The much-awaited moment has arrived as the finalists for HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards 2023, proudly sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, have been officially revealed. As a pinnacle in the realm of hairdressing, these prestigious awards, marking their 39th year, stand as a celebration of the exceptional creative and technical finesse of hairstylists not only across the UK but also from around the world. The selection of this year’s finalists truly showcases the industry’s unparalleled artistry and unwavering commitment to innovation.
Across ten distinct regional categories spotlighting top talents from various corners of the UK, there’s also a global recognition in the International Collection of the Year category. Additionally, nine specialist categories, including Afro, Men’s, and Avant Garde, highlight standout expertise, while the ultimate honor, British Hairdresser of the Year*, takes the spotlight as the industry’s most coveted accolade.
After a meticulous anonymous evaluation on July 24th at Epsom Downs Racecourse, by a panel of over 100 leading hairdressers comprising celebrity and session stylists, salon proprietors, past winners, and Hall of Fame** members, the winners are set to be unveiled at an illustrious red-carpet affair on November 27th at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London.
Reflecting on the event, Jayne Lewis-Orr, Executive Director of HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards, shared, “The nearing of four decades since their inception underscores that these awards remain the epitome of acknowledgment in our esteemed industry, paying tribute to the unmatched artistry and proficiency of those who mold our craft. Each finalist is synonymous with exceptional talent, and this acknowledgment stands as a true testament to their brilliance. Over the years, Britain has undeniably set trends in hairdressing on a global scale, and our category finalists reaffirm the unwavering spirit of boundless creativity and excellence at the heart of the British hairdressing sphere.”
Since its inception in 1985, Schwarzkopf Professional has proudly been the exclusive sponsor of the event. Julian Crane, General Manager for Henkel Beauty Care Professional UK & Ireland, expressed, ‘Schwarzkopf Professional is thrilled to once again lend its support to this celebrated event that pays tribute to the extraordinary talents of the British hairdressing community. Our finalists have showcased work brimming with passion, imagination, and expertise, and I am truly delighted to witness their prowess being acknowledged at this esteemed level.’
As the countdown begins to the star-studded gala, an air of excitement and anticipation reverberates through the hairdressing fraternity. HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards 2023, presented by Schwarzkopf Professional, promises an evening of opulence, inspiration, and a toast to visionary stylists who relentlessly raise the bar for the entire industry.
Read on for the full list of 2023 nominees!
Regional Category Finalists 2023
Eastern Hairdresser of the Year
- Olivia Binch, Mark Leeson
- Sharon Cox, Sanrizz St Albans
- Niall McNulty, YK Hair and Beauty
- Jessica Neil, KH Hair West Bridgford
- Antonio Palladino, Antonio Giovanni Hairdressing
- Christian Wiles, Wiles Studios
International Collection of the Year
- Antoinette Beenders, Aveda
- Arjan Bevers, Avanti
- Gianluca Caruso, TONI&GUY Italy
- David Marcos Siero, SIËRO HAIR STUDIO
- Carlos Valiente Escrivá, Salones CV by Carlos Valiente
- Nathan Yazbek, Salon Yazbek
London Hairdresser of the Year
- Jamie Benny, Hare & Bone
- Jordanna Cobella, Cobella
- Sylvestre Finold, TONI&GUY Wimbledon
