The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) has announced theBeacon Class of 2026, sponsored by My Salon Suite, welcoming 222 students selected from 435 applicants. This marks the program’s largest applicant pool and class size in more than six years, reflecting growing national engagement in professional beauty education.

Beacon Student Program Expands National Reach

Beacon is PBA’s premier student leadership initiative, created to strengthen the future of professional beauty by connecting emerging talent with industry leaders, brands and real-world career pathways. By bringing students together at a national platform, Beacon fosters a more connected and collaborative professional community.

Applications rose significantly this year, increasing 47 percent in esthetics and doubling in nail technology. Students applied from 25 states, including seven new states not represented in recent cycles. The growth signals rising interest in specialized beauty disciplines and an expanding national footprint for the program.

Beacon 2026 to Take Place at Premiere Orlando

Beacon 2026 will be held May 29–31, 2026, alongside Premiere Orlando in Orlando, Florida. As part of the experience, students will attend the 2026 PBA North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA), presented by JCPenney, offering exposure to the highest level of creative excellence in the industry.

“Beacon is where the future of our industry begins,” saidLeslie Perry, CEO of the Professional Beauty Association. “These students are not only emerging professionals. They are future salon and spa owners, educators, brand leaders, manufacturers and distributors. Beacon serves as a launching pad for a stronger, more unified professional beauty industry. By investing in their growth today, we are shaping a more connected, resilient and collaborative future for us all.”

Rigorous Application and Selection Process

The Beacon selection process remains competitive. Applicants submit a resume, video introduction, social media portfolio and letter of recommendation. A panel of industry judges — including salon owners, manufacturers and distributors — reviews all submissions.

Students will receive curated swag bags valued at hundreds of dollars, courtesy of PBA Beacon and NAHA sponsors. Travel assistance is available through the Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation, PBA Charities scholarships and Associated Skin Care Professionals travel reimbursements, helping reduce financial barriers.

The Beacon Class of 2026 announcement is sponsored by My Salon Suite. The program continues to connect students with leadership development, national industry exposure and career-building opportunities at a pivotal stage in their professional journey.

About the Professional Beauty Association (PBA)

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is the leading membership organization uniting licensed professionals, salon and spa owners, stylists, students, distributors and manufacturers to shape the future of the beauty industry.

PBA champions policies that protect the industry, provides trusted education and resources, and fosters a community built on connection, creativity and growth. PBA is home to the North American Hairstyling Awards, the Beacon Student Program and the Executive Summit. The organization also supports beauty professionals in times of crisis through the PBA Disaster Relief Fund and other charitable initiatives.

Learn more at probeauty.org.