The Bay Area Student Hairstyling Awards (BASHA) celebrates the artistry and skill of young talent in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area. Students are recognized in three categories--Shape, Color, Avant Garde--during an awards ceremony while the BASHA beauty event offers  networking, education, and professional growth opportunities.y. BASHA was founded by Nicole Hitchcock and Nina Husen, of NH2 SALON.

Eleven finalists were judged by this year's guest judge and a creative director at Sassoon Academy  in San Francisco, Nhi, who joined Nicole Hitchcock and Nina Husen to select the three 2013 San Francisco Bay Area Student Hairdressers of the Year.

Winners of this years BASHA Awards received a $500 cosmetology school tuition grant courtesy of NH2 salon,a pair of Matsuzaki shears courtesy of SHEAR WORLD and an Aluminite blow dryer courtesy of Cricket Co.

Shape winner Tyler Bui received a 3-day ABC Cutting Course courtesy of Sassoon Academy. In total, over $4000 of prizes and grants were awarded.

"It feels surreal that I won BASHA in the shape category," says Tyler Bui. "Winning BASHA means that I get to further my education with a 3-day advanced cutting course at Sassoon. Education is my top priority as a new professional in the beauty industry."

100% of this year's BASHA Awards proceeds went to benefit Hairdresser with Heart, NH2's chosen non-profit that pairs cancer patients with stylists across the United States. NH2 has raised over $18,000 thus far in 2013 for Hairdressers with Heart.

"Participating in BASHA was a phenomenal learning experience and one of the best things I have ever done for myself," said Megan Warren."It wasn’t until the actual night of the awards when I saw all the other finalists and their models that I realized we are creating walking, living, breathing art. I am so grateful for this realization because it has helped bring passion into my life. Passion for color, hair, beauty and art. This competition was the spoon that stirred these thoughts in my mind. It felt absolutely amazing to win the color category! It really helped to boost my confidence and gave me a sort of validation for the work I do."