Finalists of SB Awards 2026 will be announced Monday, February 9

Finalists for this year’s SB Awards will be announced on Monday, following the completion of the first round of judging, and it’s shaping up to be an exciting moment for salons across the industry.

From there, the process moves into a second and final round of judging, where our expert panel will take a deeper dive to determine the ultimate winners, as anticipation builds towards the awards celebration itself.

We’re especially pleased to welcome MOOD HAIR COLOUR onboard as our headline sponsor for the very first time, marking an exciting new chapter for the awards. They’re joined by Rebel Beauty Brands, who will be bringing the fun as sponsors of the photo booth, and JOICO, proudly supporting the much-coveted Colour Salon of the Year category. With finalists soon to be revealed and sponsors helping to elevate the experience, we’re officially in countdown mode.

 What’s New for 2026?

We’re always evolving to reflect the fast-moving world of hair, and this year brings some exciting new features designed to make entering easier – and winning even more rewarding:

• Faster, simpler entries – Some categories now only require a single image to enter. We’ve streamlined the process so you can focus on showcasing what you do best.
• New! Education Specialist Award – Celebrating those who are shaping the future of our industry through education, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing.
• Winners Content Creation Day – Exclusive to winners, this brand-new experience includes podcast recordings, pro photography, interviews, social media training, and more—giving you tools to maximise your win.
• WhatsApp Finalists Group – Finalists will be invited to join an exclusive WhatsApp group featuring influencer faces and fellow contenders, offering early networking opportunities before the big night.

 The Final

The SB Awards final will take place on Monday, March 16 at the iconic Sea Containers London, setting the stage for an unforgettable night celebrating the very best of the hair and beauty industry. With its standout riverside location and buzzy atmosphere, the venue provides the perfect backdrop for an evening of glamour, industry recognition and well-earned celebration. Finalists, judges, sponsors and leading names from across the sector will come together to toast excellence, innovation and resilience, as the winners are revealed and the industry comes together in true SB Awards style.

Introduced last year, the SBAwards Leaderboard showcases our all-time winners since inception in 2013.  

For 2026 we’re only sharing the Top 10 on our leaderboard BUT with 6 points award for Platinum winners and a whopping 8 points for Ultimate Salon winners, even if it’s your first time of entering, you can still make it on the board. Good luck!