AACS & L’Oréal Professional Products Announce 2026 Student Stylist of the Year Finalists
More than 200 student entries submitted nationwide; winners to be recognized at the 2026 AACS Career Educators Alliance Conference
Washington, D.C. — The American Association of Career Schools (AACS), in partnership with L’Oréal Professional Products, is proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 AACS & L’Oréal Student Stylist of the Year Competition.
This year’s competition received more than 200 entries from talented students representing beauty schools across the United States. Centered around the creative theme “Avant-Garde After Dark,” the competition challenged students to showcase their technical skill, artistic vision, and creativity through editorial-inspired looks.
The Student Stylist of the Year competition celebrates the next generation of beauty professionals while recognizing the outstanding education and mentorship provided by AACS member schools.
This competition is designed to give students a national stage to showcase their talent while helping launch their careers before graduation. Through its continued partnership with L’Oréal Professional Products, AACS remains committed to recognizing excellence in beauty education and supporting the industry’s future professionals.
The 2026 finalists are:
Best Overall
- Fernando Reyes — Empire Beauty School – Nashville
- Iyinah Fullwood — Empire Beauty School – Philadelphia
- Jessena Fields — Tricoci University of Beauty Culture – Libertyville
Best in Color
- Luz Paola Carrasco-Soto — Academy of Professional Cosmetology
- Katelyn Weaver — The Salon Professional Academy – Evansville
- Tristan Leger — Ogle School of Hair, Skin & Nails – Hurst
Best in Texture
- Dannika Cribbs — The Salon Professional Academy – Evansville
- Kadijah Smalls — Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology – West Columbia
- Kiersten Sitzes — Crave Beauty Academy – Ballwin
Best in Finishing
- Sakari Johnico — Eric Fisher Academy
- Violeta Salas — Academy of Professional Cosmetology
- Tristan Leger — Ogle School of Hair, Skin & Nails – Hurst
Winners in each category—including the 2026 AACS & L’Oréal Student Stylist of the Year (Best Overall)—will be announced during the AACS Career Educators Alliance (CEA) Conference, taking place July 18–20, 2026, in Anaheim, California.
AACS congratulates all of the 2026 finalists and thanks every student, educator, and school that participated in this year’s competition.
Learn more about the competition on the AACS website.
About the American Association of Career Schools
The American Association of Career Schools (AACS) is the national association representing career schools specializing in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nails, massage therapy, and wellness. AACS advances the success of its member schools through advocacy, education, professional development, and industry partnerships while promoting excellence in career education.
About L’Oréal Professional Products
L’Oréal Professional Products is a global leader in professional beauty, partnering with salons, schools, and educators to inspire creativity, elevate education, and support the next generation of beauty professionals through innovative products, education, and industry leadership.
