AACS & L'Oreal PPD Student Stylist of the Year
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ABOUT THE CONTEST:

The AACS & L'Oréal Student Stylist of the Year Award is an esteemed competition that recognizes and celebrates emerging talent in the beauty industry. Open to students enrolled in AACS member schools, the award highlights exceptional creativity, skill, and passion for hairstyling in the areas of cut, color, and finish. Contestants are challenged to showcase their technical proficiency and their ability to transform concepts into reality. The award, co-sponsored by AACS & L'Oreal Professional Products Division, offers students a unique opportunity to gain national recognition, build their professional portfolios, and connect with top industry professionals while also bringing recognition to the AACS member school at which they are enrolled. The grand prize winner earns not only a prestigious title but also valuable prize package including flight, hotel, and tickets to Redken Exchange or ProLab, tool and product packages, and more. Visit aacs.events/SSOTY for more details, rules, resources, example submission video, and more.

The theme for 2025 is the Rich Texture of America, celebrating the cultural significance of textured hair in cosmetology education!

HOW TO ENTER:

  1. First, create your account on Reviewr by clicking the "Create an Account" button on the righthand side of this screen. You will be able to return to your account later to submit your video and documents. We recommend creating your account first even if you haven't filmed your submission video!

  2. Create a complete look including CUT/DESIGN, COLOR, and FINISH on a textured mannequin head (refer to rules below for specifications).
  3. Film a 30-60 second video showing your design and describing your process and products (see sample video here).
  4. Login to your account here and complete the application form. Here you can upload your video, along with the required Instructor Affidavit that needs to be signed by an instructor. You can save your progress and make edits up until the closing deadline, May 16.
  5. Finalize your application and submit your entry by May 16, 2025. Finalists will be contacted in June, and the winners will be awarded at the AACS Career Educators Alliance (CEA) Conference, August 2-4 in Orlando!

RULES: 

  • All submissions must represent a complete look including CUT, COLOR, and FINISH.

  • Submissions must be executed on a textured mannequin (texture level 4 of higher on the L’Oreal Scale; 3B or higher on the Walker Scale). Need a mannequin? Purchase Pivot Point mannequins for 30% off with code SSOTY30 here.

  • The contest is open to all students enrolled at an AACS member school, as of April 15, 2025. (Not a member? Contact membership@myaacs.org.)

  • Entry must include an instructor-signed affidavit (download here; also available during entry process).

  • Mannequins and finished looks can represent any gender expression. Students are encouraged to be creative and challenge themselves to create a winning final look!

HOW TO ENTER:

  1. First, create your account on Reviewr by clicking the "Create an Account" button on the righthand side of this screen. You will be able to return to your account later to submit your video and documents. We recommend creating your account first even if you haven't filmed your submission video!

  2. Create a complete look including CUT/DESIGN, COLOR, and FINISH on a textured mannequin head (refer to rules above for specifications).
  3. Film a 30-60 second video showing your design and describing your process and products (see sample video here).
  4. Login to your account here and complete the application form. Here you can upload your video, one still photo of your final look, and the required Instructor Affidavit that needs to be signed by an instructor. You can save your progress and make edits up until the closing deadline, May 16.
  5. Finalize your application and submit your entry by May 16, 2025. Finalists will be contacted in June, and the winners will be awarded at the AACS Career Educators Alliance (CEA) Conference, August 2-4 in Orlando!