The Best New Colour Trend category celebrates hairdressers from around the world who are defining or showcasing the next big trends in hair colour. Whether it’s bold and vivid hues, sophisticated balayage, or innovative techniques, this category highlights creativity, originality, and the ability to set the standard for emerging colour trends.
2026 Update: This category has been updated to a video submission to better showcase colour trends, technique, movement, and overall result.
CATEGORY CRITERIA
WHO CAN ENTER: This category is open to hairdressers globally who are setting or showcasing emerging colour trends, such as balayage, reds, colour blocking, vivid hues, platinum, and more.
WHAT TO ENTER: Submit a video, captured on a smartphone, showcasing the colour trend in its best light. The video should highlight the finished result, colour placement, dimension, and overall execution.
HOW TO ENTER: The entry process involves two steps:
Social Media Submission: Post your entry/content on social media using the designated category hashtag (e.g., #DHA26_BestNewColourTrend) and collaborate with the Digital Hair Awards Instagram account @digitalhairawards
Online Submission: Complete the Online Submission on the DHA Entry Portal, ensuring all required details are provided (you will include a link to the posted content).
If you are entering multiple categories, ensure all relevant hashtags are clearly included in your post.
Both steps must be completed for your entry to be considered.
Your entry will be approved once all steps are completed, and the approval will be confirmed when the Digital Hair Awards Instagram account accepts the collaboration invitation.
JUDGING CRITERIA:
Trend Relevance: Does the colour align with or forecast current and future trends?
Creativity & Innovation: How original and innovative is the colour choice and application?
Technical Execution: How well-executed is the colour application?
Visual Impact: How visually appealing is the finished colour look?
SUBMISSION TIPS:
Emphasise unique colour combinations or techniques that could inspire future trends.
Use natural lighting to capture the true tones and vibrancy of the colour.
RULES
1. Eligibility
The awards are open to hairdressers and barbers globally.
Entries must be submitted by licensed professionals or individuals actively involved in the hair industry. You may enter a category more than once.
2. Awards Period
Only content created on or after 15th July, 2025 is eligible.
3. How to Enter
Entering the Digital Hair Awards is a simple two-step process:
Step 1: Instagram Submission
Post your content on Instagram, use the Collaborate feature to invite @digitalhairawards, and include the designated category hashtag (e.g. #DHA26_BestNewColourTrend) in your caption.
Step 2: Online Submission
Complete your entry via the Digital Hair Awards portal and include the direct link (URL) to your Instagram post.
⚠️ Both steps must be completed for your entry to be considered.
Your entry will be approved once all steps are completed, and the approval will be confirmed when the Digital Hair Awards Instagram account accepts the collaboration invitation.
4. Social Media Platform
Entries must be posted exclusively on Instagram. When completing the online submission (Step 2), you must provide the direct URL to the individual Instagram post being entered. Instagram profile links will not be accepted.
5. Content Specifications
Each category has specific format requirements (e.g., images, videos, carousels). Please refer to category guidelines.
Only smartphone-captured content is accepted for authenticity and accessibility.
6. Judging Criteria
Each category has its own judging criteria, which should guide how your content is created and presented.
Submissions are assessed by global industry judges and evaluated based on relevant factors such as:
technical skill
creativity
execution
alignment with category intent
overall impact
The weighting of these factors may vary by category.
7. Content Integrity
Light editing (such as brightness or colour correction) is permitted.Heavy filters or digital alterations that misrepresent the hair may result in disqualification.
All content must represent your own work.Plagiarised, misleading, or falsely credited submissions will not be accepted.
8. Credits and Multiple Entries
Credits are used to submit entries into the Digital Hair Awards, with one credit equal to one entry. Credits can be used across any category, and the same piece of content may be entered into multiple categories using separate credits.
Credits are flexible and shareable, making them ideal for friends, salon teams, and collaborators. Entry codes can be shared so multiple people can use the same pack. Any unused credits remain valid for the entire awards season.
9. Key Dates
Please refer to the Key Dates section on the Digital Hair Awards homepage for the most up-to-date information regarding entry deadlines, finalist announcements, and the 2026 LIVE virtual gala.
10. Usage Rights
By entering, you grant the Digital Hair Awards permission to use submitted content for promotional and editorial purposes across digital, social, print, and event-related platforms.
11. Additional Rules
You may enter multiple categories
You may submit multiple entries per category
Entries that do not meet submission requirements (including missing hashtags, incomplete portal submissions, or unaccepted collaboration invites) will not be considered