- Danilo Giangreco, Danilo Hair Boutique
- Elle Page, TONI&GUY Covent Garden
- Yui Tateno, TONI&GUY Covent Garden
Midlands Hairdresser of the Year
- Nikki Clifford, NJUK Hair
- Rebecca Jacques, Rebecca Jacques Hair
- Rory Mason, Rory Antonio Hair
- Nuru Perkins, M&M Spa
- Tim Scott-Wright & Teri Lowe, The Hair Surgery
- Tracey Ann Smith, French + Ivi
North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year
- Joseph Ferraro, Joseph Ferraro Hair
- Claire Morley & Stephen Chapman, Contemporary
- Rick & Zoe Roberts, Rick Roberts
- Kelly Rowney, Tate Hair
- Emma Simmons, Salon 54
- Jonathan Turner & Sophie Gibson, Hooker & Young
Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year
- Jordan Stewart, JS Hair
- Danny Malone, MACC Hair Belfast
- Mark Nesbitt, MACC Hair Belfast
North Western Hairdresser of the Year
- Farah Khalid Pritchard, Farah Naz Hairdressing
- Ria Kulik & Laura Kulik, The Hairbank
- Gary Taylor & Joe Taylor, Edward & Co
- Melissa Timperley & Sara Williams, Melissa Timperley Salons
- Melenie Tudor, En Route Hair & Beauty
- Jon Wilsdon, TONI&GUY Deansgate
Scottish Hairdresser of the Year
- Diana Carson, Rainbow Room International
- David Corbett, David Corbett Hairdressing
- Jason Hall, Jason Hall Hairdressing
- Allan McKechnie, Allan McKechnie Hair
- Paul Ralph & Masahimo Kudo, Ego Hair Design
- Karen Thomson, KAM Hair & Body Spa
Southern Hairdresser of the Year
- Tia Gentles, Wispers Hair
- Marcus Giamattei, Marc Antoni
- Seung Ki Baek, RUSH Hair
- Giuseppe Manco, Hair Salon Giuseppe Manco Italian Hairdresser
- Robert Masciave & Ceri Cushen, Metropolis Hairdressing
- Andrew Smith, Andrew Smith Salons
Wales & South West Hairdresser of the Year
- Jason Cocking & Chris Baker, 4 Theatre Square Hair Salon
- Casey Coleman, CHAIR Studio
- Josh Goldsworthy & Sophie Goldsworthy, Goldsworthys Hairdressing
- Ken Picton, Ken Picton Salon
- Ben Russell, Ben Russell Salon
- Michelle Summers-Davies, Michelle Davies Hair
Specialist Category Finalists 2023
Afro Hairdresser of the Year
- Dom Capel, Lara Johnson Lifestyle
- Lisa Farrall, WIG London
- Junior Green, Junior Green Hair
- Aycan Kemel, New York Hair Design
- Emma Simmons, Salon 54
- Melissa Timperley & Sara Williams, Melissa Timperley Salons
Artistic Team of the Year
- Hooker & Young Art Team
- Ken Picton Art Team
- Mark Leeson Artistic Team
- Rainbow Room International
- RUSH Academy
- SMARTEST 73 Artistic Team
Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year
- Edoardo Colasanti, Trevor Sorbie
- Efi Davies, TONI&GUY Sloane Square
- Darja Laett, TONI&GUY Kensington
- Dylan McConnachie, Gro London Hairstylists
- Tomer Nagar, TONI&GUY Shoreditch
- Enrica Russo, Danilo Hair Boutique
Men’s Hairdresser of the Year
- Sam Elliot, TONI&GUY Covent Garden
- Jonathan Fisher, Palmer Fisher London
- Danilo Giangreco, Danilo Hair Boutique
- Desmond Murray, Atherton and Cox
- Bayleigh Peace & Laura Scott, Mark Leeson
- Caroline Sanderson & Masahiro Kudo, Ego Hair Design
Newcomer of the Year
- Matteo De Vita, TONI&GUY North Audley Street
- Jak Hall, Jason Hall Hairdressing
- Georgia Mountain, Lulabells
- Millie Nesbitt, Hooker & Young
- Annabel Payne, TONI&GUY Covent Garden
- Lucia Siero Hernandez, TONI&GUY Westfield White City
Schwarzkopf Professional British Colour Technician
- Michela Bazzoli, TONI&GUY Islington
- Francesco Fontana, TONI&GUY North Audley Street
- Charley Henery, TONI&GUY Wimbledon
- Suzie McGill, Rainbow Room International
- Steven Smart, SMARTEST 73
- Daniel Spiller, Marc Antoni
Trend Image of the Year
- Simone Fanari, SiMi
- Bruno Marc Giamattei, Marc Antoni
- Danilo Giangreco, Danilo Hair Boutique
- Ria Kulik, The Hairbank
- Elyse Pointon, Edward & Co
- Caroline Sanderson & Masahimo Kudo, Ego Hair Design