Your Complete Guide to The UK's Most Trusted Awards
As the industry's leading recognition platform, we believe in complete transparency. Below you'll find clear answers to your most important questions about entering, judging, and celebrating excellence in our prestigious awards.
Q: Why is there an entry fee?
A: Like any organisation, we have essential running costs to ensure we continue delivering our exceptional service. These include our dedicated customer service team, submissions department & business growth and development to support our finalists.
Q: Are there any further fees after I have paid the entry fee?
No, we have one transparent entry fee with no hidden charges. Plus, you'll get a full refund if you don't reach finalist status. While you can choose to attend our Red Carpet Event or purchase additional items, this is completely optional - many winners celebrate from home via our free livestream, having only paid the entry fee.
Q: Is everyone a finalist?
A: No. We receive thousands of applications every year, with only around 120 successful finalists per category. This number can vary, but achieving finalist status requires meeting strict professional industry standards. Being named a finalist is a genuine mark of excellence in the hair and beauty industry - it's not just a participation title.
Q: What happens after I submit my entry?
A: Our process follows 6 simple steps:
Pick your categories
Complete submission form
Official review
Receive finalist status (if successful)
Judges review
Red carpet event where the National Top 50 are announced
Q: How can I prepare for my submission?
A: Before starting your entry, ensure you have all required documentation and information ready, as well as time to write detailed answers. Remember, these are standard documents that any UK hair and beauty business should have. Our submission form will guide you through the process, and our team is here to help if needed.
Q: What happens if I become a finalist?
A: Upon achieving finalist status, you'll receive an official digital certificate and finalist handbook. This includes FREE marketing materials, a press release template, and exclusive finalist discounts. You'll also be a part of our amazing finalist community and have the opportunity to attend our Red Carpet Event (subject to availability).
Q: What placements are available this year?
A: For each category, we will announce the UK Top 100 for each category in a PDF following the event. During our Red Carpet ceremony, the National Top 50 will be revealed on stage rolling up from 50 to first place. First place winners are then called out and invited to collect their trophies on stage. For winners unable to attend, trophies will be securely dispatched after the event. Please note that all finalists have an equal chance of winning, regardless of whether they attend in person or watch via our free livestream.
Q: How are entries judged?
A: We have had many years experience to find the perfect formula for the judging process. Our process is designed to be thorough and fair. Each entry is reviewed by three independent expert judges who evaluate submissions based on category-specific criteria which is decided at the beginning of the HBA year (before entries open). To ensure complete impartiality, all entries are anonymized before judging, with names removed and replaced with numbers. The final decision is based purely on merit, reflecting our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of fairness in the competition.
Q: Why don’t you release the criteria throughout the year to help us with our submissions?
Our category-specific criteria is set at the start of each year and changes annually to allow for new winners and placings, before entries open. This ensures a fair and level playing field for all entrants - no one gets advanced knowledge or extra preparation time. It also helps maintain the integrity of the competition, as businesses are judged on their genuine, day-to-day excellence rather than specifically tailoring their work to meet known criteria.
Q: Who are the judges?
A: Our judging panel consists of highly qualified industry professionals, each with a minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in their respective categories. To maintain the integrity of the awards, our judges remain completely anonymous. This anonymity ensures they can make unbiased decisions without external pressure or influence. As independent experts, they specialise solely in evaluating entries based on merit, and unlike other awards programmes, they don't receive social exposure or public recognition for their role.
Q: Why are the judges anonymous?
A: Protecting our judges' identities - especially at the scale of our competition- is absolutely crucial for maintaining the integrity of our awards. Unfortunately, past experiences have proven this necessity, including attempted bribes and a concerning incident where a judge was threatened at their home address. At HBA, there is no face to the brand because it's not about us - it's about our finalists, and that's exactly how we want to keep it. We want entrants to participate for the right reasons: because they care about the industry, not because they're chasing fame or connections. Our judges are paid professionals who focus solely on merit-based judging, without seeking social exposure or industry fame from their role. This strict anonymity policy ensures completely unbiased decisions while protecting their personal safety and professional integrity, keeping the spotlight exactly where it belongs - on celebrating your achievements.
Q: Why don't you have celebrity judges?
A: At HBA, we prioritise expertise over celebrity status. Our judges are chosen based on their hands-on industry experience and professional knowledge, not their public profile. We believe that having qualified, working professionals judge your work ensures the most fair and merit-based decisions. Our anonymous judging panel focuses solely on the quality of entries, maintaining the integrity of the awards without being influenced by industry politics or social media following. While we do have celebrity hosts at our Red Carpet Event, the actual judging is left to industry experts who understand the technical excellence required in our field.
Q: Do I need to attend the event to win?
A: No! You can watch via our FREE livestream from home. Winners are chosen purely on the submission they provide, regardless of attendance.
Q: Will I know if I'm a winner before the event?
A: No. Winners are not revealed until the official announcement at our Red Carpet Event. All finalists discover the results at the same time as everyone else, whether attending in person or watching via our free livestream.
Q: I don’t have the documents required on the submission form, can I still be a finalist if I submit it anyway?
A: Unfortunately not. Finalist status is only awarded to entrants who meet all criteria. However, don't worry - our submissions team will contact you to assist you in obtaining the necessary documents. As these are standard requirements for UK hair and beauty businesses, we'll guide you through the process of gathering what you need. If you still don’t meet the criteria, you will receive a full refund.
Q: What if my finalist status is rejected?
If your finalist status is rejected, you will receive a full refund.
Q: How can I get a trophy?
A: Each first place winner receives a complimentary, highest-quality glass trophy, personally engraved in-house. For finalists interested in purchasing a commemorative finalist trophy from their participating year, please contact trophies@hairandbeautyawards.co.uk for pricing details.
Q: What is HBA's stance on bullying and clique culture?
A: HBA is an open community where everyone is welcome. We have a zero tolerance policy for bullying or clique behaviour. Our awards celebrate unity and excellence in the hair and beauty industry, not division. If you experience or witness any form of bullying or inappropriate behaviour, please report it immediately to hello@hairandbeautyawards.co.uk. We take all reports seriously and act swiftly to maintain our inclusive, supportive environment.