Global Educator of the Year

Open to independent educators and educators affiliated with professional independent brands operating across multiple regions within the professional hair industry. Entrants must demonstrate active international education, professional engagement and consistent industry presence during the eligibility period.

Winning this award positions you among the most influential educators within the professional hair industry, reinforcing credibility, professional reach and long-term industry impact. It provides a powerful platform to strengthen your international presence, grow professional opportunities and highlight the value of your education across global markets. Winners will also be invited to join the judging panel for The Indies - Salon & Stylist Awards UK.

• A written submission outlining your educational approach, professional positioning and industry impact.

• Evidence of international education activity, audience engagement or professional influence across multiple markets.

• Supporting materials including stage work, education content, events, campaigns or professional activity relevant to the eligibility period. Future direction and plans for continued growth or industry impact 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 impact within professional education. Judges will consider educational quality, industry influence, consistency, audience engagement and the educator’s ability to connect with professionals across the global hair industry.

Judges may also consider stage work, course development, digital education, salon support, industry contribution and the overall impact the educator has had within the professional community across different markets.

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

This category is not open to educators working exclusively within a single country or market. Educators affiliated with conglomerate-owned or publicly listed companies 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 educator’s impact on the professional hair industry through education, mentorship, training programmes or knowledge-sharing initiatives. Judges are looking for educators who consistently inspire, elevate standards and help professionals or businesses grow through meaningful, high-quality education.

Entries may include academy programmes, online education platforms, workshops, stage work, brand partnerships, business coaching, social education content, testimonials, measurable student success, industry recognition and evidence of long-term influence within the professional community.

Supporting imagery, educational materials, audience engagement metrics, testimonials, before and after work, event appearances and examples of educational innovation are strongly encouraged.

Entry Deadline

Final entry deadline for this category is 6 September 2026.

Shortlisted entrants may be contacted directly regarding additional judging stages, interview opportunities or requests for further supporting information where applicable.