Keune Announces 2026 Global Winners in London with Prizes and Trip to Amsterdam
Professionals from over 30 countries competed in the Color, Style, and Creative categories. The three winners were selected by an international jury on June 1st.
The 2026 edition of the Keune Hair Stylist Awards established itself as a celebration of global hair artistry, gathering thousands of entries from professionals in over 30 countries. The event, which directly appeals to those working in barbershops and salons by highlighting advanced techniques and trends, divided the competition into three main categories: Color, Style, and Creative. The goal was to value both established stylists and new talents, offering a platform to showcase art and expand creative boundaries.
Judgment day took place on June 1st at the House of Keune, located in London. An international panel of industry experts gathered to select the winners. Before the live session, each judge individually analyzed the anonymous submissions from the finalists and chose their top three preferences in each category. Subsequently, the group discussed each piece in detail, sharing technical perspectives until aligning on the final scores.
The jury was composed of prominent figures in artistic direction, education, and editorial work. La Toya Velberg and Luke Benson, global creative directors known for their creative vision and experience in editorial and celebrity styling, participated. They were joined by Giuseppe Stelitano, recognized for innovation in color; Jayne Lewis-Orr, a specialist with decades of experience in education and trend forecasting; and Sergi Bancells, Estetica’s Global Editorial Ambassador.
After a rigorous process, three artists were selected for demonstrating exceptional creativity, technical excellence, and vision. Pearl Dunford won the Color award, standing out for her impeccable technical execution and distinct artistic approach. Artem Kayukov won in the Style category, impressing with a strong concept, perfect execution, and a contemporary yet soft vision.
Stefanie Mellin took home the Creative award, which encourages professionals to challenge conventions. Her submission combined originality with high-level craftsmanship to deliver a memorable concept. In addition to the recognition, each winner will receive a cash prize of 3,000 euros and Keune products worth 1,000 euros.
The three professionals will also travel to Amsterdam, Keune’s headquarters, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience. They will participate in a global social shoot, receive international feature in Estetica magazine, and have the opportunity to meet the brand team. This journey offers more than just honors, providing a platform to display their art and connect with Keune’s global community.
BarberRicci newsroom, with information from Estetica Magazine.