2026 AACS & L'Oreal Student Stylist of the Year

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Description

DEADLINE EXTENDED THRU MAY 22!

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 texture, 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 a 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 2026 is the Avante-Garde After Dark. This competition challenges emerging stylists to push beyond convention, blending high-fashion artistry with the allure of mystery that comes alive after dusk.

HOW TO ENTER

  1. First, create your account on Reviewr by clicking the "Create an Account" button on the right-hand 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 TEXTURE, COLOR, and FINISH on a mannequin head (refer to rules below for specifications).
  3. Film a 30-60 second video showing your design and describing your process and products.
  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 22.
  5. Finalize your application and submit your entry by May 22, 2026. Finalists will be contacted in June, and the winners will be awarded at the AACS Career Educators Alliance (CEA) Conference, July 18-20 in Anaheim, CA!

Rules

RULES:

  • All submissions must represent a complete look including TEXTURE, COLOR, and FINISHING.

  • Accessories are welcome (ornaments, feathers, beads, etc.), but keep in mind at least 50% of the hair must be visible!

  • Submissions consist of:

    • a 30-60 second video showing and describing the look and process

    • one still photo of the look

    • an instructor-signed affidavit (download here)

  • The contest is open to all students enrolled at an AACS member school, as of April 15, 2026. (Not a member? Contact membership@myaacs.org.)

  • 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 TEXTURE, COLOR, and FINISH on a 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 15.
  5. Finalize your application and submit your entry by May 22, 2026. Finalists (the top 3 scoring entries per category) will be contacted in June, and the winners will be awarded at the AACS Career Educators Alliance (CEA) Conference, July 18-20 in Anaheim, CA!