower attendees with the resources and inspiration that translate directly into salon success.”  

For the first time ever, the Demo Stage will spotlight live demonstrations across spa & wellness, nails, makeup, lashes, and brows, giving attendees an intimate look at emerging techniques and trends from brands and educators such as LeChat Nail Products, Lashbomb and IAMA Artistry LLC. 

Exhibit Floor Experience – Returning Favorites 

Inside the Premiere Lounge, Ulta Beauty will offer ear piercing and brow services alongside exciting interactive activations like Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, and The Premiere Charm Bar by OUTCHARMED, where you can design a custom charm bracelet.

The Color Stage returns with live demonstrations from leading color brands and educators showcasing advanced techniques, emerging trends, and creative inspiration. 

Attendees can explore the expansive show floor to shop and discover cutting-edge innovations and trends from more than 100 exhibitors, including industry leaders such as CHI by Farouk, Kokoist, T3 Micro, Panasonic, and Procell Therapies, offering the latest products, tools, and technologies to elevate their businesses.

The popular Value Center also returns, offering exclusive show-only deals and deep discounts on professional tools and products giving attendees the chance to stock their salons, spas and barbershops.

Education – Unparalleled Learning Opportunities

Education remains at the heart of the Premiere experience, with more than 180 complimentary classes included with every show registration. From hands-on workshops to live demonstrations, attendees will gain practical skills they can immediately bring to their salons, spas, barbershops, and businesses.

This year’s educational lineup features industry-leading talent including educators such as SalonCentric, Rachel Bynum, Presley Poe, Leysa Carrillo, Nicck Townsend, Kirsty Meakin, Savannah Hicks, Olivia Thompson, Wayne Tuggle, and many more.

Texas beauty professionals may also complete state cosmetology continuing education requirements through approved onsite CE classes. Representatives from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for Barbering and Cosmetology will be available to assist with licensing questions.

The Main Stage and Barber Stage programming will feature high-energy demonstrations and presentations from some of the industry’s most recognized artists and educators, including Bumble and bumble, David Lopez for Ulta Beauty, Anna Cantu for CHI by Farouk, Byrd Mena, Ivan Ross for WAHL, Matty Conrad, Danny Amorim, and more.

Competition, Community & Connection 

Throughout the weekend, attendees will connect with peers, educators, brands, and industry leaders while engaging in competitions and live programming.

Professional and Student Barber Battles, powered by L3VEL3 and sponsored by JRL, will provide emerging and established talent with an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and gain industry recognition.

The celebration continues Sunday, August 30th at 5PM with the official Premiere San Antonio After Party at Howdy Sore Loser, featuring line dancing, live DJ sets, happy hour specials, and exclusive merch giveaways—bringing the beauty community together for networking and celebration in true San Antonio style.

Early Bird pricing for Premiere San Antonio is now available, purchase show passes on or before August 6th to save $40. Beauty professional, student and instructor bundles can be purchased online or in person at a local SalonCentric or State | RDA stores. For registration and additional event information visit premieresanantonioshow.com

Renowned international session stylist, Richard Phillipart chooses sustainable styling brand to create 48 unique looks celebrating natural texture and individuality

Mane Origin officially announced its arrival on the global grooming stage by making its backstage debut at visionary designer Colm Dillane’s highly anticipated KidSuper Spring/Summer 2027 runway show in Miami, staged as part of the FIFA World Cup celebrations.

Richard Phillipart, hair lead, selected Mane Origin’s styling collection to create 48 completely individual looks that embraced each model’s natural texture while delivering a fresh, lived-in finish worthy of both the runway and the football pitch.

Presented at Nu Stadium, in association with FIFA, the show, titled Resenha, took its name from the Brazilian expression describing the conversations, stories, friendships and moments of connection that happen around football rather than the match itself. Bringing together fashion, football, music and creativity, the show celebrated the spirit of international unity, with each of the 48 looks representing one of the competing nations while showcasing the diversity, culture and individuality that make the global game so powerful.

Setting the tone for the evening, Austin Millz opened the show with a live pre-show performance before guests experienced one of the season’s most talked-about runways. Walking in the show was UK DJ Barry Can’t Swim, followed by a highly anticipated closing set from Sean Paul.

