America’s Beauty Show by Cosmetologists Chicago has announced that entries are now open for the 2027 ABS Global Image Awards.
They are inviting beauty professionals from around the world to put their artistry on a global stage.
At the heart of America’s Beauty Show is PULSE – the artistry, energy and community that move professional beauty forward. The 2027 ABS Global Image Awards bring that PULSE to life, recognizing artists who challenge convention, master their craft, and inspire the industry through extraordinary creative work.
The ABS Global Image Awards draws entries from across the world from talented
professionals. Winners of the global competition will be honored at the ABS Global Image Awards Celebration on Sunday, April 4, 2027, during America’s Beauty Show.
Winners will also receive international recognition, extending the reach of their artistry well beyond the ABS stage.
Entries are open now to beauty professionals worldwide and will remain open through to November 30th 2026, with the finalists announced on February 4th 2027.
You can enter via the following link: https://absgia.secure-platform.com/site
“The ABS Global Image Awards are about giving artists a platform to show the industry what they’re capable of. There is so much incredible talent and creativity in our community, and we want to celebrate it, elevate it, and put it on a global stage,” said Jessi Marshall-Ewald, ABS Vice President, Events & Experiences. “Whether you’ve entered competitions for years or this is the first you’ve ever put your work out there, we want you to take that chance, share your artistry, and be part of the PULSE of what’s next.”
The 2027 competition features eight categories representing the breadth of artistry across professional beauty:
CREATIVE COLOR– Color without limits. A celebration of innovative color, technical precision, dimension and a distinctive artistic point of view.
2026 Winner: Brayden Pelletier | @justbhair
HAIRCUTTING– Shape. Movement. Precision. Advanced cutting techniques and innovative design come together in a category where the cut commands attention.
2026 Winner: David Barron | @david.barron.5
TEXTURE EXPERT– Texture is artistry. Celebrating the knowledge, versatility and creativity behind working with curls, coils, waves, kinks and natural or created texture.
2026 Winner: Chrystofer Benson | @cbensonhair
CLASSIC COLOR– Exceptional color doesn’t have to shout to make an impact. Dimensional brunettes, seamless balayage, lived-in blondes, rich reds and beautiful, salon-ready color take center stage.
2026 Winner: Sandie Tucker | @thehairphoenix
FULL CONCEPT– Don’t just create a look. Create a world. Hair, color, cut, wardrobe, makeup, nails and styling come together to tell one complete creative story.
2026 Winner: Michelle O’Connor | @michelleoconnorbeauty
BARBERING– Craft meets culture. Precision cutting, fading, clipping, grooming and beard shaping showcase the technical mastery and individuality of modern barbering.
2026 Winner: Carlos Estrella | @loscutit
MOTION AI– Artistry was never meant to stand still. In 15 seconds, artists bring transformation, technique, process and the final reveal to life through motion.
2026 Winner: Carlos Estrella | @loscutitTEAM COLLABORATION
TEAM COLLABORATION– One vision. Multiple artists. Teams of two or more combine their individual talents and perspectives to create one cohesive collection.
2026 Winner: Chrystofer Benson Collective | @haircbc
Entries are judged by respected artists and industry leaders, with winners recognized during America’s Beauty Show 2027.
In addition to individual category honors, one extraordinary artist will receive the Leo Passage Gold Trophy, awarded to the highest-scoring artist overall and honoring the legacy of Pivot Point International founder and Cosmetologists Chicago member, Leo Passage.
“I think competition can be important because it keeps our industry moving forward. It gives artists a reason to take risks, raise the standard, and show the world what they are capable of,” commented Chicago based hair artist and master barber, Carlos Estrella. “The ABS Global Image Awards are more than a competition. They are an opportunity to be seen, to push creative boundaries and to become part of a global community that celebrates where professional beauty is headed next.”
