FAQs: Redken Haircolor Award 2026

Do I need to pay to enter?	No entry is free to all entrants.
Can I change my model for the Live Final?	Yes - you can change your model for the Live Final. You simply need to recreate your Photographic Entry look on the new model at the event. All competitors must also obtain consent from the model featured in their photographic entry for the Redken Hair Color Award 2026, granting permission for their image to be used in the competition.
How will I know if my entry is sucessful?	Sucessful entrants will be announced on April 1 2026. All entries will be notified of the progress of their entry on 1 April 2026 by email.
What resources are available to me?	You can find all the resources on the Redken Hair Color Award official website. Resources include, inspiration moodboards and Rules & Regulations for each category, if you have any questions, please reach out to us via email at [email protected].
Can I change my entry form after submission?	No - after submitting your entry form, you will not be able to access your entry form to amend. if you are concerned about your entry, or want to change anything, please email us at [email protected].
If i submit an entry form, but do not post on Instagram, will my entry be sent to judging?	Yes - if you submit an entry form but do not post your entry look on a public instagram before the entries close, your entry will still be valid and sent to judging.
Do I need to post my entry on instagram?	No - It is not mandatory to post your entry on Instagram.
What if I don't have an Instagram account?	If you haven’t got an Instagram account, please click here to see how to create one. Alternatively, you can enter the competition under your salon’s Instagram account. Make sure your salon has given you permission to do so.
Do I need to use Redken products for my entry?	Yes - you are required to submit the products you used on your entry form. All products used must be Redken.
Can I submit my entry using a Mannequin head?	No - Mannequin heads are not permitted at any stage of the competiton.
Do my entry images need to be professionally taken?	Entry photos do not need to be professionally taken, created specifically for this competition, or unpublished. However, they must not have been submitted previously to any other industry competitions. Photos should be no more than 12 months old. Minimal Photoshop use is permitted for minor touch-ups, such as evening out skin tone, tidying clothing, or removing stray hairs. Any excessive editing, or use of Photoshop to create, alter, or enhance the hair will result in disqualification.

Can I enter multiple categories as a qualified stylist?	Yes, if you are a fully qualified stylist, you can enter one entry per category. You need to submit a new entry form for each entry. If you are a student, you are ONLY permitted to enter the Student category.
Can I enter more than once in the same category?	No, you can only submit one entry per category. Students are only permitted to enter the student category.
What are the categories?	Please visit the 'categories' page on our website, here, for more information, including moodboards for each category.
Where can i find out more information on the categories?	The Redken Hair Color Award 2026 official website is the hub for all information and inspiration relating to the competiton, if you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].

Is Redken Hair Color Award open to Salon Stylists only?	No - Redken Hair Color Award 2026 is open to hair stylist of all abilities, qualified stylits and students, including thoes who are employed and employed by a Salon. You do not have to be a Redken salon to enter, however the competition is open to only US based stylists.
Is there an age limit?	Yes - all entrants and models must be over the age of 18 at the time of entry.
I'm not based in USA, can I enter?	No - Redken Hair Color Award 2026 is open to USA based stylists only. This is a nationwide competition, not international. Stylists from countries outside of the US are not permitted to enter.

Can I enter if i'm a student?	Yes - Redken Hair Color Award 2026 includes a student category, specifically degsined for student cosmetologists who are not yet qualified, for more information, please click here.
Do I need to provide details of my training institute?	Yes - you will be asked to provide the name of your training institute and training course name.
Can I enter the other categories as a student?	No - students are ONLY permitted to enter the Student category. The other categories ONLY are open to fully qualified stylists.