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Celebrating Excellence. Creativity. Community.
The Neäl & Wølf Hair Awards 2026 are officially open - and this is your chance to be recognised for the incredible skill, creativity, and dedication you bring to your craft. Every look you create, every client you transform, every moment behind the chair has led you here.
These awards are all about championing real talent. Whether you're a colour specialist, a stylist, a salon owner, a rising star, or a creative who inspires others online, there's a category designed just for you. Simply explore the awards, choose the ones that reflect your strengths, and submit your entry.
Step forward, share your story, and let your talent shine. Good luck!
THE AWARDS
Introducing the categories for our awards for 2026 - Click on the award you are wanting to enter to then fill in the form associated
HAIR COLOUR ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Celebrating exceptional artistry in professional hair colour. This award recognises stylists who create flawless tone, depth, and dimension that truly transform their clients
STYLIST OF THE YEAR
Honouring outstanding skill, creativity, and consistency in cutting and styling. This award shines a spotlight on stylists who deliver excellence in every look.
CREATIVE HAIR TRANSFORMATION AWARD
For those who deliver jaw-dropping before-and-afters. This award celebrates bold transformations that showcase technical ability, creativity, and true client impact.
RISING STAR OF THE YEAR
Recognising the next generation of talent. This award celebrates apprentices, students, or emerging stylists showing exceptional promise and passion for their craft.
SALON OF THE YEAR
Celebrating salons that embody excellence in every sense — from creativity and teamwork to client experience and results. This award recognises those who set the standard in salon professionalism.
SUSTAINABLE SALON AWARD
Recognising salons committed to sustainability and ethical practices. This award celebrates eco-conscious thinking, cruelty-free care, and environmentally responsible innovation.
INFLUENCER STYLIST OF THE YEAR
For stylists who inspire online and offline. This award recognises content creators who use their platforms to educate, influence, and showcase the beauty of professional hair artistry.
CLIENT EXPERIENCE AWARD
Celebrating salons that go above and beyond for their clients. This award honours exceptional service, attention to detail, and unforgettable in-salon experiences.
HAIR TRENDSETTER AWARD
For those who lead, not follow. This award celebrates stylists who set creative trends, inspire others, and push the boundaries of modern hair design.
HAIR EXTENSION ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Recognising mastery in the art of hair enhancement. This award celebrates precision, creativity, and seamless, natural-looking results using extensions.
SALON RETAIL EXCELLENCE AWARD
Celebrating salons that elevate retail through creativity and care. This award honours exceptional product recommendations, stunning retail displays, and inspiring social media promotion
The Details
- Location: Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Holme Rd, Burnley BB12 0RT
- Date: 23rd of August 2026
- Time: 5:30pm - Late
Timeline:
- Entries Close – 30th of April 2026
- Judging – May
- Finalists Announced – June
- Awards - August
TIMELINE & RULES OF ENTRY
- Entrants can submit multiple categories
- Work must be your own
- All images must have client permission
- All images submitted have rights to be shared by Neal & Wolf
- Entries close 30th April 2026, 11:59pm
- Judging takes place 1-16th May 2026
- Finalists notified privately 16th May – 1st June
- Finalists receive priority ticket access
- General public ticket sales open 1st June 2026
About our sponsor
We’re proud to partner with Procare, the UK’s leading manufacturer of premium hair foils and colour placement tools. Trusted by professional stylists for quality, precision, and innovation, Procare empowers creatives with the freedom to create.
As Title Sponsor of the 2026 Neal & Wolf Hair Awards, Procare is championing talent, creativity, and excellence across the hairdressing industry.