Rather than creating a uniform look, Phillipart celebrated individuality, ensuring every hairstyle reflected the personality, movement and identity of the wearer while remaining connected through a single creative vision. He said:

“For the looks at this season’s KidSuper show I was inspired by the collection’s vision to include the 48 countries of the World Cup. With each look representing a country, I wanted to echo this in the hair looks.

“Each of the 48 models had separate hair looks that celebrated and featured the natural movement and texture of their hair. Embracing the idea that each model had just played football, showered and then walked out to the pitch wearing their country’s look, I purposely gave each model’s hair a ‘damp’ effect without allowing the hair to appear wet or flat.

“Looks included shaved heads, daring mullets and long flowing hair alongside intricate braiding and locs. No two looks matched, but they were all perfectly in tune with each other.”

The backstage debut introduced Mane Origin to the international fashion industry through one of the season’s most talked-about shows while demonstrating that high-performance styling and environmental responsibility can work hand in hand.

Founded by Beth Gowland and James Taylor, Mane Origin was created for those who refuse to compromise between exceptional styling performance and protecting the planet. Built around premium formulations and sustainable innovation, every product has been developed to deliver professional results while reducing environmental impact.

Launching with a curated collection of essential styling products, the range includes Matte Clay, Matte Hair Spray, Deluxe Hair Pomade and Sea Salt Spray. Each formula is sulphate-free, paraben-free and cruelty-free, while every product is packaged without a single trace of plastic.

Sustainability sits at the heart of the brand. Through its partnership with Treeapp, Mane Origin plants one tree for every ten products sold, while the forthcoming Mane Origin Foundation will support environmental initiatives alongside projects focused on men’s mental health and wellbeing.

Following its runway debut in Miami, the complete Mane Origin styling collection is now available from £18.99/$26.00, offering professional-quality styling solutions for every hair type and finish without compromising on sustainability.

For more information visit www.maneorigin.com

Instagram: @mane.origin

Two-day international event brought together elite barbers from 14 countries for education, competition and the debut of new Wahl Vapor CE 

Wahl Professional crowned U.S. competitor Cristian Botello winner of the first-ever Wahl Global Barber Battle following a two-day international event that brought together elite barbers, educators and industry professionals from around the world in Chicago. 

Held May 3 and 4 at the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture, Wahl Global Stage welcomed competitors from 14 countries to showcase their creativity, technical skill and artistry in front of a live audience during a red-carpet-style championship event. The weekend also featured advanced education sessions, business insights, networking opportunities and the exclusive debut of the new Wahl Vapor CE (Championship Edition) clipper. 

Botello earned the title of Wahl Global Barber of the Year after advancing through head-to-head competitions and representing the United States on the global stage. 

“It’s such an honor to represent the U.S. and accomplish something like this on a global stage,” said Botello. I’ve worked really hard for an opportunity like this, so I’m incredibly grateful.” 

As the winner of the first-ever competition, Botello will now travel to Los Angeles to participate in Wahl Future Makers, the brand’s creative platform focused on mentorship, education and elevating the next generation of talent. 

“I’m most excited about being surrounded by so much talent,” said Botello. “I’m always striving to learn, and I’m looking forward to growing alongside the team.” 

Botello also encouraged aspiring barbers to continue building relationships and investing in themselves throughout their careers. 

“My advice is to network as much as possible, attend events, shake hands and continue believing in yourself,” said Botello. “You never know when an opportunity to compete on a global stage might come your way.” 

Beyond the competition, Global Stage also highlighted the evolving future of barbering culture, from content creation and branding to entrepreneurship, artistry and global collaboration. 

“The energy in the room was unmatched by any industry event I’ve seen in a long time,” said Missy Jacobs, Education Leader for North America at Wahl. “We had attendees from all over the world and at every stage of their careers, from students to seasoned artists and educators, all connected by the same passion for creativity, growth and the industry itself.” 

