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The Hair Pro Awards

Celebrating creativity, passion, and commitment to excellence. The industry's most authentic awards, organised by hair professionals for hair professionals.

HAIR PRO AWARDS
BY HAIR PROSFOR HAIR PROS

The Master Hair Pro Awards are a celebration of the global hair community's creativity, passion, and commitment to excellence! Organised by hair professionals for hair professionals, this truly is an industry first.

The Moment You’ve Been Waiting For: Meet Our 2026 Finalists!

The wait is finally over. After weeks of going through entries and seeing the sheer amount of heart you’ve all put into your work, we are so proud to announce the finalists for this year’s Master Hair Pro Awards.

Taking a great photo is a skill, but being a dedicated, professional Hair Pro is a calling. Every single one of you on this list is a credit to our industry, HUGE congratulations from all of us at WELOVE.

We’re so excited to see you all at the ceremony. Let the celebrations begin!

WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT

Authenticity over hype

The Hair Pro Awards were born from the heart of the salon. We aren't a product brand or a media house; we are a collective of salon owners, independent stylists, colourists, professionals who spend our days behind the chair, just like you. While the industry has many wonderful platforms for high-fashion photography and major brand campaigns, we saw a space for something different. Our focus is on genuine excellence in the daily craft. We believe that incredible talent shouldn't be defined by the size of a marketing budget or the scale of a photoshoot, but by the skill, dedication, and artistry shown in every service. This is about collaboration over competition. It’s an opportunity to lift each other up and acknowledge the grit and hard work it takes to succeed in this industry. Who better to recognise your achievements than the peers who truly understand the work? This is OUR community, celebrating OUR talent.

  • Judged by fellow hair professionals
  • No brand influence on outcomes
  • Celebrates real skill and dedication
  • Accessible to everyone around the globe

The Hair Pro Awards 2026 Categories - Open to Everyone!

Master Colourist of the Year

Recognising outstanding colour work - from creative to corrective.

Master Stylist of the Year

Celebrating precision cutting and innovative styling techniques.

Master Educator/Lecturer of the Year

Recognising those who inspire and teach the next generation.

Future Talent of the Year

Celebrating emerging talent in the early stages of their career.

Master Hair Pro of the Year

The ultimate accolade for the all-around professional who demonstrates mastery across all facets of hair artistry.

Master Barber of the Year

Celebrating the art of barbering, from traditional heritage techniques to modern precision fades.

Master Colourist of the Year

Recognising outstanding colour work – from creative to corrective.

Student/Apprentice of the Year

Recognising the dedication and skill of those currently in training who show exceptional promise.

Salon of the Year

Honouring a business that demonstrates excellence in service, atmosphere, and professional standards.

Home Salon/Freelancer of the Year

Recognising the independent professionals who provide elite hair services within a bespoke or mobile environment.

International Hair Pro of the Year

Celebrating the outstanding work being produced by hair professionals with a global presence.

Client Favourite of the Year

The people’s choice award, recognising the stylist who consistently goes above and beyond for their clients.

Client Image of the Year

Celebrating the most stunning transformation or "finished look" created in a real-world salon setting.

Texture Hair Pro of the Year

Honouring specialists who demonstrate mastery, care, and creativity in textured, curly, and coily hair types.

The Purple Heart Community Awards (Exclusively for Purple Heart Members)

Purple Heart Hair Pro of the Year

Recognising a member who embodies the WELOVE values and has shown incredible growth in their professional journey.

Purple Heart Master Hair Pro of the Year

Awarded to a Master level member who represents the pinnacle of the Purple Heart standards and community leadership.

Outstanding Contribution of the Year

Honouring an individual who has made a significant positive impact on the WELOVE Purple Hearts community.

Outstanding Contribution to Education

Recognising a member whose commitment to learning and sharing knowledge has elevated the standards of the industry.

WELOVE Ambassador of the Year

Celebrating the ambassador who has most effectively championed our mission and supported their local hair pro community.

Seal of Approval Product of the Year

Recognising the brand-neutral product or tool that has become an essential "must-have" for our professional community.
THE AWARDS NIGHT

An evening of celebration

The Hair Pro Awards night is a spectacular celebration of our industry's best. From the red carpet arrival to the final award, every moment is designed to honour excellence and bring our community together. Whether you're a nominee, a supporter, or simply want to celebrate with fellow professionals, the awards night is an unforgettable experience.

  • Live demos and member spotlights
  • Dress for a celebration!
  • Drinks reception and networking
  • Awards ceremony
  • Celebration after party

Meet the 2026 Finalists

Congratulations to every finalist — your passion and dedication to the craft is an inspiration to the whole community.

