6 COMPETITION CATEGORIES, ENDLESS CREATIVITY

PRO CATEGORY

Explore profound depths and sophisticated artistry of brunette shades. Celebrate exceptional talent in creating rich, dimensional, and impactful brunette looks, demonstrating scientific precision and professional touch.

Masterful applications of trends like luminous bronde, cool espresso, or rich chocolate are sought, executed with technical brilliance. Showcase healthy, reflective shine and seamless color integration, resulting in elegant, harmonious styles that complete a sophisticated visual narrative. Embody modern, beautiful brunette artistry.

PRO CATEGORY

Ignite judges with unparalleled skill and artistic vision in red haircolor, showcasing the power of "Prescribed by Pros." Craft captivating, dynamic red looks, from commercially beloved to editorially avant-garde.

Demonstrate expertise in formulating and applying popular trends: rich auburns, on-trend cowboy coppers, or vibrant cherry reds. We seek brilliant, nuanced reds with exceptional shine and longevity, highlighting ultimate artistry in creating a harmonious and impactful total presentation.

PRO CATEGORY

Where science meets artistry, showcase ultimate mastery and precision in blonde haircolor. Create breathtaking blonde looks, from perfectly executed lived-in blend to bold, transformative platinum. We seek scientific precision, flawless application, and healthy, luminous results.

Demonstrate profound understanding of blonde artistry – from subtle, sun-kissed babylights to vibrant, fashion-forward statements – ensuring it contributes to an unforgettable overall aesthetic. Entries should embody technical excellence, visionary perspective, and commitment to hair integrity.

PRO CATEGORY

Honor exceptional skill and artistic precision in freehand haircolor techniques, where creativity knows no bounds. Showcase mastery of innovative application without foils, such as expert balayage or expressive hair painting.

We seek seamless blends, artistic placement, and beautifully diffused color transitions for natural-looking, sun-kissed effects or bold statements. Entries should highlight ability to create bespoke, customized looks that command attention in their entirety, demonstrating true artistry, "Powered by Science" for stunning results.

PRO CATEGORY

For the visionary pushing haircolor boundaries, setting new trends and inspiring the industry with a New York City rebellious spirit. We seek truly innovative, out-of-the-box creations redefining possibilities.

Showcase unique color combinations, groundbreaking application techniques, or avant-garde placements anticipating future styles. Entries must demonstrate fearless creativity, technical brilliance, and undeniable impact on hair fashion's direction, making a bold, influential statement that defines a new era of style.

STUDENT CATEGORY

Recognizes promising student talent demonstrating exceptional potential and foundational skill in haircolor artistry, embodying the future of "Prescribed by Pros." Showcase emerging creativity and technical aptitude through a classic all-over color, a well-executed highlighting technique, or creative hand-painted balayage.

We look for clean application, solid color theory understanding, and passion for the craft. Entries should highlight dedication to learning, a fresh perspective, and a developing eye for a complete, impactful style.

Enter the Emerging Talent Student category and be celebrated onstage at Redken Symposium 2026.

You do not need to compete at the Live Final,  just the chance to attend as a finalist, connect with industry icons, and experience the energy of Redken’s biggest event of the year.