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,” says Leslie Perry, Executive Director of the PBA. “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?’"
Co-hosted by Texture vs. Race's Keya Neal and PBA's Executive Director Leslie Perry, the evening spotlighted excellence across categories from Haircolor to Editorial Styling, Barbering and Avant Garde. Each finalist brought extraordinary creativity to their collections, and the winners truly transcended expectations — delivering work that was both inspiring and groundbreaking.
The NAHA 2025 Winners
- 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: 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,” says 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.
To explore the full list of winners and view their breathtaking collections, visit NAHA Gallery of Winners & Finalists | Pro Beauty Association
Here’s to showing your true colors — today, tomorrow and beyond.
