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.
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

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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. The model is pregnant and is wearing an elaborate golden headpiece.
A model from Abyssinia Beauty School walks the runway during the Mane Show on March 2 at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall.(Photo: Susan Fried)
CieCie Retic braids her model’s hair during the Live Watch Me Work Braiding competition at the Reign of Style Hair Show and Competition. This is a series of three photos showing the process of forming the colorful braid.
CieCie Retic braids Eva's hair during the Live Watch Me Work Braiding competition at the Reign of Style Hair Show and Competition.(Photo: Susan Fried)
A member of the Tacoma Summit Salon Academy shows off her "Bridgerton"-inspired hair and costume to the judges. Her hair is formed into an elaborate chandelier-like shape.
A member of the Tacoma Summit Salon Academy shows off her "Bridgerton"-inspired hair and costume to the judges.(Photo: Susan Fried)
The Tacoma Summit Salon Academy team at the Mane Show. They are wearing Bridgerton-themed dresses and tall, elaborate updos.
The Tacoma Summit Salon Academy team at the Mane Show.(Photo: Susan Fried)
Emcee Trae Holiday introduces the participants during the Mane Show. She is holding a microphone and standing on stage.
Emcee Trae Holiday introduces the participants during the Mane Show.(Photo: Susan Fried)
A model wearing a cat-print shirt and braids leans forward slightly and smiles at the onlookers.
The Nique's Hair Styles team shows out for the judges during the Mane Show.(Photo: Susan Fried)
A model shows off a big-cat-themed outfit and mane, touching their hair and posing for the onlookers.
The Nique's Hair Styles team shows out for the judges during the Mane Show.(Photo: Susan Fried)
A model strikes a pose during the Mane Show. Their arms are outstretched and a standalone braid curves forward across their face from the back of their head.
The Nique's Hair Styles team shows out for the judges during the Mane Show.(Photo: Susan Fried)
A makeup artist applying makeup to a model's face pauses to smile at the camera. The model has their eyes closed for the application.
Zhanea Brown (@slaybyzhane) applies makeup on her model during the Watch Me Work, Make Me Up competition. Brown took first place in the competition.(Photo: Susan Fried)
A model sits in between a hairstylist and a makeup artist. The hairstylist is working on the model's braids while the hairstylist is applying makeup to the model's face.
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.”(Photo: Susan Fried)
Zhanea Brown holds up the first-place check she won in the Watch Me Work: Make Me Up competition.
Zhanea Brown holds up the first-place check she won in the Watch Me Work: Make Me Up competition.(Photo: Susan Fried)
CieCie Retic (right) and her model show off the check and first-place trophy they won in the Watch Me Work: Braid 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.(Photo: Susan Fried)
Co-Master of Ceremony Kenya Bostic interviews a barber during the Watch Me Work: Barber Lane Fade competition. Multiple models and barbers are visible, with the models sitting in chairs receiving fades from the barbers.
Co-Master of Ceremony Kenya Bostic interviews a barber during the Watch Me Work: Barber Lane Fade competition.(Photo: Susan Fried)
Natalie Johnson, with Kiss the Mirror, and the Foxy Cut Salon team pose with their models.
Natalie Johnson, with Kiss the Mirror, and the Foxy Cut Salon team pose with their models.(Photo: Susan Fried)

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