CieCie Retic (@thehaircoach) works on model Courtney’s hair during the Live Watch Me Work Loc competition at the Reign of Style Hair Show and Competition. Her loc design won first place in the competition. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Arts & Culture

PHOTO ESSAY | Reign of Style 2025

Susan Fried

The audience clapped and screamed in approval as models wearing elaborate costumes and hairstyles inspired by the Bridgerton TV show walked the catwalk at the 11th Reign of Style Hair Show and Competition. Taking place at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall on March 2, the annual competition brings barbers, hairstylists and makeup artists together to show off their skills at the "Northwest's Premier Beauty Industry Event." The daylong event featured live Watch Me Work competitions, a variety of vendors, workshops, an off-site blood drive, and the popular Mane Show.

The Mane Show included presentations in the Reigning School category by Abyssinia Beauty School and the Summit Salon Academy. The Abyssinia Beauty School designed its hair and costumes around the theme of Yoruba Orishas Gods and Goddesses. The Tacoma-based Summit Salon Academy's Bridgerton theme blew the audience and the judges away, taking first place in the category.

After a brief intermission with dance performances by Northwest Tap Connection, the Mane Stage event continued with presentations like "Crowning Glory, an 18th Century Hair Affair" by Natalie Johnson; a zodiac-sign-themed exhibition by Nique's Hair Styles; Rep My City by JazMaine Sims; a tribute to the '90s by Lyric, Dominique, and Kiana; and an homage to the movie B.A.P.S. by Defined Salon.

Because all the teams showed such creativity, the judges had a difficult decision to make, but after deliberating, Nique's Hair Styles' zodiac-themed models took first place, B.A.P.S. by Defined Salon took second, and "Crowning Glory, an 18th Century Hair Affair" by Natalie Johnson took third.

A model from Abyssinia Beauty School walks the runway during the Mane Show on March 2 at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall.
CieCie Retic braids Eva's hair during the Live Watch Me Work Braiding competition at the Reign of Style Hair Show and Competition.
A member of the Tacoma Summit Salon Academy shows off her "Bridgerton"-inspired hair and costume to the judges.
The Tacoma Summit Salon Academy team at the Mane Show.
Emcee Trae Holiday introduces the participants during the Mane Show.
The Nique's Hair Styles team shows out for the judges during the Mane Show.
The Nique's Hair Styles team shows out for the judges during the Mane Show.
The Nique's Hair Styles team shows out for the judges during the Mane Show.
Zhanea Brown (@slaybyzhane) applies makeup on her model during the Watch Me Work, Make Me Up competition. Brown took first place in the competition.
Natalie Johnson's Kiss the Mirror Styles team puts some last-minute touches on a model before the start of the main show. Their theme was “Crowning Glory, an 18th Century Hair Affair.”
Zhanea Brown holds up the first-place check she won in the Watch Me Work: Make Me Up competition.
CieCie Retic (right) and Eva off the check and first-place trophy they won in the Watch Me Work: Braid Me Up competition.
Co-Master of Ceremony Kenya Bostic interviews a barber during the Watch Me Work: Barber Lane Fade competition.
Natalie Johnson, with Kiss the Mirror, and the Foxy Cut Salon team pose with their models.

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