The Beauty Launchpad Reader’s Choice Awards nomination phase has been extended. The brands making good on their promise to support cosmetologists now have the time they need to get their nominations in order after a very busy event season. Finally ready to nominate your amazing brand? Right this way.
Reader’s Choice Awards is also an opportunity for the team behind Beauty Launchpad to see, in one big group, all of our audience’s favorites from innovative new launches to salon staples that our pros can’t live without, and the choice is theirs. Here are the categories we’ve had our eye on this year.
1. Best Top Coat
The product everybody uses has undergone some major elevation this year as launches reflect clients’ desire for more out of standard manicures and more precise, personalized sets from their nail artists.
Who will win in 2026? Nominations go here.
2. Best Sustainable / Eco-Friendly Line
Clients and cosmetologists all want better products that work towards a better world. Sustainable and eco-friendly products were the start, but the sustainability conversation has stretched out into those same eco-friendly claims doing more with less products. Less clutter, less confusion and less waste.
Eco-friendly salons are watching this category, nominate here.
3. Hair Care: Best Hair Loss System
As hair and scalp care becomes a priority to the average client, more and more hair stylists are taking an interest in preventing hair loss through products and techniques. The submissions this year are showing us the trend of scalp treatments AND products designed to support maintenance outside of the salon.
Make sure you nominate here.
4. Best Color Line
Getting the right formula is paramount for providing consistent and impactful results in the salons, and clients are seeking personalization more than before, as new demographics explore professional hair care. Getting the right color with long-lasting results is as important as ever.
Think your product is one of the best? Nominate here.
5. Best Acrylic System
With the right tools, you can take any nail look to the next level. For some, monomer gives more control, while dehydrators are easy to use. Tried-and-true acrylic systems come down to what's going to last long and provide versatility to the consumer.
Is your brand the best? Don't get left out, nominate here!
6. Best Salon Management Innovation
Salon owners juggle many hats. From marketing and training to day-to-day, the best salon management tools simplify tasks that can consume an owner's schedule. Tools that streamline back-end operations are invaluable in elevating and advancing a salon.
Management tools and innovations are some of the greatest partners to the entrepreneurs in this industry. Let them cheer YOU on this time, nominate here.
7. Best Cuticle Oil
Nail technicians across the board swear by their cuticle oil, and clients’ attention to hand and nail hydration and health has increased as body care expands as a category. Cuticle oils are providing more ingredients, fragrances and….*checks notes* glitter to help manicurists elevate the client experience from the table beyond.
There will be plenty of healthy cuticles voting this year, make sure they find their faves--future nominees go here.
8. Best Curl Product
There’s been so much innovation in curly hair this year, from legislative changes on textured hair education to products being tailored to better hydrate, define and maintain curly hair. These are the products elevating hair care no matter the client, and bringing more opportunities to provide high-quality professional service to all clients.
Some of your biggest advocates will be voting in this year's Readers Choice Awards, nominate here!
9. Best Nail Art Tool
Textured 3D and ultra-thin micro French tips took over the year. Nail inspiration is taking a turn from the minimalist, 3D effects into more lavish and intricate styles. Quality tools are becoming a requirement to execute clean, timely designs that meet expectations.
We know you have them, you know they love them. Nominate now!
