Evolution of the Hairbrained Awards

The Hairbrained Awards, previously known as HVA’s, have become one of the most exciting ways for hairdressers to share their work and connect with the industry. From the start, the Hairbrained Awards were about more than just trophies—they’re a space where creativity and passion for hair take center stage. As we look ahead to the 11th edition in March 2025, it’s amazing to see how much this event has grown and how it keeps making space for every kind of artistry in our industry.

The beauty industry is all about growth. If you’re not trying new things or stepping out of your comfort zone, it’s easy to feel stuck while everything around you changes. The Hairbrained Awards totally get that. They’re not just about celebrating what’s trending right now—they’re about giving all of us a space to try something new, share what makes our work unique, and inspire the whole industry to keep moving forward.

Over the years, the Hairbrained Awards have evolved right alongside the industry. When the awards first launched, the categories were simple: Color, Cut, Men’s, Style, Humorous, and Creative. But as trends and tools have changed, so have the awards. They’ve added categories like Vivid Video, Razor Cut Video, and even Industry Meme of the Year to reflect the full range of what we do.

Today, the Hairbrained Awards offer a variety of categories that celebrate every aspect of hair artistry. Whether you’re creating jaw-dropping precision cuts, beautiful braids, or podcasts that dive into the heart of what being a hairdresser is all about, there’s a category for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of the current categories:

Video of the Year Categories

  • Precision Cutting: The ultimate award for super sharp and precise cutting skills!

  • Razor Cutting: Celebrating razor cutting techniques that wow us all.

  • Dry Cutting: Show us your best dry cutting magic in a standout video!

  • Curly Cutting: For those who slay curly hair!

  • Blonding: The best video showcasing jaw-dropping blonding.

  • Reds: Show off your fiery color skills with outstanding red hair!

  • Brunette: Best video that brings brunette beauty to life.

  • Barbering: Highlighting the freshest barbering skills on screen!

  • Branded: The best video made for a brand that steals the show.

  • Creative Expression: Creative hair inspo that captures the vibe, no technical stuff needed!

  • Braiding or Natural Styling: Show us your best braids and natural styles in action.

  • Editorial: For the editorial hairstyles that are pure art on video.

  • Blow-Dry & Iron Work: Bring the heat with your blow-drying and styling skills!

Content Creator of the Year Categories

These awards honor those making an impact in the hairdressing community through online content. Whether you specialize in cutting, coloring, humor, or podcasts, your work and engagement with the community deserve to be recognized.

  • Cutting Content Creator: Recognizing creators who shine with impressive haircutting videos.

  • Color Content Creator: Celebrating those who showcase vibrant and stunning hair color work.

  • Humorous Content Creator: For creators who entertain us with their engaging and light-hearted hair content.

  • Podcast: Awarding the best podcast focused on all things hair industry.

This evolution isn’t just about staying relevant—it’s about making sure there’s a space for every kind of creativity, whether it’s something bold and experimental or a twist on a classic. That’s what makes the HVAs feel so personal. No matter your style, there’s a category for you to show off what makes your work special.

Entering the 11th Hairbrained Video Awards

For professionals eager to participate in the upcoming HVAs, the process is straightforward and inclusive:

  1. Choose Category: Select either Video of the Year (judged on a single video) or Content Creator of the Year (judged on a body of work).

  2. Fill Out the Entry Form:

    • Enter contact information.

    • Choose your category.

    • Provide either the video URL (for Video of the Year) or social profile URLs (for Content Creator of the Year).

Participation is free, allowing artists from all backgrounds to showcase their creativity without financial barriers.

As the Hairbrained Video Awards continue to evolve, they remain a testament to the ever-changing and creative world of hairdressing, celebrating both innovation and tradition. For more information and to submit your entries, visit the official Hairbrained Awards website: hairbrainedawards.com.

Annie | The Hair Nerds

Hi! I’m Annie (she/they), Lead Instructor for @scissorandmoth_social, Creative Director for @thehairnerds and host of #DearCosmoBabies podcast.

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