Creativity took center stage as the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) crowned the winners of the 37th annual North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA), presented by JCPenney.
From visionary beauty professionals to game-changing creative teams, this year's honorees showcased the artistry and innovation shaping beauty's future.
One of professional beauty's most coveted honors, NAHA recognizes a breadth of talent across 15 categories — from emerging artists and educators to salon teams, master stylists, and industry leaders.
Inspired by this year's theme, Tapestry of Beauty, the event highlighted the individuality, creativity, and diverse perspectives woven throughout the professional beauty community.
With JCPenney on board as NAHA's first presenting sponsor, the evening also spotlighted the collections and creative voices influencing the industry's next chapter.
The 2026 awards introduced a new category: International Collection of the Year, expanding NAHA's global reach.
Familiar Faces That Claimed the Glass Trophy
Among this year’s honorees were several returning winners and multi-time NAHA standouts.
- Chrystofer Benson earned his seventh career NAHA title with his Texture win;
- Maggie Semaan claimed her second consecutive Editorial Stylist of the Year title;
- David Barron followed his 2025 Hairstylist of the Year recognition with a 2026 Master Hairstylist win;
- Brayden Pelletier scooped up this year's Hairstylist of the Year after taking Master Hairstylist in 2024; and
- Brooke LeMasters followed her 2025 #NAHAMoment victory with this year’s Haircolor title.
2026 NAHA Winners
Avant Garde: Michael Polsinelli
Barber of the Year: Carlos Pagan
Editorial Stylist of the Year: Maggie Semaan
Educator of the Year: Nina Tulio
Haircolor: Brooke LeMasters
Haircutting: Marylle Koken
Hairstylist of the Year: Brayden Pelletier
Inspiring Salon of the Year: Genesis Salon and Spa
International Collection of the Year: Tom Yek, Malaysia
Makeup Artist of the Year: Patricia Bailes
Master Hairstylist of the Year: David Barron
Student Hairstylist of the Year: Derek Robinson, Nurtur Aveda Institute Columbus
Styling and Finishing: Galyna Poczciwinski
Team of the Year: The Upper Hand, featuring Hannah Waters, Soleil Rocha, Jordan Dudley, and Zoe O'Day
Texture: Chrystofer Benson
Finalists and winners were chosen through a rigorous three-round blind judging process led by industry experts, with entries evaluated on technical excellence, creativity, and overall presentation.
“These collections represent countless hours of discipline, creative risk, technical precision, and vision," says Leslie Perry, PBA's Executive Director.
"To be recognized on this stage by your peers is an extraordinary accomplishment, and we’re proud to celebrate the artists continuing to elevate professional beauty.”