The 2025 Hot Shot categories
Note: Only one artist will be credited for each category nomination unless otherwise outlined below. Please read the Contest Rules before entering. Rules have changed this year!
Hot Shot celebrates the work of hairdressers doing real hair behind the chair. Submissions include the work they do on their actual clients and are often shot on a cell phone.
STYLING: Each entry may only be submitted to ONE Styling Category. Read the category descriptions carefully to determine which is best suited for your entry.
- SPECIAL EVENT STYLING
- Updos and/or any specialized hairstyling for events and occasions.
- INTRICATE BRAIDS & TWISTS
- Braids and twists of any kind and size focused on technical skill, creative or classic placement and artistic styling.
OVERALL
- HAIR EXTENSIONS
- Before and after images of extension work. Creating a look through length, body, dimension and/or overall shape should be depicted. Note: Your entry must show forward facing before/after shots on the SAME image. Only one person will be credited for this category. Any additional colorists or cutters can submit as their own entry in alternate relevant categories
- STUDENT
- Any hair color, haircut or hair styling looks created by a beauty school student or salon apprentice at time of creation. See creation submission dates under Contest Rules for clarity.
- SALON DECOR
- Photos should highlight the design, style and layout of interior furnishings, personality and character of your salon.
- SUITE DECOR
- Photos should highlight the design, style and layout of interior furnishings, personality and character of your suite.
- EDUCATIONAL POST
- An educational post that is not a video created with clear intention to educate hairstylists.
- COLLABORATION TRANSFORMATION
- Before and after images of a collaboration on an overall haircut, hair color and/or hair styling transformation. Technical skill involved, client sustainability and overall changes made will be the focal points of this category. Note: Your entry must show forward facing before/after shots on the SAME image. Two people TOTAL will be credited per entry. Each person credited must have an account on OneShotHairAwards.com.
VIDEO: Entries may only be submitted to ONE Video Category. Read the category descriptions carefully to determine which is best suited for your entry. Also, for video entries, you must upload a “cover image” for your video that we will use in the yearbook and other materials as well as the URL link to the video itself.
- COLOR VIDEO
- Videos created with clear intention to educate hairstylists about any hair color technique or specific hair color look.
- HAIRCUT VIDEO
- Videos created with clear intention to educate hairstylists about any haircut technique or specific haircut look.
- STYLING VIDEO
- Videos created with clear intention to educate hairstylists about any styling technique or specific hairstyle or styling look.
- FUNNY VIDEO
- Videos created to bring laughter, light, humor and relatability to hairstylists in the professional beauty industry.