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SEARCHEntries for the Keune Hairstylist Awards 2026 global competition are now open to stylists worldwide. Get your submissions in by March 31, 2026!
photo courtesy of Keune
A winnning look from Xie Jin Wei, Taiwan
Since 1922, Keune has celebrated the creativity of hairstylists worldwide. The Keune Hairstylist Awards 2026 continue that legacy, offering a global stage where artistry meets innovation. This is more than a competition — it's an invitation to showcase visionary skills, inspire the next generation, and join a worldwide community of creative excellence. This is the ultimate opportunity for all hair professionals to unleash their creativity and showcase true talent. Whether you're a session stylist, salon owner, educator, or freelance artist — this is your moment!
Every participating country will host its own national competition, where stylists will compete in three categories:
Color - Express your vision in color. Create an editorial look that shows creativity, precision, and vision.
Creative - Go all out. Be bold, dare to inspire and push the boundaries of hairstyling and color. This is where you can really take things to the next level.
Style - Call on your innovative, cutting-edge styling skills to create a look that's both modern, creative and on trend. Challenge yourself, but make sure your creation remains wearable.
National winners will advance to the global finals, where a distinguished panel of industry icons will select the world's finest hairstylists and award them with several prizes. The competition celebrates the limitless possibilities of true hair artistry and is open to all hairstylists worldwide.
The global winners will be chosen by a panel of industry leaders. Together, they will evaluate each finalist on aesthetics, creativity, and professionalism.
photo courtesy of Keune
Creative Director of the Trevor Sorbie Group, he inspires global hairstylists with his innovative approach and creative vision.
photo courtesy of Keune
Keune Global Ambassador, trusted stylist to stars like Billie Eilish and Joe Jonas.
photo courtesy of Keune
Respected hair industry expert shaping trends worldwide.
photo courtesy of Keune
President of Keune, third-generation visionary driving excellence and empowering hair professionals worldwide.
Global Campaign Collab - A professional Social Campaign shoot guided by Keune Global Ambassador Luke Benson. The results will be shared across all Keune social media channels and global newsletters, reaching and inspiring their global community of over 250,000 people worldwide.
International Magazine Feature - Your winning look will be published in Estetica, one of the world's leading professional hair magazines. This recognition will provide visibility and prestige within the global community of hair professionals.
Trip to Amsterdam & Keune HQ - An unforgettable trip to the Netherlands to visit Keune Headquarters. Step into the lab, explore behind the scenes, and enjoy a few heart-warming surprises along the way.
€1000 Worth of Keune Products - To support the craft of hair professionals, Keune will gift the winner €1000 worth of Keune products of your choice.
€3000 Cash - A reward to invest in your personal growth: from uplifting your skills with advanced training, elevating your creative journey with new projects, or even taking a well-deserved holiday to recharge.
Meet & Greet - A personal encounter with the Keune family. Experience the warmth and passion that drive Keune's heritage as the family welcomes you and celebrates your achievement together.
The Keune Hairstylist Awards celebrate bold creativity and exceptional skill. The previous editions' winners set new benchmarks in artistry, proving that with vision and craft, a hair professional can captivate an international audience. Their success is an invitation for this year's participants to dream bigger and push boundaries.
Winner: Chen Zan Wen, Taiwan
photo courtesy of Keune
Winner: Tyler Kelbert, USA
photo courtesy of Keune
Winner: Eduardo Brizola Camera, Brazil
photo courtesy of Keune
Winner: Xie Jin Wei, Taiwan
Winner: Irma Endriuziene, Lithuania
photo courtesy of Keune
Winner: De-Wei Liu, Taiwan
photo courtesy of Keune
January 5, 2026 - Entries open
March 31, 2026 - Entry deadline
May 1, 2026 - National winners announced
June 30, 2026 - Global winners announced
This year’s awards centered around the Monochromatic trend, which is rooted in minimalism and intentional by design.
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Hairstylists and barbers can showcase their creative and technical vision in two global categories with cash prizes and a chance to represent in Portugal.
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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