Master Educator of the Year

Alison Brightwell

Alison Brightwell Education

Kate Holohan

Leanne Spriggle-Hughes

Yeovil College

Maire Abbett

Self employed

Nova Fanner

Novalux Hairdressing

International Master Hair Pro of the Year

Amanda Pearsons

Identity Salon

Attila Can

Attilacan

Cristina Ana Tomescu

Frizzi

John Valavanis

Clippers Barbershop

Mihai Victor Drinceanu

Misty Ellis

The Hive Salon Co.

Oana Barbu

Oana Barbu Hair Artist

Robert Lordache

artist.salon.academy

Freelancer of the Year

Alison Brightwell

Alison Brightwell Education

Anika Wilding

The Hive and Hairloss Clinic

Chloe Bradford

Hair By Chloe

Eliana Charrasquiel-Correa

Cuore Hairstylist

Rebecca Cross

Head Rush

Barber of the Year

Alison Brightwell

Alison Brightwell Education

Florin Minoa

MenShapers

Mihai Victor Drinceanu

Sam Howell

Skulduggery Barber Collective

Spotlight

John Valavanis

Spotlight

Clippers Barbershop

Salon of the Year

KJM Salon

Kerry Mather - Fleet, Hampshire

Novalux

Nova Fanner — Poole, Dorset

Re:new

Wendy Jones & Julie — Lincolnshire

Safy B's

Safy Burton — Buckinghamshire

The Curl Specialist Bournemouth

Jen Gaia — Dorset

Master Stylist of the Year

Chaniece Collins

The Barnet Lodge

Cristina Ana Tomescu

Frizzi

Emily Davies

Luxelounge

Nova Fanner

Novalux Hairdressing

Porsha Lewis

Hair by Porsha

Master Texture Hair Pro of the Year

Cristina Ana Tomescu

Frizzi

Jen Gaia

The Curl Specialist Bournemouth

John Valavanis

Clippers Barbershop

Juh Leal

Salon64

Nova Fanner

Novalux Hairdressing

Future Talent

Abbie Kimber

The Barnet Lodge

Chaniece Collins

The Barnet Lodge

Chloe Bradford

Hair By Chloe

Layla Cowley

Stylist @lillylockshairandbeauty

Stephanie Hughes

Mobile Stylist

Level 3

Spotlight

Anisha Khan

Spotlight

Re:new Hair Beauty by Expressions

Colourist of the Year

Anika Wilding

The Hive and Hairloss Clinic

Demi-jade Forrest

Renew Hair Beauty by Expressions

Laurie Davis

Renew Hair Beauty by Expressions

Manisha Sahonta

Kelly's Hair Oxford

Nova Fanner

Novalux Hairdressing

Rebecca Cross

Head Rush

Spotlight

Misty Ellis

Spotlight

The Hive Salon Co.

Oana Barbu

Spotlight

Oana Barbu Hair Artist

Student of the Year

Charlotte Tripp

Cornwall College Camborne

Level 2

Ebony Grace Matthews

Level 3

Ella Park

Kelly's Hair Oxford

Level 3

Hannah Hardie

Franklin Hair Spa

Level 3

Lexi Stranger

The Ivy Hair and Beauty

Level 2

Maddison Main

Studio Six

Level 3

Saffron Kate Milham

Enzos hair and beauty

Level 3

Stephanie Hughes

Mobile Stylist

Level 3

Master Hair Pro of the Year

Attila Can

Attilacan

Carol Ritchie

Carol Ritchie Bespoke Hair

Cristina Ana Tomescu

Frizzi

Demi-jade Forrest

Renew Hair Beauty by Expressions

Dylan Jack McConnachie

Glo

Emily Davies

Luxelounge

Jen Gaia

The Curl Specialist Bournemouth

John Valavanis

Clippers Barbershop

Laura Mason

Salon Euphoria

Laurie Davis

Renew Hair Beauty by Expressions

Lisa Carmichael

LC Hair and MUA

Nova Fanner

Novalux Hairdressing

Rebecca Cross

Head Rush

Awards in Numbers

10+

Categories

Across all disciplines.

100+

Entries

Submitted each year.

150+

Attendees

At the awards ceremony.

Winning a Hair Pro Award was validation from my peers - the people who truly understand what it takes. It meant more than any other award I've received.

Hair Pro Awards Winner

SPONSORSHIP

Sponsor the Hair Pro Awards

Align your brand with excellence by sponsoring the Hair Pro Awards. As a sponsor, you'll gain visibility with engaged professionals who value quality and authenticity. Sponsorship packages include branding at the event, social media promotion, and direct engagement with our community.