MENU
SEARCHAmerica's Beauty Show proudly announces the winners of the 2026 Global Image Awards (GIA), honoring exceptional artistry, creativity, and innovation across the professional beauty industry.
Michelle O'Connor
America’s Beauty Show (ABS), owned and produced by Cosmetologists Chicago, proudly announces the winners of the 2026 Global Image Awards (GIA), honoring exceptional artistry, creativity, 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. Each category reflects the evolving artistry and technical precision shaping the future of beauty.
Selected through a blind judging process by a panel of respected industry leaders, media, and educators, each winner was chosen on the strength of their work, evaluating technical execution, creativity, and overall visual impact. This year’s competition showcased established talent and emerging voices from around the world, further reinforcing ABS as a global stage for artistic recognition.
“The ABS Global Image Awards distinguish work that is both technically rigorous and creatively progressive,” said Jessi Marshall-Ewald, ABS Vice President Education and Event. “This year’s winners reflect a refined and evolving industry, and we are very proud to honor them for their creativity, precision, and artistry. Congratulations!"
The 2026 Global Image Awards winners were presented live on Saturday, April 18, 2026, during the 103rd America’s Beauty Show at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. Too Hype Crew provided live entertainment.
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 Winners:
Carlos Estrella, Los Cut It, Chicago, IL, USA
Carlos Estrella
Sandie Tucker, The Hair Phoenix, Deland, FL, USA
Sandie Tucker
Brayden Pelletier, just b hair, Braselton, GA USA
Brayden Pelletier
Michelle O’Connor, Michelle O’Connor Beauty, Hollywood, FL, USA
David Barron, Barron’s London Salon, Atlanta, GA, USA
David Barron
Carlos Estrella, Los Cut It, Chicago, IL, USA
Carlos Estrella
Chrystofer Benson, Chrystofer Benson Collective, Glendale, UT, USA
Chrystofer Benson Collective
Chrystofer Benson, Chrystofer Benson Collective, Glendale, UT, USA
Chrystofer Benson
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.
The Davines Edit reflects the brand’s passion for people and planet.
RÜTE Wash introduces a shower cap designed specifically for crown washing, helping clients with hair extensions cleanse the scalp while protecting the lengths from water.
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.
One-Day Personal and Professional Development Education Event for Beauty Professionals Set for October 25, 2026, at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue.
According to the report, people are moving away from copy-paste trends and toward community, using real experiences to develop a sense of taste and beauty that reflects who they are.
Hairstylists and barbers can showcase their creative and technical vision in two global categories with cash prizes and a chance to represent in Portugal.
The BBR Beauty Show featured a prominent speaker lineup including Lacy Redway, Karrueche Tran, Danessa Myricks, Chelley B., Sabrina Elba, Jessica Harris-Dupart, and more.
The Professional Beauty Association and Pivot Point team up to develop an ongoing study that measures the confidence of salon owners, stylists, school owners, and students.
This shared recognition celebrates the strength of industry collaboration in advancing professional mobility.
In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.
Sponsored by BeautyWorld Dubai
