Royal Looks, Runway Ready: Our Students Shine at Reign of Style

At Summit Salon Academy Tacoma, we believe that beauty education extends far beyond the classroom, and nothing showcases that better than Reign of Style 2025.

Held earlier this year, this high-energy, high-creativity event brought together top talent from across the region—including licensed professionals and beauty students—to compete in a runway show unlike any other. With categories based on technical skill, creativity, and jaw-dropping criteria like hair height requirements, this wasn’t your average student showcase.

And our students? They didn’t just rise to the occasion, they owned the runway.

A Bridgerton-Inspired Dream

For this year’s competition, Summit Salon Academy Tacoma students chose a theme close to their hearts and brimming with elegance: Bridgerton.

From voluminous updos to pearl-lined ringlets, our students crafted an entire regency-era fantasy with a modern twist. Think Queen Charlotte grandeur meets avant-garde artistry—lush hair height, statement curls, intricate embellishments, and polished period styling from head to toe.

Each look told a story. Each student worked as a designer, stylist, and artist.

Photo credit: Susan Fried | South Seattle Emerald

Competition With Class

Summit Salon Academy Tacoma was one of only two schools invited to participate on the student side, making this opportunity all the more prestigious. Our future professionals competed alongside some of the region’s most talented stylists, barbers, and industry experts.

Despite the pressure, our students held their own, dazzling both judges and the audience alike. From prep to final walk, they displayed:

• Creativity under pressure
• Flawless execution of technical skills
• Collaboration and professionalism
• And, of course, a flair for fashion-forward beauty

We are so proud of how they represented our school and themselves with style, confidence, and artistry.

Photo credit: Susan Fried | South Seattle Emerald

More Than Just a Runway

Events like Reign of Style offer invaluable growth opportunities. They push our students to dream bigger, create bolder, and perform under real-world pressure.

Our mission at Summit Salon Academy Tacoma has always been to prepare students for successful beauty careers—not just in salons, but on runways, backstage, on set, and beyond.

By participating in events like this, our students:

• Learn how to bring a theme to life from concept to execution
• Collaborate as a team to manage timelines and styling logistics
• Present their work professionally in a competitive, live environment
• Receive feedback from industry leaders and fellow creatives

And perhaps most importantly, they gain the confidence to own their artistry and step into the beauty industry with pride.

What’s Next?

We’re already looking forward to the next opportunity for our students to shine! Whether it’s on the runway or in the salon, one thing is clear: the future of beauty is bold, brilliant, and is being shaped by Summit Salon Academy Tacoma students.

Want to see more behind-the-scenes moments from Reign of Style?
Follow us on Instagram to watch our students in action—and don’t forget to check out the full Reign of Style 2025 Photo Essay by South Seattle Emerald.