K18 Future of Hair + Scalp Trichology Education Award Fall 2026

K18 Future of Hair + Scalp Trichology Education Award Fall 2026 

K18 Hair is committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in haircare through ongoing research, education, and innovation. Through the K18 Future of Hair + Scalp Trichology Education Award, K18 is investing in current and future professionals who are passionate about advancing hair and scalp knowledge.

Trichology is the specialized study of the hair and scalp, including hair structure, growth, loss, and common hair and scalp conditions. This knowledge can also help beauty professionals provide informed, compassionate support to clients experiencing hair and scalp changes related to health conditions or treatments, including cancer care.

This award recognizes individuals who demonstrate curiosity, innovation, technical excellence, and commitment to applying this knowledge responsibly within their professional scope of practice.

The award will support a current beauty student or licensed professional pursuing eligible trichology or hair-and-scalp-focused education. Through this education, K18 aims to help professionals deepen their expertise, elevate the client experience, and better support clients experiencing hair and scalp changes, including changes associated with health conditions or treatments such as cancer care.

Award Amount 

One (1) education award of up to $10,000.

Award funds may be applied toward the cost of a BCL-approved trichology education program and approved travel expenses in accordance with BCL policy.

Fall 2026 season opens from September 1 – October 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST.

Eligibility/Qualifications

• Be 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
• Be enrolled in or accepted to an eligible trichology, hair-and-scalp science, or equivalent education program. Eligible education may be completed as part of a cosmetology, barbering, or equivalent hair-focused program, or as specialized or advanced education pursued by a licensed beauty professional.
• The program must be offered through a U.S.-accredited institution, a BCL Qualifying Partner School, or another established professional trichology education provider approved by BCL.
• Demonstrate passion for the Trichology profession, commitment to education, and financial need.
• Not have previously received a scholarship administered by Beauty Changes Lives, including scholarships funded by K18 Hair or any other BCL partner.
• Not be an employee, contractor, or immediate family member of BCL, K18 Hair, or an affiliated vendor. 
• (If applicable) Graduating on or after the date listed on the application

BCL reserves the right to verify eligibility and make final determinations.

Application Requirements

1. Complete the online application and upload the required documents.  
2. Please answer two of the three questions. You must answer the last question.

Submit one original YouTube video, no longer than three minutes, answering two of the following three questions. The video must be publicly accessible and may not be submitted as a YouTube Short.

Applications containing videos that exceed three minutes, are submitted as Shorts, or cannot be accessed will be ineligible.

• Future of hair + scalp: As the beauty industry expands its focus from hair care to scalp health, prevention, and long-term hair wellness, how do you see trichology shaping the future of the professional beauty industry? What role do you hope to play in advancing this work as a current or future professional?
• Impact on clients and community: Beauty professionals are often among the first to notice changes in a client’s hair or scalp. How would deeper trichology education change the way you consult, educate, and support clients, including those experiencing changes related to health conditions or treatments? How would you extend that knowledge and impact within your salon, classroom, or community?
• Vision for your career: Imagine your career three to five years after completing your trichology education. How have you integrated this expertise into your work, and how has it expanded your role, business, or influence within the professional beauty industry?  
• How would this scholarship help address financial challenges and support your ability to continue your education?