- The Professional Beauty Association Hosts Sold-Out Celebration of Creativity, Passion & Innovation
Orlando, FL — The professional beauty industry’s most dazzling night has come to a spectacular close, and the results are in! The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) proudly unveiled the winners of the 36th Annual North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA)—a celebration of vision, innovation, and transformative artistry.
Nearly 1,700 attendees filled the Chapin Theater at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center on June 1, as the industry’s top talent lit up the stage with a spectacular showcase of creativity and artistry. Embracing the theme “Show Your True Colors,” the evening celebrated authenticity, individuality, and bold self-expression.
This marks the second consecutive year that NAHA has reached sold-out status, underscoring its impact and prestige. “NAHA is more than a competition—it’s a platform for artists to pause and reflect on their work, their voice, and their impact,” said Leslie Perry, PBA, Executive Director. “NAHA is the one time in licensed professionals’ career where they get to step out of the everyday hustle and ask: Who am I as an artist? What do I want my work to say? What does it mean?”
The evening spotlighted excellence across categories from Haircolor to Editorial Styling, Barbering to Avant Garde. Each finalist brought extraordinary creativity to their collections, and the winners truly transcended expectations—delivering work that was both inspiring and groundbreaking.
And the Winners Are…
- Avant Garde Award: Rusty Phillips (@rustyphillips13)
- Barber of the Year: Carlos Estrella (@Los_cut_it)
- Editorial Stylist of the Year: Maggie Semaan (@maggiesemaan)
- Educator of the Year: Candy Shaw (@thebalaylama)
- Haircolor Award: Breanne Gershon (@glam.breanne)
- Haircutting Award: Evie Johnson (@contactevie)
- Hairstylist of the Year: David Barron (@barronslondonsalon)
- Inspiring Salon of the Year: Salon27 (@salon27az)
- Makeup Artist of the Year: Angela Balbon (@mzbartistry)
- Master Hairstylist of the Year: Matthew Morris (@matthewmorriscode)
- NAHAMoment: Brooke LeMasters (@brookelemastershair)
- Student Hairstylist of the Year: Allison Dexter (@cauldron_of_color)
- Styling and Finishing: Breanne Gershon (@glam.breanne)
- Team of the Year: Cult Salon (@cult.salon.co)
- Texture: Vernon François (@vernonfrancois)
One of the night’s most emotional and inspiring moments came with the presentation of the Industry Icon Award—a prestigious honor reserved for those whose influence has profoundly shaped the beauty industry’s future.
This year, the award was presented to the legendary Antoinette Beenders, Senior Vice President Global Artistry at Aveda. Antoinette is a creative force whose career has redefined what it means to be an artist, mentor, and visionary in professional beauty.
“The Industry Icon doesn’t just set the standard—they redefine what’s possible,” said Perry. “Through fearless creativity, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to the craft, Antoinette Beenders has ignited inspiration across generations.”
The Professional Beauty Association extends heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors, whose partnership and support are instrumental in making NAHA 2025 a reality. Their commitment to innovation, education, and community fuels the artistry and excellence celebrated on this unforgettable night.
We are proud to be supported by a stellar lineup of industry leaders and changemakers, including Amika, Aloxxi, Aveda, Biolage, Denman Professional, Dyson, JCPenney, Goldwell, L’Oreal Professional Products, Matrix, milk_shake, Mizani, Moroccanoil, My Salon Suite, Olaplex, Paul Mitchell, Pure Brazilian, Pureology, Redken, Schwarzkopf, Solano, The Texture of Change, and Ulta. Together, they help elevate the beauty industry and empower professionals to thrive.
To explore the full list of winners and view their breathtaking collections, view their collections here.
Here’s to showing your true colors—today, tomorrow, and beyond.
About The Professional Beauty Association
The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is the leading membership organization uniting beauty professionals to shape the future of the industry. We keep professional beauty professional—championing policies that protect the industry, providing trusted resources, and fostering a powerful community built on connection, creativity, and growth. We serve licensed professionals, salon and spa owners, independent stylists, students, distributors, and manufacturers—providing the education, resources, and advocacy they need to succeed today and thrive tomorrow. We are the platform for excellence—home to North American Hairstyling Awards, Beacon Student Program, and Executive Summit—and the catalyst for change, strengthening businesses and supporting beauty professionals in times of crisis through the PBA Disaster Relief Fund and other charitable programs. When beauty thrives, we all do. Become a member and be part of the movement defining what’s next in beauty. Join us at probeauty.org.
Contact Information:
Leslie Davis
PBA Communications Director
lesliedavis@probeauty.org
