Stalkers Guide to HBA 2025

It is a well documented fact that we will corner you at a hair show and not let you leave until you have agreed to be our very best friend. Stalking your favorite hair heroes is an art and takes preparation. Let’s break down the WHY and HOW of maximizing face time with industry icons at Hairbrained Awards 2025.

Stalking our favorite hair heroes is basically a sport for us, and like any true nerd, we believe it requires a game plan. Here's the ultimate cheat code.

Do Your Research

Before you embark on this epic quest, you need your trusty map—aka the nominee list. Once the 2025 nominations drop, it’s game on. Watch every nominated video like it’s your new Netflix binge, memorize those names, and—pro tip—find out if you know anyone who knows them. Channel your inner detective and start connecting the dots. Think “6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon,” but with less bacon and more balayage.

Perfect the Art of the “Bump”

Stealth mode activated. Timing is everything when you want to casually (but definitely on purpose) run into your hair hero. Look for those magical moments when they’re relaxed—sipping a cocktail, waiting for the show to start. Glide in like a ninja (lol, we have been in Japan a lot lately), drop a genuine compliment about their work, and then poof! Disappear before things get awkward. Mission accomplished.

That is the great thing about the Hairbrained Awards… everyone who is anyone is there and they are all in chill, hang out mode.

Main Character Fangirl Moment

Instagram will ensure your first impression happens long before you’re IRL. Start engaging with your fave nominees on social as soon as the list drops! Leave thoughtful comments, share their posts, and tag them in stories about how you’re hyped for the awards. By the time you meet face-to-face, you won’t just be another fan—you’ll be that fan who boosted their content and geeked out over their precision fades.

Get Creative

Sometimes the real heroes are the supporting cast—educators, brand reps, assistants, you name it. Befriend the squad. They’re not only awesome people but also the ultimate allies for building genuine connections.

Don’t Be Obnoxious

We get it. Meeting your idols is like mega exciting. But here’s the deal: they’re human. Respect their time and space. Don’t push for selfies if they’re in the zone (or mid-bite of a bagel). Be cool, stay classy, and remember—it’s quality over quantity.

DM’s are Your Best Friend

Slide into their DMs with a quick thank-you. Mention something specific from your convo so they remember you as that awesome person from the Hairbrained Awards. Who knows? This could be the start of a legendary alliance. We have started friendships on less!

Let’s Hang in NYC! Grab your tickets for the Hairbrained Awards HERE.