The Professional Beauty Association Hosts Sold-Out Celebration of Creativity, Passion & Innovation
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…
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.
Here’s to showing your true colors—today, tomorrow, and beyond.