Jacobs said one of the biggest takeaways from the weekend was the trust artists continue to place in Wahl tools at the highest levels of performance, whether competing on stage, creating content under pressure or working behind the scenes in real-time environments where consistency, precision, and reliability matter most. She also noted the growing influence of individuality and global culture throughout the industry, both on stage and behind the scenes at the event. 

In addition to the competition, attendees had the opportunity to experience the debut of the Vapor CE, a limited-edition professional clipper inspired by the energy of global competition and designed for precision, control and performance. Limited quantities of the new tool were made available for purchase at the event. 

The beauty and barbering world is changing fast. The most influential professionals are no longer just stylists or barbers. They’re founders, educators, creators and brand builders with global audiences.

Fresha, the world’s leading beauty and wellness booking platform, is bringing some of those voices together through the expansion of its global Brand Ambassador programme, welcoming a new generation of industry talent helping redefine what success in beauty looks like.

From multi-location salon owners and global educators to founders of grooming brands and academies, the newest ambassadors represent a wave of professionals building businesses that extend far beyond the chair.

Collectively, the new cohort reaches more than 200 million people online each month, reflecting the growing cultural influence of beauty professionals who have become creators, entrepreneurs and industry leaders in their own right.

Meet the operators shaping the next era of beauty

Leading the expansion is Josh Lamonaca, co-founder of MENSPIRE and one of the most recognisable figures in modern barbering. A British Men’s Hairdresser of the Year and now Fresha’s Head of Hair Education, Lamonaca has helped turn barbering into a global education movement.

“We’re at a turning point,” Lamonaca said. “The next generation of leaders won’t just be known for their craft, but for how intelligently they build and scale their businesses.”

Joining him is Chloe Ferry, founder of The Beauté Lounge, who brings major cultural visibility alongside the experience of building a consumer beauty brand from the ground up.

The ambassador network also welcomes:

Thaddeus Jayaseelan, founder of barbering academy Gradient and a rising voice in education-led barbering

Andrea Amighetti, a respected multi-location salon owner and educator operating across Europe

Alexi Michael, founder of the global barber education platform Learn to Cut

Jordan Tabakman, an Australian entrepreneur operating businesses across multiple markets

Kochi Faraj, founder of Kochi Dubai and haircare brand Kochi Haircare

Yadiel Alberto Rodriguez (A-Rod), co-founder of international grooming brand L3VEL3

Across salons, academies, product brands and social platforms, these operators represent the modern blueprint for success in the industry.

“As an entrepreneur, alignment matters,” said Thaddeus Jayaseelan. “Fresha represents simplicity, structure and growth, and helps barbers unlock their business potential without costly mistakes.”

Where creativity meets infrastructure

The beauty industry has always been driven by talent. What’s changing is how that talent builds and scales businesses.

Today’s professionals are managing global audiences, launching product lines, opening multiple locations and running education platforms alongside their day-to-day work. Technology is increasingly what enables that growth.

Through Fresha’s platform, ambassadors use integrated booking, payments, reporting and marketplace tools to manage operations and understand customer behaviour as their brands expand.

“At scale, talent alone isn’t enough. Structure is everything,” said Andrea Amighetti.
“Fresha gives our business the visibility needed to grow across multiple locations without compromising quality.”

A global community of beauty leaders

The newest ambassadors join an established group of partners already helping shape the programme, including Sam Bentham (Rascals Barbershop), Mark Maciver (SliderCuts), Hester Wernert-Rijn (Mogeen), Lydia Wolfe, and Jack Mead.

Together they represent a growing global community of professionals pushing the industry forward, combining creativity, entrepreneurship and influence.

“Fresha is rapidly transforming the United States and Canada,” said Alexi Michael. “It’s becoming the system of choice across the industry because the product continues to evolve and support businesses month after month.”

With more than 140,000 partner businesses worldwide, Fresha continues to invest in the professionals shaping the next chapter of the selfcare economy.

Phorest Software has officially concluded the Salon Owners Summit 2026, marking a milestone year for the global professional beauty community. Following the theme “Thrive: The Human Experience, Powered by Technology,” the event saw a record-breaking 750 attendees gather at the Royal Convention Centre in Dublin, surpassing the 2025 attendance by 15% and solidifying the Summit’s reputation as the premier global event for salon, spa and clinic leadership.

