National competition recognizes the next generation of beauty industry talent
Washington, D.C. – July 20, 2026 – The American Association of Career Schools (AACS), in partnership with L’Oréal Professional Products Division, is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 AACS & L’Oréal Student Stylist of the Year Competition, recognizing exceptional beauty school students for their creativity, technical excellence, and passion for the profession.
This year’s competition challenged students to interpret the theme “Avant-Garde After Dark,” inspiring participants from AACS member schools across the country to showcase bold artistic vision and advanced technical skills.
The 2026 Student Stylist of the Year winners are:
- Best Overall, 2026 Student Stylist of the Year: Jessena Fields
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture – Libertyville, Illinois
- Best in Color: Katelyn Weaver
The Salon Professional Academy – Evansville, Indiana
- Best in Texture: Kadijah Smalls
Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology – West Columbia, South Carolina
- Best in Finishing: Tristan Leger
Ogle School Hair, Skin & Nails – Hurst, Texas
The winners were recognized during the AACS Career Educators Alliance (CEA) Conference, where educators, school leaders, students, and industry partners gathered to celebrate excellence in beauty, barber, and wellness education.
“The Student Stylist of the Year competition showcases the incredible talent emerging from AACS member schools,” said John D. Russell, JD, Executive Director of AACS. “These students represent the future of our industry, and we’re proud to celebrate their creativity, technical ability, and commitment to professional excellence. Congratulations to each of this year’s winners, finalists, and the educators who helped them reach this milestone.”
The Student Stylist of the Year competition is open to students enrolled at AACS member schools nationwide and is designed to encourage creativity, technical excellence, and professional growth while highlighting the quality education provided by career schools across the country.
For more information about the AACS & L’Oréal Student Stylist of the Year competition, visit myaacs.org.
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About AACS
AACS is the nation’s only membership organization representing the beauty, barber, and wellness education sector. AACS represents over 670 beauty, barber, and wellness education schools in the United States and Canada, and over 80 national and international companies serving the sector. AACS is the leader in advocacy, education, and networking in the beauty, barber, and wellness sector, hosting two national conferences annually and offering online education and networking for its members.
About L’Oreal Professional Products Division
The Professional Products Division found its roots within L’Oréal 115 years ago. Since then, our mission has always been to bring professional beauty to all, by leveraging the expertise and creativity of hairstylists.
This spirit of innovation and deep-rooted collaboration with hairstylists has always defined our DNA. We all have a clear mission: to bring professional beauty to all. This mission drives everything we do, ensuring that our products and services empower hairstylists to create exceptional and tailor-made beauty experiences.
