It was a night of glitz and glamour at the historic JW Marriott Grosvenor House, where Cos Sakkas clinched the coveted British Hairdresser of the Year title for the second consecutive year at the prestigious British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional.
Cos, based at the TONI&GUY Academy in central London, received a standing ovation from the 1,400-strong audience of hairdressing peers, influencers, and press. Hosted by Katherine Ryan, the star-studded event celebrated its 39th year, recognizing outstanding creative and technical skills in the industry.
Emotional and grateful, Cos dedicated his win to TONI&GUY, saying, “This award isn’t for me, it’s for us. The standard of hairdressing in this country is constantly improving, and I’m honored that the judges have seen the passion and dedication I have for my work.”
Jayne Lewis-Orr, Executive Director of HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards, praised Cos’s creative vision and expertise, stating, “In winning the British title, Cos has demonstrated a creative vision and level of expertise that is jaw-dropping.”
Cos Sakkas, a seasoned award winner, has been nominated six times and secured the title in 2022 and 2023. The awards also recognized outstanding talents in various categories, with Schwarzkopf Professional being the sole sponsor since the event’s launch in 1984.
Specialist Category Winners 2023:
- British Hairdresser of the Year: Cos Sakkas, TONI&GUY
- Session Hairdresser of the Year: Eugene Souleiman
- Afro Hairdresser of the Year: Melissa Timperley & Sara Williams, Melissa Timperley Salon
- Artistic Team of the Year: Mark Leeson Artistic Team
- Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year: Darja Laett, TONI&GUY Kensington
- Men’s Hairdresser of the Year: Sam Elliot, TONI&GUY Covent Garden
- Newcomer of the Year: Lucia Siero Hernández, TONI&GUY Westfield White City
- Schwarzkopf Professional British Colour Technician of the Year: Suzie McGill, Rainbow Room International
- Trend Image of the Year: Elyse Pointon, Edward & Co
Regional Winners 2023:
- Eastern Hairdresser of the Year: Olivia Binch, Mark Leeson
- London Hairdresser of the Year: Jordanna Cobella, Cobella
- Midlands Hairdresser of the Year: Tracey Ann Smith, French + Ivi
- North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year: Rick & Zoe Roberts, Rick Roberts
- North Western Hairdresser of the Year: Laura Kulik & Ria Kulik, The Hairbank
- Scottish Hairdresser of the Year: David Corbett, David Corbett Hairdressing
- Southern Hairdresser of the Year: Seung-ki Baek, RUSH Hair
- Wales & South West Hairdresser of the Year: Ken Picton, Ken Picton Salon
- Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year: Danny Malone, MACC Hair
The evening concluded with a spectacular performance by Björn Again, marking another unforgettable celebration of the best in British hairdressing.