#Back2Besa - Did you know Seattle has a premiere showcase and competition for hairstylists from around the Pacific Northwest? Reign of Style has been providing an outlet for barbers in the region to showcase their talents since 2008. The annual barber showcase and hair-styling competition was full of stunning looks and great moments as the Pacific Northwest’s best came together to show off their skills for the first time since 2020. Community came out as well to support the art and to see some of the latest trends and artistic displays. 

“It was amazing,” event producer Aishi Ellis-Asim said. “Seeing everyone out there showcasing their talents and styles was great.”

Ellis-Asim, who owns Life’s Salon, says she understands the struggles hair stylists face and knows that events like this are huge for that community and the health of the profession.

“It’s a pusher for the beauty community to keep going,” Ellis-Asim said. “I know what the struggle is like.”

The event also featured vendors, exhibitors and classes. The event began in 2008 when Seattle hairstylist and Life’s Salon owner Aisha Ellis-Asim considered the glaring lack of hair shows in the Northwest region. She took it upon herself to fill the void, and has since build one of the most exciting shows around. 

Juwan Johnson, the owner of the salon Blended by Heff, won his first award at the event and offered words of encouragement to those looking to get into the business.

“To the up and coming barbers, just keep fighting,” Johnson said. “Every haircut isn't going to be a good haircut, there’s levels to what we do here. Stay focused, positive, and humble.”

This segment originally aired on Back2Besa, which you can watch every Saturday at 10:30 pm on Seattle’s FOX 13 and stream the replay Sunday at 10:00 am on FOX 13+.