The two-day intensive was defined by high-energy networking and the exclusive unveiling of the Phorest AI suite designed to enhance human teams rather than replace them.

Innovation Spotlight: Phorest AI – Enhancing the Human Experience

The 2026 Summit served as the launchpad for Phorest’s most significant technological leap to date: the Phorest AI suite. Built on extensive global research and co-created with salon and clinic owners, this suite is designed to solve three core challenges of the modern beauty business: the need for team enhancement over replacement, the desire for trust and control, and the guest’s expectation for instant gratification. By automating administrative tasks – from summarising complex client histories to managing front-desk enquiries – Phorest AI ensures that teams can show up more prepared, more present, and more connected to every client.

“Our goal has always been to return the gift of time to salon, spa and clinic owners, allowing them to focus on the human connection and the artistry of the client experience,” said Ronan Perceval, CEO of Phorest. “Phorest AI isn’t just a tool; it’s an evolution in partnership. By automating admin, we empower our community to move from surviving the daily grind to truly thriving as creative entrepreneurs.” This year’s Summit was a powerful celebration of community, uniting salon owners, industry leaders, and innovators from across the field. Attendees enjoyed a standout experience filled with meaningful connections, shared learning, and collective growth – all set against a backdrop of inspiration and energy.

A Decade of Dublin: The End of an Era

After ten incredible years of hosting the Summit in Ireland’s capital, Phorest announced a major change of scenery for its next chapter. To accommodate the event’s rapid growth and provide a fresh, immersive experience, the Phorest Summit 2027 will move to Killarney, Co. Kerry.

“The energy in the room this year was electric.” continued Ronan Perceval. “Seeing our community grow this year proves that as our numbers increase, so does our ambition. After ten amazing years in Dublin, it’s time for our next chapter. We are so excited to be moving the Summit to the stunning landscape of Kerry in 2027 – it’s the perfect place to continue this journey of growth together.”

The move to the “Kingdom of Kerry” marks a new era for the Summit, trading the cityscape for the world-renowned beauty of Killarney’s lakeside landscapes.

2027 Dates: January 24th & 25th, 2027

Location: Gleneagle INEC, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland

Don’t miss out on 2027! Secure your spot here – https://www.phorestsummit.com/

The UK Government has unveiled a new strategy  Backing Your Business: Our Plan for Small and Medium Sized Businesses outlining its long-term commitment to support small and medium sized businesses (SMEs).  

With hair & beauty comprising thousands of salons, barbershops, clinics and self-employed professionals, many measures in this plan will directly affect our sector. 

High Street Revival and Cost Relief  

The NHBF has campaigned for a reformed business rates system, and we cautiously welcome the announcement that Government plans to permanently lower business rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure premises with ratable values under £500,000 starting in April 2026.  

This change, alongside extended relief for 2025/26 and a freeze on the Small Business Multiplier, is a step towards providing financial relief to many hair and beauty businesses. 

However, this is just a first step in the right direction, the NHBF is working with the Government to secure significant levels of reform.  

Tackling the Issues of Late Payments 

One of the major announcements in the Government’s plan is new legislation to tackle late payments. 

This is a long-standing and serious issue in the hair and beauty sector. Many NHBF Members, particularly Solo Members, Assured Trade Members including educators, and brand ambassadors, report delays of 60 days or more when working with larger companies.  

These late payments can cause major cashflow problems and undermine trust. The proposed reforms will introduce stricter payment terms, mandatory interest on overdue invoices, and the power to fine large firms that consistently pay late.  

NHBF strongly supports this change by the Government, which has the potential to deliver fairer, faster payments across the supply chain and empower small business owners to focus on their work, not chasing invoices. 

Tackling Crime and Licensing Red Tape 

The plan also responds to growing concerns over safety on the high street, promising 13,000 additional community police officers and specific action against shoplifting and theft.  

We know that many Members are concerned about the impact on their businesses if an area is perceived to be high crime, so we welcome this investment.  

Support for Skills and Digital Growth 

The Government is investing in leadership training, digital adoption, and AI tools for small business owners.  

