460 finalists shortlisted across 56 categories as North East Hair & Beauty Awards prepare to celebrate the region’s talent
More than 600 entries have been submitted for this year’s North East Hair & Beauty Awards (NEHBA), highlighting the scale, diversity and strength of the region’s thriving hair and beauty industry.
A total of 460 finalists have now been shortlisted across 56 categories, with professionals and businesses from across the North East competing for recognition at this year’s awards ceremony at Sunderland Live Arena on Saturday 19th September 2026.
The figures demonstrate the continued growth of an industry made up of established salons and businesses, independent professionals, emerging talent, educators, makeup artists, beauty specialists and aesthetics professionals.
For founder Danielle Walling, the scale of this year’s awards reflects not only the depth of talent across the North East, but the growing sense of community within the sector. She said: “The North East is home to an incredible amount of talent, and the North East Hair & Beauty Awards were created to make sure that talent is recognised and celebrated.
“Every year we see professionals who have worked incredibly hard to build their businesses, develop their skills and support others within the industry. 2026 is another opportunity to bring everyone together, celebrate those achievements and shine a spotlight on the incredible people behind the North East hair and beauty industry.
“For us, the awards are about much more than winning. They are about confidence, connection, recognition and creating opportunities for people to grow. We are incredibly proud of how the awards and our community continue to develop!”
This year also sees the introduction of a new Young Rising Star category, designed to recognise the next generation entering the industry.
The category attracted 21 finalists, making it one of the most popular categories following its introduction. Among the finalists is 15-year-old Jess Ginnelly, alongside Ashton Orr, who is completing his Level 1 hairdressing qualification through EmpowHER, a charity that the NEHBA has supported since its launch.
The new category reflects the awards’ wider commitment to recognising emerging talent and creating opportunities for young people to build careers within the North East hair and beauty industry.
The awards’ judging process is designed to recognise genuine achievement rather than popularity. Finalists were required to submit supporting evidence demonstrating their achievements, experience, work and impact, with entries assessed against the relevant category criteria.
Judges also attended dedicated judging days throughout June and July as part of the process.
The 2026 judging panel includes experienced professionals from across the industry, including Stephanie Worrall, Louise Forrest, Cara Thompson, Melissa Wright, Erin Marley, Joanna Phillips, Paula Howe, Alice Brierley, Carly Musleh, Kerry Snowball, Claire Henderson, Lindsey Hardy, Stacey Lockey, Chris Daglish, Vicky Hedley, Cori Hamilton, Ellie Farrell, Eleanor Hunter, Jade Lidster and Lyndsey Best.
The finalists will be celebrated at a black-tie, red-carpet event at Sunderland Live Arena, with the evening combining the awards ceremony with networking, entertainment, a two-course meal, welcome drinks and a closing party.
Returning hosts Miss Tess Tickle and Miss Emma Royd will lead the evening for the fourth consecutive year. The pair have hosted the awards since 2023 and have become a much-loved part of the event.
Entertainment will come from DJ Jamal G and singer Charlie Whyte, both of whom have been part of the NEHBA family since 2022.
The two-part awards ceremony will begin at 7:30pm, with winners announced throughout the evening before the celebrations continue with a closing party.
The full list of winners will be announced on the evening of 19th September 2026.