TOP Salon – The Challenge 2026: announcing the finalists

For more than 25 years TOP Salon – The Challenge has been considered one of the key entrepreneurial awards in the hairdressing industry across the German-speaking region. 2026 will once again see salons boasting economic stability, strategic clarity and future-oriented concepts being recognised at TOP HAIR Düsseldorf.

More than 150 salons from Germany, Austria and Switzerland have applied for the Award this year. An independent, high-calibre jury nominated eleven salons in four categories. Twelve nominations were awarded in total with one salon being represented in two categories. The jury assesses the company’s concept, commercial development, service quality and strategic focus. In addition, all nominees are anonymously audited in a mystery-check procedure. The Award is organised by the hairstyling trade magazine TOP HAIR International.

The finalists 2026

Category Best Practice
Successful connection of tradition and innovation:

• Aus der Wieschen Friseur-Kosmetik, Münster
• Beautypark Sylke Bahrenburg, Hellwege
• von Trentini Friseure, Wiesbaden

Category Design
Trendsetting space and interior staging:

• HEIKO HELFRICH Friseure, Esslingen
• MEHLFELD, Bad Schwartau
• Zuck Friseure, Leipzig

Category Employer
Modern staff management and education engagement:

• Haar & Beauty Zauber by ute berg, Hattingen
• Maria Metzler Haarstudio Mariastyle, Deggendorf
• NEXXT HAIR PROJECT, Erfurt

Category Future Business
Future-proofing strategies in digitalisation, sustainability and social responsibility:

• Friseur Hairconcept, Berlin
• Haar & Beauty Zauber by ute berg, Hattingen
• INGA HOLTZ, Ribnitz-Damgarten

The finale: Prime Time on the Main Stage

On Saturday evening (21/3) the sector is in for a both emotional and entrepreneurial highlight: the TOP Salon – The Challenge Awards 2026 will be handed over live at 8.15 pm on the Main Stage of TOP HAIR Düsseldorf. To the tune of 200 hairstylists from the shortlisted salons will jointly make a ceremonial march into the hall. As the winners are announced, expert recognition will blend with palpable excitement in the audience.

The award ceremony will be seamlessly followed by the legendary TOP HAIR Party on the same evening. The exhibition hall will become the meeting point for the industry – a space for exchange, encounters and conversations beyond the official programme.

TOP HAIR Düsseldorf

TOP HAIR Düsseldorf is the leading European trade fair for the hairdressing sector. From 21 to 22 March 2026 it will connect a trade fair with shows, workshops and a congress programme bringing together national and international industry players in Düsseldorf.

For more information on TOP Salon – The Challenge and on TOP HAIR go to: www.top-hair-international.com.