This includes specialist funding through the Made Smarter Adoption programme and expanded access to apprenticeships. These initiatives could help salons upskill staff, streamline bookings and marketing, and attract new clients. 

The NHBF will work closely with the Department of Business and Trade to understand what this means for our Members and the wider hair & beauty sector.  

Employment and Environmental Challenges 

Finally, NHBF is closely monitoring proposals under the Employment Rights Bill, which is mentioned throughout the Business Plan, which could increase costs for small employers. There are also new expectations around energy use and sustainability. While support is offered, compliance may be complex and costly for some. 

Caroline Larissey, NHBF chief executive, says, “We welcome this plan as a starting point. NHBF will be engaging directly with Government to ensure our Members, the hair & beauty sector’s voice is heard by championing policies that support, not strain, this vital part of the economy. We will continue keep members informed and provide resources to help navigate these changes.

Get your copy here!

Summer is in full swing – and so is the latest edition of BarberEVO UK. Packed with sun, style, and sharp ideas, Issue 51 brings the season’s boldest innovations, industry insights, and barbershop brilliance straight to your chair. This edition is all about evolution, expansion, and energy – and trust us, you don’t want to miss it. 

THE COVER: 
On the cover this issue is one of the striking collections fresh from our latest UK Roadshow – a powerful snapshot of talent, texture, and next-gen creativity on full display. 

IN THE CHAIR & ONE 2 WATCH: 
This edition, we get In the Chair with Charles Rose – owner of Crate Cheshire, and ambassador for both Matakki and STMNT. Charles shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most respected names in the game. Our One 2 Watch is rising star Kostas Mourgelas, Fox Barbers owner and SB Barbering Academy alum, fresh off the stage from our Roadshow in Newcastle. 

EDUCATION: 
From the future-forward ethos of Tomorrow Education, to Wahl’s revamped course lineup and Novo Cabelo’s tailored training approach, this issue is packed with progressive education insights. We also spotlight leading brands like Gamma+, Lovemore, and OSMO, all raising the bar in learning and development. 

INTERIORS: 
Pushing the boundaries of modern barbering, we take you inside two standout spaces: HAUS and Ex Studio – where design meets disruption, and style is always on point. 

BUSINESS: 
On the business side, we go Behind the Brand with heritage grooming legends PASHANA, hear from columnist Mark Maciver, and dive into the new-age business blueprint with UNDERFOUND. Plus, we unpack everything from retail to tech that’s helping barbershops scale smarter. 

GROOMING: 
This issue’s grooming game is strong – with features on Morgan Jones, an inside look at James Beaumont’s evolving approach, and a deep dive with Arturo in Kingston and the team behind the booming grooming brand Vines Vintage. 

All this and so much more in BarberEVO UK Issue 51 – the ultimate guide to making this summer your sharpest one yet. 

Don’t miss it. 

Excitement! Energy! Education! Community! Growth!

April 5-7, 2025, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

The 102nd America’s Beauty Show 2025 (ABS), held April 5-7, 2025 at the prestigious Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, showcased the beauty industry’s ongoing growth, unity, and innovation. This year’s theme, GROW, was a reflection of the collective spirit of the beauty community, which emphasized professional and personal growth.

With another record-breaking 20,000+ attendees, ABS brought together beauty professionals from across the globe to learn, network, and celebrate the beauty community. The event featured 320 classes, the majority FREE with an ABS ticket. 2025 is a renewal year, and courses offered a diverse range of education from haircare to skincare, barbering, nails, makeup, health and wellness. Over 100 world-class educators shared their global expertise, and 400 exhibitors, including 130 new exhibitors, a Global Nail Competition, and Student Power Hour hosted by Beauty Cast Network.

ABS 2025 highlighted the international nature of the beauty industry, with a strong presence of international exhibitors. The Fruitful Yield Health and Wellness Pavilion showcased 40+ leading brands, offering the latest in wellness products and services, designed to care for those that have dedicated themselves to caring for others.

