HJ ADVERTORIAL
ARTISTRY AT ITS Finest
Designed to celebrate the best of the hair industry while pushing creative boundaries, it’s time to meet the winners of the Keune Hair Stylist Awards 2026
T he Keune Hair Stylist Awards 2026 were a true celebration of global hair artistry, attracting thousands of entries from hair professionals across more than 30 participating countries. From the first round of national competitions to the global finals, the awards showcased the outstanding talent of hairstylists from all around the world, who competed in three key categories: Color, Style, Creative.
The Global Jury
• La Toya Velberg, Keune Global Artistic Director - Known for her creative vision and expertise in hair artistry and styling.
• Luke Benson, Keune Global Artistic Director - An internationally recognised hairstylist with a strong background in editorial and celebrity hairstyling.
• Giuseppe Stelitano, Keune Global Artistic Director - Celebrated for his innovative approach and technical excellence in hair colouring.
• Jayne Lewis-Orr, Professional Hair Industry Expert - A respected industry leader with decades of experience in education and trend forecasting.
• Sergi Bancells, Global Editorial Ambassador, Estetica - An editorial expert dedicated to showcasing the best of international hairdressing.
Meet the Winners
Color Award Winner – Pearl Dunford
The Color category recognises editorial colour work that demonstrates creativity, precision, and vision. Pearl Dunford’s entry stood out for its exceptional technical execution and distinctive artistic approach.
Style Award Winner – Artem Kayukov
The Style category celebrates modern, innovative styling that combines creativity with technical precision while remaining wearable. Artem Kayukov’s winning entry impressed the jury with its strong concept, execution, and contemporary yet soft vision.
Creative Award Winner – Stefanie Mellin
The Creative category encourages hairstylists to challenge conventions and push the boundaries of hair artistry. Stefanie Mellin’s winning submission combined originality with outstanding craftsmanship to deliver a truly memorable concept.
Beyond the Award
In addition to a €3,000 cash prize and €1,000 worth of Keune products, the three global winners will travel to Amsterdam and Keune HQ for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience. They will take part in a global social shoot, receive an international feature in Estetica magazine, and have the opportunity to meet the Keune family. Together, these experiences offer more than recognition – they provide a platform to showcase their artistry, connect with the global Keune community, and take the next step in their creative journey.