The Professional Beauty Association (PBA), producer of the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA),  announced Tony Award-winning actor Alan Cumming, well-known for his roles as Eli Gold on The Good Wife, Nightcrawler in the X-Men series and emcee on Broadway’s Cabaret, as the 2016 NAHA host. Known to the industry as the “Academy Awards” of hair, 2016 marks the 27^th year of the photographic beauty competition. The live event, which takes place during PBA Beauty Week, will be held on Sunday, July 24 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The North American Hairstyling Awards celebrates the artistry and skill of the professional beauty industry and highlights 70 talented artists in 14 distinct categories – ranging from Avant-Garde to Salon Design. Online viewers can watch via the official live stream at nahalive.com/modern on Sunday, July 24.

“For close to 30 years the North American Hairstyling Awards has brought the professional beauty industry together to celebrate the passion and artistry of our trade. The Professional Beauty Association is very proud to host this special evening which shines a spotlight on the talent and creativity of these artists,” said Executive Director of the Professional Beauty Association, Steve Sleeper. “We’re thrilled to have Alan Cumming as our host, his energy and enthusiasm will be a great dynamic for this year’s show.”

Schedule of Events:

Red Carpet Reception                    6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

NAHA                                             8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

NAHA After Party                          10:00 p.m.

“As a Tony Award-winning actor, Alan Cumming is the perfect choice to host this year’s North American Hairstyling Awards. His presence will continue to elevate the show and provide an entertaining experience for our guests. I couldn’t be more excited to have Alan join this amazing evening," said Living Proof Creative Director-Global Salon Channel and NAHA Committee Chair Michael Shaun Corby.

MODERN asked Cumming a few questions about hair trends, his own hair routine and, of course, his upcoming role as host of NAHA.

MS: Who does YOUR hair when not on set?

AC: I go to the Russian barbers on East 9th St., near where I live in the East Village of NYC. There is a guy there called Eric who is an amazing cutter. I also have a stylist called Michael Moreno who grooms me for talk shows and fashion shoots and he always gives me the best cut with a bit of sass combined. It's rare for me to be able to do anything radical to my hair, because I always have to have it a certain way for a role, so when I get the chance I go nuts! So if you see me bald, blond or with some asymmetrical do, it's probably because I have just finished a job!

MS: On an “off” day, how do you wear your hair?

AC: Right now, as it's getting a little longer I just put a little bit of wax or argan oil cream in it and shove it out of my face! I like to be floppy and not too groomed-looking and I must be able to run my fingers through my hair!

MS: When you’re dressing up, how do you style your hair? 

AC: It depends on the vibe of the evening or the event and also what I'm wearing, but putting a lot of product in and slicking it back is my go-to look. 

MS: What are your go-to products and do you blow-dry your hair?

AC: I don't own a blow dryer! I know, please try to find it in your hearts to forgive me. As for products I am a bit of a magpie and love to experiment, though I am a huge fan of Bed Head.

MS: Men’s hair is so cool right now—how are you embracing the trends?

AC: I'm continuing my mission to make people feel that both in grooming but also in fashion, girls shouldn't have all the fun!

MS: What fashion/hair trend do you wish would come back in style (for men or women or both)?

AC: The1980s floppy, over-one-side of your face look. Phil Oakey of the Human League was the real king of this, though his flop went down to his chin, a little too far in my book. I just think it's such a good look because you have movement and mystery!

MS: What fashion/hair trend do you wish would die and never come back?

AC: I think this fad for enormous fans being placed just off camera for photo shoots so that people's hair looks like they're put their finger in an electric socket is just dopey

MS: Why are you excited to host NAHA?

AC: I love hair styles, I love awards shows, I love Vegas. It's the trifecta! The perfect storm! 

For more information about the show, please visit probeauty.org/naha.