FAQ
What is NAHA?
What kind of looks do judges want to see in an entry?
What is the deadline for NAHA entries?
Can I use more than one photographer for a category?
What criteria do students need to qualify to enter?
Model Agency Information for NAHA
Can I use male models?
Can I use a child model?
When you say 3 images and 3 models what does that mean?
Can I use the same model in 3 different looks?
Where can I get additional entry forms?
Can my photographer use his/her own release form?
Can I use the model agency release form?
Can I enter more than one category?
Can I send in multiple entries from my salon in one package?
Is it advantageous to enter more than one category?
What format do I use for the images I submit?
Can I submit my photographs on slides?
Can I use other entry images for the Hairstylist of the Year award?
For the Haircolor category, how recent do the "before" shots need to be?
Should I submit a picture of myself (the entrant)?
Can I use the exact same images in the Salon Team of the Year entry that I entered into another category?
Can I use the same model for a separate entry in the same category or another category?
Can I use wigs or hair extensions?
Will you notify me when you get my entry?
How do I know what the judges are looking for?
When will I know if I am a finalist?
Is photo manipulation allowed?
When does NAHA take place?
What is the judging procedure?
What do the NAHA judges take into consideration when judging entries?
Is my entry fee tax deductible?
If I am a colorist only and I want to partner with a cutter to produce an entry can we use both our names.
Do I have to be a professional photographer to enter the Salon Design of the Year category?
In the Fashion Forward category, can I send in headshots of the hair or do they all have to be full body shots or near full body shots?
I am an editorial stylist and have multiple entries to choose from. Can I send my work into the Fashion Forward category?
The North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) is the most prestigious photographic beauty competition in North America, celebrating the artistry and skill of the professional salon industry. Each year, individuals are recognized in 13 categories of excellence during a star-studded awards ceremony. NAHA is part of PBA Beauty Week, North America's largest, most inclusive beauty event, offering unlimited networking, education, and professional growth opportunities to all sectors of the beauty industry. PBA Beauty Week is produced by the Professional Beauty Association and is held in cooperation with Cosmoprof North America.
What kind of looks do judges want to see in an entry?
Click on Past Winners to review the look and feel of past finalists and winners.
What is the deadline for NAHA entries?
The deadline for entries is February 8, 2010. All online entries must be submitted and mail-in entries postmarked no later than February 8, 2010. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Can I use more than one photographer for a category?
Yes, you can use more than one photographer for a category, but each photographer must sign the NAHA release form. (Additional copies can be downloaded from the website and attached to the original.)
What criteria do students need to qualify to enter?
Students who are not licensed by the entry due date may enter the Student Hairstylist of the Year category. If you receive your professional license on or before the entry due date you are no longer a student and you cannot enter the student category.
Model Agency Information for NAHA
Visit the Enter NAHA page to download the Model Agency Release Information PDF for more information.
Yes.
Yes, but both the parent/guardian and child must sign the NAHA release form.
When you say 3 images and 3 models what does that mean?
Enter 3 different images using 3 different models.
Can I use the same model in 3 different looks?
No.
Where can I get additional entry forms?
You may photocopy the forms or download additional forms.
Can my photographer use his/her own release form?
No. You must use NAHA's release form or you will be disqualified.
Can I use the model agency release form?
No. You must use NAHA's release form or you will be disqualified.
Can I enter more than one category?
Yes. However, each category you enter must be treated as an individual entry. See Rules and Regulations for what each entry must include.
Can I send in multiple entries from my salon in one package?
Yes. However, please make sure that each individual entry is separate and the required materials are attached to each entry. Please make sure you use a trackable service when shipping the package. No phone calls will be accepted to check if your entry has arrived.
Is it advantageous to enter more than one category?
As long as the image fits the category description, you can enter more than one category. If you enter an image that clearly does not fit the category, that entry may be disqualified from that category. Please note that the more the judges see the same look and feel of an image, it can dilute the "wow" factor.
What format do I use for the images I submit?
