M DIVISION Founder and CEO David Mannah has been announced as a judge for the prestigious HJ British Hairdressing Awards 2026, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, marking his first appointment to the judging panel of one of the global industry’s most respected creative competitions.

Widely regarded as a benchmark for photographic excellence in the United Kingdom, the British Hairdressing Awards celebrate outstanding work across 18 Regional and Specialist categories, alongside the coveted British Hairdresser of the Year and Session Hairdresser of the Year titles. Judged by an esteemed panel of industry leaders, former winners and creative icons, the awards continue to recognise the artists shaping the future of British hairdressing.

For David, the appointment represents both a personal milestone and an opportunity to contribute to an awards program he has long admired.

“It is an incredible honour to join the judging panel for HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards 2026, an awards program that has long set the global benchmark for creative excellence in our industry,” he said.

“As the custodian of the Australian Hair Fashion Awards and the Digital Hair Awards, Owner and Publisher of The Journal Magazine, and an award-winning photographer, I’ve seen firsthand the power that respected awards programs have to elevate careers, inspire creativity and shape the future of professional hairdressing.”

“To have the opportunity to help recognise the outstanding talent emerging from the UK is a privilege, and I’m looking forward to contributing to a judging process built on integrity, excellence and a genuine celebration of our craft.”

The first round of judging will take place this July at Novotel London West, where hundreds of photographic collections will be reviewed across every category before progressing to the second stage at Salon International, Excel London, on October 4. Winners will be crowned at the British Hairdressing Awards ceremony at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London on November 23.

Hairdressers Journal International Managing Director Mark Moloney said the strength of the awards lies in the calibre of its judging panel.

“Each year, we are privileged to bring together an extraordinary panel of judges whose expertise, creativity and influence help define excellence in British hairdressing,” he said. “Their insight ensures that every entry is judged with integrity, passion and an unwavering commitment to celebrating the very best talent in our industry.”

Schwarzkopf Professional UK & Ireland General Manager for Henkel Consumer Brands Hair Professional, Mert Eren, said the judging process remained central to the awards’ international reputation.

“The British Hairdressing Awards represent the pinnacle of creative excellence in our industry, and the role of the judges is absolutely central to maintaining that standard,” he said. “We are incredibly proud to support an awards programme judged by such highly respected, inspirational figures who continue to champion and shape the future of professional hairdressing.”

With a career built on celebrating creative excellence and elevating industry talent, this appointment highlights the powerful role of respected awards platforms in shaping the future of hairdressing –  recognising today’s visionaries whilst inspiring the next generation of artists.