MENU
SEARCHSince 2009, Sebastian Professional has been conducting the “What’s Next Awards” competition to give stylists in North America a creative outlet that delivers national coverage and peer attention. The competition was so successful that in 2011 it became the global “What’s Next Challenge,” inviting stylists and beauty junkies—non-stylist artists who are hair obsessed— from all over the world to participate.
WHAT: Since 2009, Sebastian Professional has been conducting the “What’s Next Awards” competition to give stylists in North America a creative outlet that delivers national coverage and peer attention. The competition was so successful that in 2011 it became the global “What’s Next Challenge,” inviting stylists and beauty junkies—non-stylist artists who are hair obsessed— from all over the world to participate.
WHEN AND WHERE: Winners were introduced April 15 in Berlin during a special competition, celebration and Nightshade Masquerade Ball attended by hundreds of stylists, contest finalists and judges. Judges included Sebastian Global Artistic Directors Shay Dempsey, Michael Polsinelli and Ed Moelands, along with Sebastian Professional Visionary and accessory designer, Kerin Rose.
WHO: Stylist Zheng Fei from Shanghai, China, was named the 2012 What’s Next Challenge winner for his “Stardust” style after he and nine other finalists recreated their hair looks on stage for the Sebastian Professional judging panel. Entries were originally submitted online as photo images based on a theme of Cosmic Infinities, inspired by a futuristic Sebastian collection fueled by Potion 9 and Potion 9 Lite.
NEXT: For the 2012/13 cycle, the Sebastian What’s Next Awards will return to its roots as an exclusively North American competition. The competition is slated to be part of a major Sebastian education, inspiration and advocacy tour across the continent starting this fall, and will likely wrap with a live event in Los Angeles in Spring 2013. The winner will earn a chance to style backstage at New York Fashion Week with the Sebastian Design Team.
MORE DETAILS: Watch for updates on sebastianprofessional.com, facebook.com/sebastianpro and twitter@sebastianpro.
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.
