Salon Design & Equipment Brand of the Year

Open to independent professional salon furniture, interior or equipment brands operating within the professional hair industry. Products or services entered must demonstrate professional relevance, functionality and active use within salon environments during the eligibility period.

Winning this award positions your brand among the businesses helping shape the future of modern salon spaces, reinforcing credibility, design value and professional trust. It provides a powerful platform to strengthen visibility, support growth and highlight the role your products and services play in creating better salon environments for both professionals and clients. Winners will also be invited to join the judging panel for The Indies - Salon & Stylist Awards UK.

• A written submission outlining the brand positioning, design approach and professional relevance

• Evidence of salon installations, professional partnerships, client projects or industry engagement

• Supporting materials including campaigns, imagery, installations, launches or product activity relevant to the eligibility period. Future direction and plans for continued growth, innovation or design development 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 the professional salon industry. Judges will consider design, functionality, innovation, salon experience and the way the brand supports the realities of modern salon working environments.

Shortlisted brands may then move into professional product or equipment evaluation carried out by selected industry professionals. Judges may assess build quality, usability, comfort, practicality and the overall experience the products create for both professionals and clients within salon spaces. Videos may be requested to judge this equipment.

This category is not open to conglomerate-owned or publicly listed companies. Venture-backed businesses are permitted, provided the brand operates independently within the professional market. Brands without active professional salon relevance or industry installations will not be considered.

This category is not open to conglomerate-owned or publicly listed companies. Venture-backed businesses are permitted, provided the brand operates independently within the professional market. Brands without active professional salon relevance or industry installations will not be considered.

Entry Recommendations

Strong entries should clearly demonstrate how the brand is shaping modern salon environments through design, functionality and professional experience. Judges are looking for brands creating spaces and equipment that genuinely support the way salons and professionals work day to day.

Supporting imagery, salon installations, product demonstrations, testimonials, educational content and examples of professional industry impact 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, product demonstrations, supporting materials or further information where applicable.