All images must be submitted on CD-ROM. All image files must be in JPEG (.jpg) format. Files must be RGB or grayscale at a minimum of 300DPI and no smaller than 6" x 9".
Can I submit my photographs on slides?
No. Slides will not be accepted.
Can I use other entry images for the Hairstylist of the Year award?
Yes. But remember you need a collection of five images featuring five different models. Hairstylist of the Year is the only category with this exception.
For the Haircolor category, how recent do the "before" shots need to be?
We suggest that they are very recent-part of the shoot and of the same format that the final images are sent in. Please make sure you clearly mark the "before" and "after" shots as Haircolor Model 1 Before, Haircolor Model 1 After, etc.
Should I submit a picture of myself (the entrant)?
If you are notified as a finalist, you will need to provide a headshot of yourself. All images must be submitted on CD-ROM. All image files must be in JPEG (.jpg) format. Files must be RGB or grayscale at a minimum of 300DPI and no smaller than 6" x 9".
Can I use the exact same images in the Salon Team of the Year entry that I entered into another category?
No, the only category where you can use the exact same image already entered into a category is the North American Hairstylist of the Year category.
Can I use the same model for a separate entry in the same category or another category?
Yes. You may use the same model for a separate entry in the same category or in another category; however, the image must be noticeably different. There is one exception to this rule: An image submitted in a category such as Haircolor or Texture may also be submitted in the North American Hairstylist of the Year category as long as five different models are used.
Can I use wigs or hair extensions?
Yes. There is no penalty for such use. Please indicate on your entry form if full wigs or hair extensions have been used.
Will you notify me when you get my entry?
No. We recommend that you ship your entry using a service that offers tracking so that you are able to confirm it was received.
How do I know what the judges are looking for?
First, look at previous years' finalists. Consider the continuity of the entry as a whole and the creativity of hair, make-up and photography coming together. But remember, the focus is on the hair!
When will I know if I am a finalist?
All finalists will be notified by phone after April 30, 2010 but no later than May 1, 2010. Please do not call our office for notification.
Is photo manipulation allowed?
It is neither encouraged nor discouraged. We ask that you use your better judgment to create the image based on your talents. The Haircolor category prohibits color manipulation.
NAHA 2010 will take place July 18, 2010, at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. NAHA is part of PBA Beauty Week. Click here for more information about PBA Beauty Week events.
What is the judging procedure?
Each judge reviews the categories individually and confidentially to determine the top five finalists and winners. The finalists are announced by May 1, 2010, and the winners will be announced on July 18, 2009 at the NAHA Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas.
Three types of judges take part in the NAHA judging:
Top Hairstylists
Trade Editors
Consumer Beauty Editors
What do the NAHA judges take into consideration when judging entries?
The judges take into consideration the following:
Concept or overall creative approach
Art direction and composition
Demonstration of skill in the execution of style, make-up and appropriate wardrobe
Harmony between photographer's execution and stylist's creativity
Appropriateness of image for concept
Technical ability corresponding to category entered
Continuity of all images within the entry
Appropriate use of lighting highlighting details
Is my entry fee tax deductible?
Entry fees may be deductible as a business expense under applicable state and federal laws.
If I am a colorist only and I want to partner with a cutter to produce an entry can we use both our names?
Yes. However, there is only one actual award given at the ceremony. Another option is to enter the Team category.
Do I have to be a professional photographer to enter the Salon Design of the Year category?
You do not have to be a professional; however, it is recommended to capture the light, design and color of the salon.
In the Fashion Forward category, can I send in headshots of the hair or do they all have to be full body shots or nearly full body shots?
The Fashion Forward category cannot be headshots alone. The images of the models can be more creative, such as sitting or standing, but full body is requested.
I am an editorial stylist and have multiple entries to choose from. Can I send my work into the Fashion Forward category?
You can as long as you complete the entire NAHA entry form including models' and photographers' signatures. We will not accept it as an entry without the entry form properly completed.