Alaina Kathleen’s Win Is a Reminder to Keep Creating

Aveda artist Alaina Kathleen wins Men’s Hairdresser of the Year at the 2026 LIVE Fashion Hair Awards Americas Edition—and shares the story behind the collection and the advice artists need to hear.

Years of creating collections, entering competitions and putting heart into the work led to one unforgettable moment for Alaina Kathleen: winning Men’s Hairdresser of the Year at the 2026 LIVE Fashion Hair Awards Americas Edition.

For the Aveda artist and educator, the recognition goes beyond a trophy. It celebrates the creative risks, persistence and community that brought the collection to life—and offers a reminder to every stylist wondering whether to take the next step: start.

A men’s hair collection that puts texture first

Alaina’s award-winning collection began with a clear intention: let each individual’s hair texture be the focus. Instead of building the images around clothing, Alaina chose pared-back styling and jewelry to draw the eye to the hair. The result balanced a masculine feel with a touch of softness.

“It is extremely important to me that the hair is seen and talked about by texture,” Alaina says.

That perspective is part of what makes the collection compelling. Each look invites the viewer to pay attention to the hair in front of them—to its shape, movement and individuality. It is also an idea artists can carry back behind the chair: great work begins with seeing what makes each guest’s hair their own.

What winning Men’s Hairdresser of the Year meant to Alaina

“To hear my name called was thrilling and overwhelming all at the same time,” Alaina says. After years of creating collections and submitting work, hearing that name felt incredible.

Taking home an award for men’s hair carried another layer of meaning. Alaina wanted the moment to represent the women doing exceptional work in this part of the industry, too. The win is personal, but the invitation it offers is bigger: there is room for more artists to create boldly and be recognized for it.

The work Alaina loves most happens with other artists

For Alaina, creative shoots and education are connected. Both ask artists to keep learning, test ideas and grow beyond what feels familiar. Visiting salons and working alongside stylists brings a particular reward: helping someone reconnect with their passion for hair.

“Getting to share the passion and love I have for it with others in any way is everything,” Alaina says.

Artists in the Neill network have seen that spirit in action. Alaina has also brought artistry to the runway, leading backstage hair for an Alexis Bittar presentation featured in Neill’s story on Aveda hair trends at New York Fashion Week. Whether creating a collection, leading a team or teaching a class, Alaina’s focus is on what artists can make possible together.

Alaina’s advice: go for it, and don’t stop

For anyone considering a first creative shoot, competition entry or step into education, Alaina’s advice is simple: “Go for it and don’t stop.” The unknown can feel intimidating. But every attempt builds experience, including the ones that do not go as planned.

Alaina is already looking ahead to creating new classes for the network, developing another collection and helping create space within Aveda for artists to be heard and grow. Inspiration comes from fellow artists and mentors, as well as art, nature, fashion, books, music and the everyday moments in between.

So if an idea has been sitting in your notes, consider this your invitation to begin. Make the mood board. Ask a collaborator. Submit the work. Your next step does not have to be perfect to matter.

Congratulations, Alaina. Explore more of Alaina Kathleen’s work on Instagram, and discover how Neill education and opportunities to become a Neill educator can help you keep growing.