PB/HJ Beauty, Hair & Spa Awards: creating a winning entry!

With the PB/HJ Beauty, Hair & Spa Awards 2022 now open for entries, knowing how to put together a winning one will give you the best chance to grab our judges’ attention.

There are 16 categories in total – eight for beauty and eight for hair, split to recognise business and creative skills – and all entries will be adjudicated independently by industry experts who are selected for their knowledge and expertise.

Using feedback from previous judges and winners, we've put together a guide to writing a winning entry.

1 Explain why you're different

Plan your entry and make sure your key points of difference are evident. Think about the unique selling points (USPs) that make you stand out from competitors. Start with a skeleton plan, and then choose your strengths to begin building the entry. Highlighting your unparalleled offerings will attract the judges' attention.

2 Prioritise photos

Photos are very important as they are the first thing most judges will look at. If you are entering Beauty Salon of the Year, or Hair Salon of the Year, make sure to show the full exterior, along with a good representation of the whole communal area and, in the case of a beauty salon, a treatment room. If you are entering Artistic Team of the Year or Colour Technician of the Year, select images that will jump out at the judges. Consider the lighting, styling, make-up, model and the original concept, and ask yourself if your vision has been captured, and if it will make the right impact.

3 Be concise

Start your answer to each question with bullet points to spell out the top five or six things you want to get across and as you add the text to expand, bold up key words that relate to the initial points. Judges will see these first and use them to refer back to, so the things you really want to get across will be the ones that stick in their minds.

4 Answer the whole question

While it's important to stick to the point, it's even more important to match your answers to the questions. Judges mark your entry to criteria set for the PB/HJ Awards, so give them a response to what they've asked. And always give an answer because you won't score anything if you leave it blank! 

5 Show your passion

The judges want to know what makes you tick; what's your passion and your vision for the future? They are interested in your creative fulfilment, what you love about your job and your belief in the industry.

6 Back up statements with evidence

Evidence is the most important part of any entry. The judges can't award points for claims that aren't backed up. For example, don't just say 'I have excellent customer service skills', as that doesn't explain anything. Give some examples or include client testimonials to prove it.

7 Ask your team and clients for input

Ask your staff what makes your salon or spa great, as there may be things you've not thought of. Input from your team can make a huge difference to how you approach an answer. Getting different perspectives will allow the entry to evolve. Ask your clients why they come to you instead of your competitor. They will help you recognise why you are the best.

8 Make an effort

Don't write one-line answers because it will be obvious you were rushing, or weren't putting all your focus into the entry. Don't copy and paste lots of text either, as it will be too long and include irrelevant information. Don't direct the judges to your website to find the information they are looking for; collating the material yourself will show your passion, professionalism and care, which are key ingredients to win.

Find out more about the PB/HJ Beauty, Hair & Spa Awards Ireland 2022.