As you know, the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) is a professional beauty competition. It’s the hair awards. Some have even called it the Oscars for hairstyling. It’s where technique and creativity collide to showcase the best of what the hair, barbering, and beauty industry has to offer. Thinking of entering this year to these extra special hair awards? Calling all hairstylists, barbers, nail and makeup artists! GlossGenius is here to help you with our step-by-step guide on how to apply to NAHA!
Are you a hairstylist, licensed cosmetologist, barber, nail professional, makeup artist, or cosmetology student attending school in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico? We hope so because that means you can apply to NAHA 2020!
If you’re still a student at cosmetology school, you’re also eligible to enter the Professional Beauty Association’s BeaconProgram. Entering this national competition can be the first step in jump starting your career in hairstyling, barbering or any other creative pursuit!
The Professional Beauty Association’s prestigious annual event has some key dates to keep on top of. Before you showoff your cutting-edge ideas, make sure the following dates are marked on your calendar:
Now that your calendar is up to date, you can start preparing your entry to NAHA.
You know what you do best. There are fifteen categories this time around, so choose the one where you’ll glow! When you’re ready, be sure to carefully read through your category’s rules, requirements, and image specifications. This year’s categories are:
If you’re feeling confident about your collection (which GlossGenius knows you should be!) then you can use it for multiple categories. The rules state that you may enter the same collection of images into as many categories as you would like, but there are some exceptions.
Images entered in the following categories cannot be submitted to any other category:
Images entered into the Texture category may not be used in the Styling and Finishing category and vice versa.
Additionally, you’re allowed to submit up to three collections per category! If you’ve been super productive this past year, then show off your creations!
Big changes are underfoot! While there are no new categories this year, there are some things to make sure you know…
This is where your artistry as a hairstylist, barber, cosmetologist or beauty professional takes center stage! Follow the guidelines for your category and make your vision come to life. If you need some inspiration, definitely check out the portfolios of NAHA 2019 and NAHA2018 winners in your category.
Featured artists from left to right:
Matthew Rouse: NAHA 2019 Winner, People’s Choice
Chrystofer Benson: NAHA 2018 Finalist, Master Hairstylist of the Year
Chrystofer Benson: NAHA 2019 Finalist, Haircutting
If you’re a PBA member, you’ll get 50% off the entry fees and access to select offers. This is what it costs to enter:
PBA Member pricing:
Nonmember pricing:
Congratulations, your portfolio is ready and you’re ready to submit! This is no small feat. Make sure you don’t wait until the last minute and be sure to triple-check everything one last time before you hit submit!
That’s the process. Now that you know it, it’s time for you to get started! Whether you earn a prize, become a finalist, or simply enter the contest, entering NAHA 2020 will expose you to insights and industry leaders and boost your brand!.
To learn about how to shine in the event and gain prestige, check out our article “How to Get Your Best Shot and Build Your Collection for NAHA” Good luck!
Click here to go to the official NAHA 2020 website.
No credit card required.
