Wella Names 12 Finalists for 2026 TrendVision Awards

Wella has named 12 North American finalists for the 2026 TrendVision Awards, drawn from hundreds of photo entries submitted across Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico in a competition built around a Monochromatic creative brief.

The finalists split evenly between two categories. Editorial Transformation scores haircutting, shape, structure, texture and silhouette work judged on editorial cohesion with the model. Color Craft Transformation evaluates technical precision within a single tonal range, rewarding artists who build depth, dimension and movement from one shade.

Wella's brief asked entrants to express one colour family through multiple textures and tones for looks the brand described as modern, elevated and confident.

What did the judging criteria cover?

Wella scored each submission on execution of the Monochromatic theme, colour and cut choice, quality, suitability, condition, shine and overall beauty of the finished style. The framework blends technical accuracy with editorial finish.

It rewards entries that read cleanly on a feed and hold up under close technical inspection.

Who made the Editorial Transformation shortlist?

Six artists earned Editorial Transformation berths, spanning four provinces, three U.S. states and Puerto Rico:

• Patrick Nadeau, RDV par Patrick Nadeau, Montreal (@patrickgnadeau)
• Alissa Pfeiffer, Fabstyle Hair Design, Orillia, Ont. (@hairbyalissa)
• Jerica Wentzell, Gingersnap Salon, Sudbury, Ont. (@jericawentzell)
• Tiffany Bernard, Union Salon, Pasadena, Calif. (@tiffygotsthishair)
• Anjela Drobot, High Society Salon, Staten Island, N.Y. (@anjela_drobot)
• Carol Mojica, Carol Mojica Beauty & Esthetics, Caguas, P.R. (@carolmojica.hairmaster)

Who made the Color Craft shortlist?

Six colourists fill the Color Craft roster. Quebec and California each placed two finalists, with Alberta and New Jersey earning one apiece:

• Rémi Cardin, Kudsac Coiffure, Trois-Rivières, Que. (@remicardinpro)
• Jocelyn Tremblay, Les Coiffeurs Rebels, Thetford Mines, Que. (@tremblay.jocelyn)
• Lauren Wilde, Rose & Onyx Hair Company, St. Albert, Alta. (@wildehairday)
• Jaclyn Coladonato, The Room, Verona, N.J. (@jaclyncolahair)
• Haeji Park, Mai Hair Story, Buena Park, Calif. (@mai_hairstory)
• Stevie Santos, Blake Charles Salon, San Francisco (@colorxstevielynn)

Why the shortlist matters for working salons

The roster doubles as a cross-section of how independents, multi-chair studios and small chains are positioning Monochromatic work in client-facing imagery this season.

Ontario stylist Jerica Wentzell arrives on this list already carrying the Contessa 2026 Ontario Hairstylist of the Year title, earned earlier this year. Industry followers will read her TrendVision shortlisting as a continuation of momentum, not a debut.

Wella's Monochromatic brief also rewards restraint, finish and intent over flash. For working colourists, that's a directional cue on the imagery brand campaigns and education programs may now favour over the next 12 months.

A TrendVision title also typically feeds into brand partnerships, education slots and trade media placement, amplifying the visibility of the winning salons.

What happens next?

Wella will crown the winners at the House of Wella event in New York on October 19. Watch for full category results, regional distribution and any U.S.-Canada split announced that evening.