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SEARCHThe Global Image Awards are a celebration of vision, artistry, and the future of professional beauty.
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.
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
Kristen Higgins, Kristen Higgins, Platteville, WI, USA
Sandie Tucker, The Hair Phoenix, Deland FL, USA
Mariia Zolotun, Mariia Zolotun, Cumming, GA USA
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
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
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
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
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
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.
At its core, Bumble and bumble is about giving people the tools, the confidence, and the freedom to express themselves through hair.
Premiere Show Group has announced IN FOCUS, the creative campaign behind the Premiere 2027 Show Tour, developed in collaboration with award-winning Ashlee Norman Hair & Team.
Next stop, Portugal! These winners will represent North America at the Wella Destination Event in the Global TrendVision Awards.
Stylists Yene Damtew and Jamal Edmonds launch Coil Event, a textured hair event for working stylists with hands-on education, live demonstrations, industry conversation, and networking.
Powered by mya, the zero-commission matchmaking tool connects clients with suite owners, setting a new tech benchmark in the salon suite industry.
A reimagined Press Conference and Official Show Launch will feature the artistry and creative direction of the Chrystofer Benson Artist Team, an exclusive first look at America’s Beauty Show 2027, and an invitation to EXPERIENCE the PULSE - The Heartbeat of the Professional Beauty Industry.
Maya Smith, CEO, Founder and Creative Director of haircare brand The Doux, sits down with Nicole to chat about the brand's new Roblox game, My Salon Empire, inspired by salon entrepreneurship and celebrating all hair textures.
This global competition celebrates the artistry, energy, and creative PULSE of the professional beauty community.
Sofia Vergara, Lucy Hale, Alison Brie, John Salley, Brian Austin Green and more honored the best achievements in Science Behind Beauty, Health & Wellness at this glittering event.
Stress was the factor respondents blamed most often when their skin worsened, cited by 54%, followed by diet at 37% and hormones at 35%.
This year’s awards centered around the Monochromatic trend, which is rooted in minimalism and intentional by design.
Haircare brand The Doux has launched “My Salon Empire,” a free-to-play salon management game on Roblox, helping the next generation celebrate the diversity of textured hair and explore salon entrepreneurship.
The show reported 30% attendance growth. It felt that way. This event for the southwest professional beauty community had heart, spice, and something for everyone.
Wella artists presented the Monochromatic trend movement, introduced new Pure Perfection color and Sebastian styling innovations, while the Wella team created interactive fun throughout Wella Studio in Los Angeles.
Dominique LyVar, an influential educator and artist, is remembered by those who loved him for his significant impact on the industry and contributions to the community.
Known for his buttery blondes and a technique for highlighting hair with more precision that he called chunking, Brad Johns died on August 27. His friend and fellow colorist, David Stanko, shares thoughts on his talented colleague and close friend.
As technology evolves at an accelerated rate, you want to make sure you have the best in your business toolkit to help you grow sales, motivate your team, communicate with your current and future clientele, and streamline your managerial tasks. The 2026 SALON TODAY Technology Solutions Guide is designed to help you navigate today's growing landscape of salon and spa technology. In this guide, you'll find a curated look at more than 50 of the latest software platforms, digital solutions, and innovative features to help you compare options and identify the best fit for your business.
