See how the latest results have affected SB Awards leaderboard
Published:The SB Awards Leaderboard has quickly become one of the most talked-about additions to the SB Awards, offering a long-view perspective on excellence across the industry. Introduced in 2024, the leaderboard shifts the focus beyond a single night of celebration, instead recognising sustained achievement by tracking all-time winners since the awards first launched in 2013.
At its core, the leaderboard tells a deeper story. While the annual awards spotlight standout performances in a given year, this evolving ranking highlights those businesses that have consistently set the benchmark over time. It’s a measure not just of success, but of longevity, adaptability and continued relevance in a fast-moving sector.
Following the announcement of the 2026 winners, the leaderboard has been updated once again, bringing fresh movement and, importantly, opening the door to new names. With a revised points system that awards six points for Platinum wins and eight points for the coveted Ultimate Salon title, the structure ensures that even first-time entrants have a genuine opportunity to make an immediate impact.
That inclusivity is already proving effective. This year sees Urban Coiffeur break into the Top 10 for the very first time, thanks to their Ultimate Salon victory. It’s a clear example of how the leaderboard is not just a roll call of long-established giants, but a dynamic ranking that rewards standout achievement, regardless of history.
The Top 10 itself remains a powerful indicator of industry leadership, populated by salons that have repeatedly demonstrated excellence across multiple categories. Yet what makes the leaderboard particularly compelling is its fluidity. Positions are far from fixed; each year brings the potential for shifts, surprises and new challengers rising through the ranks.
As the awards continue to evolve, the leaderboard is set to become an increasingly important barometer of success. More than just a ranking, it’s a celebration of the salons shaping the industry’s past, present and future.
