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SEARCHIt was a fierce display of creativity presented live before a Los Angeles audience. Sebastian's What's Next Awards lived up to the brand's promise of hair innovation and beauty excitement.
The Sebastian Professional’s What’s Next Tour came to a halt in Los Angeles last night, April 28, but the end of the tour was the beginning of some big, hair-raising excitment.
Sebastian What's Next Awards are the culmination of a multi-city "Black Ops" tour during which Sebastian Design Team Members shared inspiring styling with each market's audience while encouraging them to enter the What's Next Challenge. The What's Next Awards are an opportunity for established and up-and-coming stylists to design the next great leap for hairdressing and create their own design interpretation of Sebastian's "Urban Explorer" theme, an homage to the energy of four "urban markets on the rise" as Sebastian's Education Director Carole Protat aptly put it.
From an original field of nearly 400 entries, finalists were narrowed down to four in each category (Established Stylists and New Talent/Student Stylist). These remaining eight competed by creating their designs on site at St. Vibiana's Cathedral in downtown Los Angeles under the watchful eyes of four discerning judges. Then, with their work complete, they went on stage during the show in front of hundreds of fellow stylists and salon owners to have the winners announced.
Rachel Carr from Salon Vivace in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania won the New Talent Category with her riff on the uber-cool energy of San Francisco.
Daniel Lozado of Puerto Rico won the Established Talent Category. He described his design, inspired by Sao Paolo, as an homage to the Latin woman and to Latin culture, both containing plenty of heat.
A runway show featuring Design Team Headliners Anthony Cole, Omar Antonio, Marylle Koken and Diva Poulos kept the crowd engaged, entertained and always wondering What's Next? The answer is Alter Ego, a new collection launching in July that had its debut last night.
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.
