Road to NAHA Series Details Creative Process
A free live education series offers artists an inside look at the creative and production processes behind award-winning hairstyling collections for
The Road to NAHA is a free, four-part live education series. It gives artists access to the creative process behind winning hairstyling collections.
Created and presented by Joseph Cartright, the series was initially hosted live on the Disbeaute network. Co-hosts include Ruth Roche, Anne and Joe Chesbro, Brendnetta Ashley, David Maderich, and Jackie Litscher. Additional industry voices join the conversations throughout the series.
A Foxhole Conversation
Joseph Cartright describes the series as a “foxhole conversation.” Artists share what they learned, what went wrong, and what they wish they had known. Each one-hour episode uses rear projection to show finished images and behind-the-scenes footage. This happens as artists discuss their decisions.
The series approaches competitions as vehicles for creative development. It covers NAHA, the Global Image Awards, and others. “The collection may last a season, but what an artist learns through the process can stay with them for a career,” said Cartright. He added that the hosts share their experiences because they love the industry and want to see other artists succeed.
Series Logistics and Access
The series is free and open to all artists. Each episode includes live audience participation and a Q&A session. The initiative behind the series is called WinNAHA.
NAHA, the North American Hairstyling Awards, is produced by the Professional Beauty Association (PBA). It is one of the professional beauty industry's biggest creative competitions. Entries for this year close on October 13 for PBA Non-Members and November 12 for PBA Members.
The source report also contained announcements for other industry events. These included Premiere San Antonio on August 30-31 and a one-day event in Philadelphia on October 25, 2026. Another event, From Chair to Boss Live!, is set for September 28 in Oak Brook, Illinois.
Further announcements covered product launches and partnerships. Covet & Mane expanded its Pro Color System with Color Boost Drops for hair extensions. Dippity-Do celebrated 60 years with a reimagined Light Hold Gelée. Ulta Beauty partnered with Black Beauty Roster to launch the All Textures Certification pilot program.
Universe Walker will bring her Art of Dry Cutting workshop to Brooklyn on July 20. The report also mentioned a salon visit routine in Dubai where clients can spend $800 to $1,400 monthly, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. The Beautyworld Dubai show marks its 30th edition from October 6-8, 2026.
Our own squad of industry analysts tracks such educational initiatives. The stats on competition participation often reflect the value artists find in these deep-dive sessions. The series provides a candid look at the collaboration and effort required to produce award-winning hair art.