Evening entertainment added to the excitement, with the famous ABS Global Image Awards. ABS Global Image Awards provided a glamorous celebration of talent and creativity. Winners from around the world were recognized for their submissions and artistry. Live music and dancing with Libido Funk Circus created an unforgettable atmosphere, and the official ABS Sunday Night Party, in collaboration with

Chrystofer Benson’s CBC Productions L.I.V.E. 312, brought a standing-room-only crowd together for an evening of high-energy fun with industry leaders, influencers, and professionals celebrating the best of the community.

“America’s Beauty Show 2025 was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when our beauty community comes together. It was pure joy — experienced by tens of thousands throughout the weekend. I’m so proud of our beauty community, which has made this non-profit event possible for over 102 years. Now more than ever, community is the path to sustainable growth. We all need to take note of the magic that happens when we show up for each other. That’s America’s Beauty Show, and to us, community is everything,”

Commented Frank P. Fulco, Chief Executive Officer of America’s Beauty Show.

ABS 2025 featured stunning presentations by top-tier artists and world class educators, including The Ulta Beauty Pro Team, Tabatha Coffey, Guy Tang, Chrystofer Benson Collective, Sam Villa, Social Art House, Salon Centric, J Ladner, Ted Gibson, Nick Arrojo, A-ROD, Kenny Duncan, Candy Shaw, George Alderete, and many more!

Brands included Amika, Ulta Beauty, CHI by Farouk Systems, BabylissPro, L3V3L 3, Wahl, Ergo Styling Tools, Hairtools, Oliva Garden, Wet Brush, Framar International, Stylecraft Gamma+, Andis, Wahl, FarmHouse Fresh, CIDESCO Section USA, Repechage, Fruitful Yield, Cuccio, Henkel Corporation, Colortrak, Keratin Complex, and DNA Hairtools.

Save the Date!

Mark your calendars for the next America’s Beauty Show, April 18, 19 & 20, 2025, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL.

The winners of the 2025 America’s Beauty Show (ABS) Global Image Awards were announced on Saturday, April 5, 2025, during an electrifying evening at America’s Beauty Show. 

The celebration, held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, brought together salon professionals, beauty industry leaders, and artists for a night filled with excitement and recognition.

The ABS Global Image Awards honor creativity, artistry, and dedication in the beauty industry, recognizing both emerging and seasoned professionals for their talent and innovative work. The competition features multiple categories, showcasing a broad range of beauty disciplines, including hairdressing, makeup artistry, and salon team collaborations. This year’s competition saw a significant increase in participation from international artists, underlining the global reach and impact of the event.

Proudly announcing the 2025 ABS Global Image Awards Winners:

• Barber – Professional: Salvador Oliver – Spain

• Creative Color – Professional: Chrystofer Benson – USA

• Full Concept – Professional: Anthony Negron – USA

• Haircutting – Professional: David Barron – USA

• Team Collaboration – Professional: Rafael Bueno & Manuel Mon – Spain

• Texture Expert – Professional: Lukas Press – USA

• Leo Passage Gold Trophy Award: Chrystofer Benson

The ABS Global Image Awards celebrate more than just talent—they are a reflection of the community spirit that defines America’s Beauty Show. The event was hosted following the Cosmetologists Chicago President’s Party at 6:00PM CST. The evening was filled with live music by Libido Funk Circus and a high-energy celebration that brought beauty professionals together to honor their peers. The event is the signature celebration for America’s Beauty Show.

Each category’s winner received a prestigious award from America’s Beauty Show. The Leo Passage Gold Trophy Award, in honor of the late Pivot Point International founder and Cosmetologists Chicago member, Leo Passage, was also presented to an extraordinary artist who exemplified the highest standard of artistry.

“The ABS Global Image Awards continue to grow each year, elevating artists and professionals from around the world,” said Jessi Marshall, VP of Events and Education. “We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible talent, creativity, and passion that our finalists and winners have contributed to the beauty industry. This event is a true reflection of the growth and collaboration that define our community.”

The ABS Global Image Awards were anonymously judged by an esteemed panel of industry experts, media, educators, and elite artists. More information regarding the 2025 ABS Global Image Awards, visit americasbeautyshow.com and follow ABS on social media.