FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Professional Beauty Association Announces Beacon Class of 2026, Largest Cohort in More Than Six Years
February 18, 2026 (Scottsdale, AZ) — The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) has announced the Beacon Class of 2026, sponsored by My Salon Suite, welcoming 222 students selected from 435 applicants. The figures represent the program’s largest applicant pool and class size in more than six years and reflect growing national engagement in professional beauty education.
Beacon is PBA’s premier student leadership initiative, designed to strengthen the future of professional beauty by connecting emerging talent with industry leaders, brands and career pathways. By bringing students together from across the country at a national platform, Beacon helps foster a more connected and collaborative professional community.
Beacon 2026 takes place May 29–31, 2026, alongside Premiere Orlando in Orlando, Florida. As part of the experience, students will attend the 2026 PBA North American Hairstyling Awards, presented by JCPenney, gaining exposure to the industry’s highest level of creative excellence.
Applications increased 47 percent in esthetics and doubled in nail technology, while applicants came from 17 states, including seven new states not seen in recent cycles. The growth underscores rising interest in specialized beauty disciplines and a broader national footprint for the program.
“Beacon is where the future of our industry begins,” said Leslie Perry, CEO of the Professional Beauty Association. “These students are not only emerging professionals. They are future salon and spa owners, educators, brand leaders, manufacturers and distributors. Beacon serves as a launching pad for a stronger, more unified professional beauty industry. By investing in their growth today, we are shaping a more connected, resilient and collaborative future for us all.”
Beacon’s selection process remains rigorous. Applicants submit a resume, a video introduction, a social media portfolio, and a letter of recommendation. A panel of industry judges, including salon owners, manufacturers, and distributors, reviews submissions.
Students will also receive curated swag bags valued at hundreds of dollars, courtesy of Beacon and NAHA sponsors. Travel support is available through the Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation, PBA Charities scholarships, and Associated Skin Care Professionals travel reimbursements, helping reduce financial barriers for participating students.
The Beacon Class of 2026 announcement is sponsored by My Salon Suite. PBA Beacon continues to connect students with real-world career pathways, leadership development and national industry exposure at a pivotal stage in their professional journey.
A video announcement recognizing the Beacon Class of 2026 by school and state is available here.
About the Professional Beauty Association (PBA)
The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is the leading membership organization uniting licensed professionals, salon and spa owners, independent stylists, students, distributors, and manufacturers to shape the future of the beauty industry. PBA keeps professional beauty professional—championing policies that protect the industry, providing trusted resources and education, and fostering a community built on connection, creativity, and growth. PBA is home to the North American Hairstyling Awards, Beacon Student Program, and Executive Summit, and supports beauty professionals in times of crisis through the PBA Disaster Relief Fund and other charitable programs. Learn more at probeauty.org.
