Emerging Brand of the Year (UK, Europe, USA, APAC)

Open to independent professional brands operating for between two and six years within the professional hair industry. Brands entered must demonstrate consistent growth, professional engagement and active market presence within their selected region during the eligibility period.

Winning this award positions your brand among the businesses gaining real recognition and momentum within the professional hair industry, reinforcing credibility, visibility and long-term growth potential. It provides a powerful platform to strengthen market presence, support future expansion and highlight the progress your brand is making within your region and the wider professional industry. Winners will also be invited to join the judging panel for The Indies - Salon & Stylist Awards UK.

• A written submission outlining the brand story, positioning and market growth

• Evidence of professional engagement, salon adoption, distribution or increasing market traction

• Supporting materials including campaigns, education, launches, events or brand activity relevant to the eligibility period. Future direction and plans for continued growth or expansion may also be included

• All activity must relate to the period 1 May 2025 – 30 April 2026.

How This Category Will Be Judged

Entries will first be reviewed based on the written submission, supporting evidence and overall market impact within the professional hair industry. Judges will consider brand identity, growth, industry engagement, innovation and the way the brand is building momentum within its region.

As this is a regional award, entries will be judged against others within their selected market across the UK, Europe, USA or APAC, with an individual winner recognised within each region.

Judges may also consider professional visibility, salon support, distribution growth, education, community engagement and the overall direction and consistency of the brand during its growth stage.

To keep the process fair and independent, entries may be reviewed across multiple judging stages by different members of the judging panel.

Product Submission Requirements

Shortlisted entrants may be required to submit selected products from their range for professional review and evaluation. Product requirements, quantities and judging formats will be discussed directly with shortlisted entrants depending on the range entered and the most suitable way to assess the brand professionally.

Products may be reviewed through professional salon use, product evaluation and overall brand presentation where appropriate to the category. Products submitted for judging will not be returned unless agreed otherwise in writing.

This category is not open to conglomerate-owned or publicly listed companies. Venture-backed brands are permitted, provided the brand operates independently within the professional market. Brands operating outside of the two to six-year eligibility window will not be considered.

To protect the integrity of the awards, all judges are required to declare any professional, commercial or personal relationships with entrants prior to scoring. Any judge with a declared conflict of interest will not be permitted to review, discuss or score the relevant entry or category.

Entry Recommendations

Strong entries should clearly demonstrate the momentum, growth and professional impact the brand is already creating within its region. Judges are looking for brands building genuine industry connection, strong salon support and a clear identity within the professional hair market. Brands that have a fantastic product line that has clear benefits for the salon, this could be unique to client services or a way to make salons more profitable through retail.

Supporting campaigns, launches, salon partnerships, education, social content, press coverage and evidence of professional industry engagement are strongly encouraged.

Entry Deadline

Final entry deadline for this category is 6 September 2026.

As this is a regional award, entries will be judged within their selected market across the UK, Europe, USA or APAC. Shortlisted entrants may be contacted directly regarding additional judging stages, product submission requirements or further supporting information where applicable.