Beauty Awards in the USA

Beauty awards in the USA celebrate the professionals, salons and brands leading the industry, from local champions to national names. Awards nights are also some of the best networking events of the year, bringing together stylists, artists, educators and business owners in one room.

The calendar runs right through the year. The MUAHS Guild Awards honour film and television makeup artists and hairstylists in Los Angeles each February, and the SALON TODAY 200 Awards recognise top salon businesses in San Diego in May. In June, the North American Hairstyling Awards are presented in Orlando alongside Premiere Orlando. Barbers have the Barber Grammys at Mohegan Sun, lash artists have NYC Lash Elite and LASHCON, and the World Massage Festival in Las Vegas hands out its own honours each July. Bronner Bros Beauty Icon Awards in Atlanta and the Nail Excellence Awards near Baltimore both return each October.

Every beauty awards event in the USA is listed below with dates, venues and who can attend, so you can plan your entries and your nights out.

Getting around

Awards are held in hotels, resorts and convention centres across the country. The Westin Bonaventure in downtown Los Angeles, The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter and the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando are all easy to reach from their city airports. Mohegan Sun in Connecticut is a drive from Hartford's Bradley International or Providence.

Where to stay

Most awards finish late, so a room at or near the venue is the most comfortable choice. Several hosts, including The Westin hotels and Mohegan Sun, are hotels themselves.

Tips for awards season

• Check entry deadlines early. Many awards close several months before the ceremony.
• Read the categories carefully and gather photos, client stories and results for your entry.
• Look at the dress code before you pack.
• Use the night to meet judges and past winners. It is a great way to grow your network.