Finalists from left to right, top to bottom: Barbering - Nieves Almaraz; Team Collab - Team Ulta Beauty; Texture Expert - Michelle O’Connor; Creative Color - Brayden Pelletier; Full Concept - Anakin Chan; Haircutting - John Nguyen
America’s Beauty Show (ABS) proudly announces the finalists for the 2026 Global Image Awards (GIA), recognizing exceptional artistry and innovation across the professional beauty industry.
Recognized as one of the industry’s most prestigious competitions, the America’s Beauty Show Global Image Awards spotlight excellence across a range of disciplines, including Barbering, Classic Color, Creative Color, Full Concept, Haircutting, Motion AI, Team Collaboration, and Texture Expert.
Selected through a blind judging process by a panel of respected industry leaders, media, and educators, each finalist was chosen solely on the strength of their work, evaluating technical execution, creativity, and overall visual impact. This year’s finalists represent a dynamic mix of established artists and emerging voices of beauty on a global stage.
“The ABS Global Image Awards celebrate more than beautiful work—they recognize vision, intention, and the courage to push boundaries,” said Jessi Marshall-Ewald, Vice President of Education and Events for America’s Beauty Show. “This year’s finalists reflect where our industry is headed—grounded in technical excellence, driven by creativity, and inspired by a global community of artists who continue to raise the bar.”
The 2026 Global Image Awards winners will be revealed live on Saturday, April 18, 2026, during the 103rd America’s Beauty Show at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. As one of the industry’s premier stages, America’s Beauty Show by Cosmetologists Chicago provides unparalleled visibility and recognition, elevating artists and celebrating the creativity that drives the industry forward.
Proudly announcing the 2026 ABS Global Image Awards Finalists:
BARBERING – PROFESSIONAL
- Nieves Almaraz, WAHL, Cicero, IL, USA
- Carlos Estrella, Los Cut It, Chicago, IL, USA
- Chris Jimenez, The Culture Barbershop, Ogden, UT, USA
- Carlos Pagan, L3VEL 3, Plant City, FL, USA
- Henry Rodriguez, Papiblendzz, Miami, FL, USA
CLASSIC COLOR – PROFESSIONAL
- Kristen Higgins, Kristen Higgins, Platteville, WI, USA
- Sandie Tucker, The Hair Phoenix, Deland FL, USA
- Mariia Zolotun, Mariia Zolotun, Cumming, GA USA
CREATIVE COLOR – PROFESSIONAL
- Lacye Geitgey, Sheer Professionals Salon, Wooster, OH, USA
- Kimberly Ibbotson, Kimberly Tay Hair, Altadena, CA USA
- Brooke LeMasters, Bombshell Hair Studio, Sisterville, WV, USA
- Brayden Pelletier, just b hair, Braselton, GA USA
- Julio Rodriguez, Valentini’s, Guelph, OT, Canada
FULL CONCEPT – PROFESSIONAL
- Chrystofer Benson, Chrystofer Benson Collective, Glendale, UT, USA
- Anakin, Chan, Bubbles Salon, Rockville, MD, USA
- Erin Fernandes, Bon Bon Salon, London, OT, Canada
- Michelle O’Connor, Michelle O’Connor Beauty, Hollywood, FL, USA
- Galyna Poczciwinski, Ulta Beauty, West Haven, CT, USA
HAIRCUTTING – PROFESSIONAL
- David Barron, Barron’s London Salon, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Chrystofer Benson, Chrystofer Benson Collective, Glendale, UT, USA
- John Nguyen, The Grand Salon, CA, USA
- Brayden Pelletier, just b hair, Braselton, GA, USA
- Mark Westerop, Pro-Solo Hairartist, Alkmaar, Netherlands
MOTION AI – PROFESSIONAL
- Anakin Chan, Bubbles Salon, Rockville, MD, USA
- Jamal Edmonds, JE Parlor, Upper Marlboro, MD, USA
- Carlos Estrella, Los Cut It, Chicago, IL, USA
- Jackie Litscher, Jackie Litscher Hair, New York, NY, USA
- Ruth Roche, Ruth Roche, Napa, CA, USA
TEAM COLLABORATION – PROFESSIONAL
- Chrystofer Benson, Chrystofer Benson Collective, Glendale, UT, USA
- Garcia George, The Loft Salon, Fresno, CA, USA
- Reva Haga, Ulta Beauty, Bollingbrook, IL, USA
- Jerica Wentzell, Lukas Press, Gingersnap Salon, Toronto, Ontario
- Jaimee Harris Smith, JCPENNY, Little Elm, TX, USA
TEXTURE EXPERT – PROFESSIONAL
- Chrystofer Benson, Chrystofer Benson Collective, Glendale, UT, USA
- Caidy Brasure, Caidy Brasure Hair, Greenville, SC, USA
- Jamal Edmonds, JE Parlor, Upper Marlboro, MD, USA
- Michelle O’Connor, Michelle O'Connor Beauty, Hollywood FL, USA
- Brayden Pelletier, just b hair, Braselton, GA, USA
Tickets are on sale now for the 2026 America’s Beauty Show, held April 18-20, 2026, Rosemont, IL.
Rosemont is conveniently located close to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The Donald E. Stephens
Convention Center and Entertainment District offers walkable proximity to world class hotels, a variety
of excellent dining options, and stellar premium shopping! The entertainment campus is one you will
want to revisit year after year.
Secure your tickets for America's Beauty Show and the Global Image Awards at americasbeautyshow.com.
