Sekondi-Takoradi emerged as a beacon of creative enterprise last week as the city hosted the landmark Hair and Grooming Impact Awards 2025, alongside a spirited Inter-Association Cooking Competition.

The events ignited unity and celebration across the region’s beauty and service industries.

Organized by Big Brand Ghana under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, Elwoode A. Mantey, the twin events spotlighted the artistry, resilience, and economic potential of local hairdressers, barbers, plaiters, makeup artists, and beauty entrepreneurs.

The main awards gala was held on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Akroma Plaza in Takoradi, where 24 excellence awards were presented through a hybrid model of public voting and expert judging.

Top Winners Celebrated

In a historic double victory, Dorcas Otchere was crowned both Hairdresser of the Year and Make-up Artist of the Year, affirming her exceptional versatility and client devotion.

Rebecca Benle received the prestigious Hair Plaiter of the Year award and was also recognized as Beauty Influencer and Content Creator, highlighting her influence both in the salon and online.

Together, these trailblazers exemplify the innovation, skill, and digital fluency driving Ghana’s modern beauty economy.

Full List of Award Recipients

Other distinguished winners included:

Nail Technician of the Year: IC Beauty Klinik

Best Haircut of the Year: Sharon’s Parlour

Best Bridal Hair Stylist: Genevieve Yamoah

Best Natural Hair Stylist: Dorcas Otchere

Most Creative Hairdresser: Eunice Ainoo

Young CEO of the Year: Cherry’s Palace

Best Bridal Make-up Artist: Rita Mensah

Best Client Service of the Year: Rosemond Odoi

Salon of the Year: IC Beauty Klinik

Best Bridal Plaiter: Mamanash Enterprise

Braider of the Year: Dorothy Debbah

Hairstylist of the Year: Nicobet Beauty Saloon

Best Hairdresser Apprentice: Fatima Issifu

Best Traditional Hair Artistry: Eunice Ainoo

Most Innovative Plaiting Technique: Celestina Mensah

Entrepreneur of the Year: Rosemond Odoi

CEO of the Year: Rita Mensah

Apprentice and Emerging Talent Award: Barbering Shop

Sustainable and Impact Leadership Award: Leticia Ottoo

Artistry Specialist Award: Portia Esi Mills

Sustainable Salon Spa: J and T Beauty Salon

Distinguished Guests Honor the Sector

The ceremony was graced by Lawyer F. F. Faidoo, Mayor of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, who attended at the directive of Western Regional Minister Hon. Joseph Nelson. Also in attendance was Nana Efua Nsanaa I, Gyaase Hemaa of the Gomoa Traditional Area, whose presence affirmed the cultural significance of traditional grooming practices.

“Tonight, we affirm that beauty is not vanity. It is vocation, skill, and nation-building,” said Mr. Elwoode A. Mantey, CEO of Big Brand Ghana. “These professionals are job creators, mentors, and community anchors who add value to the local economy of the region. They deserve this spotlight.”

The celebrations began on November 27, 2025, with an Inter-Association Cooking Competition at Airport Junction Mall. The event united five key associations—GHABA, NABH, Progressive Hairdressers Association, Hair Plaiters Association, and Unique Hairdressers Association—in a joyful demonstration of solidarity beyond the workplace.

The success of HGIA 2025 was made possible through the generous support of Tuman Enterprise and Ghandour Cosmetics (The GC Brand), both committed to empowering Ghana’s beauty artisans through resources, training, and visibility.

Plans are already underway for HGIA 2026, with expanded workshops, business clinics, and regional outreach to further professionalize the sector.