MENU
SEARCHIn addition to his Avant Garde nomination this year, Holzberger is also a finalist in this year’s Editorial Stylist category. Here, Holzberger shares with us his passion for NAHA and why he keeps entering.
Daniel Holzberger
understands rejection. The Creative Director at Van Michael Salon in Atlanta (vanmichael.com) has been a North American Hairstyling Awards finalist in the Avant Garde category for four years straight (no small feat), but has yet to win the big prize (he's also had eight NAHA nominations during this time).
In addition to his Avant Garde nomination this year, Holzberger is also a finalist in this year's Editorial Stylist category. Here, Holzberger shares with us his passion for NAHA and why he keeps entering.
MODERN SALON: What motivates you to enter every year?
Daniel Holzberger: It's not the award that motivates me, it's the art of doing something new in hair-the product creates the entry.
MS: How do you come up with something different every year?
DH: I am constantly thinking of creating art. I am always coming up with ideas that I sketch down. Some good, most bad, but still they are ideas that keep me interested in my craft.
MS: Why do you pursue the Avant Garde category?
DH: I love creating new looks in hair. However, the only way to make a true artistic masterpiece is to come up with something new and groundbreaking and the Avant Garde category supports that.
MS: How do you feel about being the Susan Lucci of the NAHA awards?
DH: I wish I had the paycheck she got for 20 years of Erika Kane on All My Children! I don't mind. I am one of those people who say that second place is the first loser, but last time I checked, being the loser at the Superbowl still means you got an invite to the big dance.
MS: Do you work with the same team every year?
DH: There are always moving parts to the team; however, the core has stayed the same. I have kept the same photographer, Babak, for all four years and he really has pushed me to keep getting better each year. The other person who has stayed consistent is my fiancée, Sevin. She always reminds me that there is always someone out there trying to break new ground.
Celebrating 60 years in haircare, Dippity-Do is honoring its styling heritage with its Girls with Curls collection, a reimagined Light Hold Gelée inspired by the brand's original 1965 styling gel.
Covet & Mane has expanded its Pro Color System with the launch of Color Boost Drops, completing what the company says is the first professional color system engineered specifically for hair extensions.
The 2026 Beauty Changes Lives Legacy Award has been awarded to Sam Villa for his trailblazing contribution, advocacy and mentorship that has profoundly transformed and elevated the professional beauty industry.
CND is relaunching its SHELLAC system with a new CND Visible Light Lamp, updated packaging, and an expanded shade offering.
Curl Cult founder Janine Jarman, a hairstylist, salon owner, educator, and product creator, is opening a community investment round that gives hairdressers and clients the opportunity to own a stake in the company they helped grow.
The night honored the artists and collections shaping the future of professional beauty during PBA NAHA 2026.
The ultra-lightweight, handle-free dryer is designed to reduce wrist strain while delivering powerful performance behind the chair.
Aura Salonware is proud to announce its 2026 scholarship recipients. This first-time scholarship in partnership with the Professional Beauty Association awarded three different scholarships to support beauty professionals at every point in their professional journey.
SalonCentric has announced its expansion into Alaska, marking the distributor’s presence across all 50 states and bringing additional access to professional beauty products, education and business support to licensed salon professionals in the region.
The 2026 Faces of Sola Visionaries encompass industry leaders driving innovation and meaningful change on their own terms.
Though their Astronaut of Hope collection of brushes and clips, ERGO Styling Tools raises $33,000 to support HairToStay, the first and only national nonprofit dedicated to making scalp cooling treatments affordable for cancer patients.
A new professional smoothing collection designed to help stylists control frizz and humidity while maintaining natural-looking results.
At the America’s Beauty Show press conference—hosted in collaboration with Cosmetologists Chicago—these standout professionals were recognized for their contributions to the industry.
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
A new report criticizes the regulations' impact against students and entrepreneurs.
As rich red-violet tones continue trending, the brand introduces two new demi shades designed for depth, shine, and dimensional color.
amika's new Stylist Circle is a community-first model designed to reflect and support the full spectrum of today's working stylists. Find out how you can join.
