
Got a Gorgeous New Business? SALONS OF THE YEAR Applications now Open!
The landmark, photo-based interior design competition has opened its application process. We'd love you to hit us with your best shots!
The landmark, photo-based interior design competition has opened its application process. We'd love you to hit us with your best shots!

Interior shots of some of last year's honorees, including Graeber and Co. in Boise, Idaho, Andreas Hogue Salon in Northbrook, Illinois, and Dominic Michael Salon in Chesterfield, Illinois.
Andreas Hogue, Graeber and Co., Dominic Michael
*Summarized by AI
Now in its 43rd year, the SALONS OF THE YEAR competition showcases the best in interior design of new or newly remodeled salons, spas, medspas, barbershops, and schools each year. To be considered for the competition, owners are asked to submit up to 10 professional images that showcase their space, answer some factual information about the design and buildout of the interior, and write short essays that help walk our judges through their design decisions.

Applications for our SALONS OF THE YEAR are now open. Hit us with the best shots of your salon, spa or barbershop.
Graeber and Co., Dominic Michael Salon, Andreas Hogue Salon
All finalists will be featured in our SALONS OF THE YEAR digital edition, and those honorees will be invited to submit video tours through their space to further enrich our coverage.
Applications are due August 15, 2026. Access the digital application here.
To give you an idea of the coverage that will result from this competition, check out last year's digital edition.
If you have questions about the competition, please reach out to stacey.soble@bobit.com
The SALONS OF THE YEAR competition is a photo-based interior design contest that recognizes outstanding interior design for salons, spas, medspas, barbershops and schools.
*Summarized by AI

The landmark, photo-based interior design competition has opened its application process. We'd love you to hit us with your best shots!

At night, Dominic Michael Salon keeps the interior lights on, as the illuminated, eye-catching contemporary design serves as a billboard that consistently attracts new guests.

Built from the ground up, Mane 18’s design strikes a balance between an elevated experience for guests and the functionality and flow necessary for team members to perform at their best.

Andreas Hogue Salon’s recent renovation surprises visitors with the interior’s expansion of space, elevated retail area, and changing views of the restored Chicago prairie.

It's Day 10 of our SALON TODAY 200 reveals, and we've reached the end! Today, we toast the honorees in the second half of growth--the salons, spas, and barbershops that constantly strive to build stronger bottom lines, including Brandy Smith Stephens in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

On Day 9 of our 2026 SALON TODAY 200 reveals, a big 'Huzzah' to our first look at the salons, spas and barbershops that fueled their growth by mastering a number of best practices, including the fun team from Lavish Hair Lounge in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (P.S. The second half of Growth comes tomorrow.)

A big "Bravo!" to the salons and spas that develop strong cultures that fuel growth while retaining team members, such as Soleil Salon & Spa team in Windham, New Hampshire, who catch up reading last year's 200 issue.

We tip our hats to the salons and spas that genuinely connect with guests and strive to elevate their service, including Chenica Racine and Ricka O'Bannon, owners of C&R Beauty Bar in Louisville, Kentucky.

Hats off to the 2026 SALON TODAY 200 honorees who make education a priority for employees at every level, including Eric Fisher Salon, which hosted Educator Oscar Bond for a cutting class in Wichita, Kansas.

Today, we have two 2026 SALON TODAY 200 categories as we hail the salons that find creative ways to build client loyalty and the ones that constantly explore and embrace new technology to further their businesses, including the social-savvy team from Verde Salon Group in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

For today's SALON TODAY 200 announcements, we toast the honorees who prioritize the environment in their business decisions and those who take retail to the next level, including the excited team from Pure Salon Spa in Louisville, Kentucky.

Cheers to the SALON TODAY 200 honorees who give their time, talent and fundraising efforts to their communities, including Eli Mancha and the team from Bang! Salon, whose cut-a-thon has collected more than 1,200 coats that have been donated to Chicago's unhoused.

It's Day 1 of our 2026 SALON TODAY 200 announcements, and today, we raise our glasses for the honorees in the Business Builders category. These salons, including Elan Hair Studio in Spring Lake, New Jersey, took strategic risks that paid off in revenue-generating success.

It's time to celebrate the 2026 SALON TODAY 200 honorees who design rewarding career paths and seek out enriching benefits to keep their team members healthy, happy and growing, including the team from Pinup Studio in Raleigh, North Carolina, who always enjoy a good pajama party.

With a training salon, treatment rooms, education and collaboration spaces, a podcast studio and a yoga studio, BASE ONE is the foundation for the future growth of PENZONE Salons+Spas, as well as the company's gift to their community and the industry. Peruse the image gallery or take the personalized video tour led by Debra Penzone to see this exceptional space.

As our judges read those last essays and create their list of honorees in each category, we're planning to start announce the 2026 SALON TODAY 200 starting February 25.

Knowing that community and connection are as important as the experience, Parlor by Thompson and Company delivers with a full bar, gaming areas, workspaces and nostalgic décor. The cozy space captures Best Barbershop of the Year in our SALONS OF THE YEAR competition.