The Professional Beauty Association (PBA), owner of the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA), has announced the opening of the 2017 entry process.

Throughout December and the beginning of February, licensed professionals from hair, barber, nails, and makeup from the United States, Canada and Mexico can enter the prestigious photographic competition.

Entries are accepted online only and must be submitted by 9 p.m. EST (6 p.m. PST) Feb. 10, 2017.

“Now in its 28th year, the North American Hairstyling Awards showcases the expertise, creativity and spirit of our industry,” stated PBA Executive Director Steve Sleeper. “The Professional Beauty Association is excited to announce two new categories this year—Haircutting, and Styling and Finishing. Both categories will be great new additions to the competition.”

Online Resources for Entering NAHA

PBA created online tools to support applicants and assist them in preparing award-winning collections.

Webinar series: Deconstructing NAHA | a 3-Part Web Series Featuring Charlie Price, provides a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process from two-time NAHA Hairstylist of the Year winner, Charlie Price, as he builds a mock NAHA collection from initial concept to final retouching to judging. Part 1 – From Storyboard to Photoshoot Part 2 – The Collection Comes to Life Part 3 – Judging the Collection

To register for these webinars please visit: probeauty.org/deconstructingnaha

Tips and Tricks List: To support industry professionals interested in entering, PBA provides a list of tips for entering the competition, posted at probeauty.org/naha and ongoing on PBA’s social channels. 

NAHA 2017 Event

Licensed professionals can submit within 15 categories spanning hair, barber, nails and makeup. New this year, PBA has introduced two new categories:

Haircutting:  Collections showcasing an expertise in creating looks with a focus on the cut.

Styling and Finishing: Showcases artistry in styling and finishing from behind the chair to session work to the runway.

The Nail Professional of the Year: Returning for its third year as an official NAHA category, licensed nail technicians are eligible to enter and show off a multitude of skills such as embellishments, nail art and salon nails.

NAHA’s People’s Choice Award:  Will be returning in 2017, and is open to entrants not selected as NAHA Finalists. The selection process will take place after the NAHA Finalist Announcements are made on May 10, 2017.  Those selected to compete in the People’s Choice Award will be notified via text and email with entry guidelines and deadlines. The NAHA People’s Choice Award voting will take place online, with thefive entries with the most votes receiving an invite to attend the awards ceremony.  During NAHA attendees will be encouraged to vote by text for their favorite image, and the winner will be announced before the end of the event.

PBA Members (Professionals) can enter for $55 per category ($40 for Student Hairstylist of the Year), and Non-Members (Professionals) can enter for $110/per category ($80 for Student Hairstylist of the Year).

CHECK OUT MODERN SALON'S 2016 WINNERS PORTFOLIO!

NAHA 2017 will take place on Sunday, July 9, 2017 in Las Vegas, during PBA Beauty Week. Visit probeauty.org/naha for more information about the show.