A night of creativity, celebration and heartfelt tributes as the winners are crowned at British hairdressing’s biggest event.
Hosted by Rylan Clark, English broadcaster and television personality, this year’s spectacular event was judged by some of the most respected names in the industry, who came together to select their standout collections across 19 categories. The atmosphere was electric as winners took to the stage to collect their trophies, surrounded by friends, colleagues and peers. The night featured breathtaking shows, emotional speeches and moments that perfectly captured the exceptional creativity, artistry and talent that defines British hairdressing.
Adding even more excitement, the evening featured two show-stopping performances: the Schwarzkopf Professional Catwalk Show ‘For Every You,’ a collaboration led by Nick Irwin and showcasing powerhouse American singer-songwriter Beth Ditto. The British Hairdresser of the Year Nominees also presented stunning catwalk shows, unveiling looks from each of their entries. To top off the night’s magic, a captivating performance by Girls Aloud band member Nadine Coyle had the audience on their feet, transforming the celebration into an unforgettable party.
The event bought together over 1500 industry icons to honour creativity, artistry and technical brilliance that define British hairdressing from avant garde to timeless precision cutting, the night celebrated the extraordinary individuals and teams shaping the future of the craft.
Mark Moloney, managing director of Hairdressers Journal International, added: “The British Hairdressing Awards are more than a competition, they are a celebration of vision, dedication and community. Every winner represents what makes the hair industry so special: its passion, innovation and spirit of collaboration. Tonight’s winners have raised the bar once again, proving that British hairdressing remains the global benchmark for creativity and excellence.”
Mert Eren, General Manager for Henkel Consumer Brands Hair Professional UK & Ireland at Schwarzkopf Professional, said: “Winning a British Hairdressing Award is one of the greatest accolades in our industry, and is a true reflection of the hard work, dedication and creativity poured into every entry. This year’s winners have not only inspired their peers with visionary ideas and flawless execution, but they have also raised the bar across every aspect of hairdressing - from avant-garde artistry to precision cutting, colour innovation and beyond. On behalf of Schwarzkopf Professional, we offer our heartfelt congratulations. It’s an immense privilege to celebrate and support such outstanding talent.”
This year’s awards also carried an added note of emotion, as the industry bid a fond farewell to Jayne Lewis-Orr, Executive Director of Hairdressers Journal International, who steps down after more than three decades at the helm of the brand and the awards.
Paying tribute, Mark Moloney added: “Jayne’s leadership, warmth and unwavering commitment have shaped not just the British Hairdressing Awards, but the entire industry. Her vision has helped nurture countless careers and her legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come. On behalf of the Professional Beauty Group and everyone at HJ, I thank her for her remarkable contribution.”
The highly anticipated British Hairdresser of the Year title was awarded to Efi Davies, Toni&Guy’s International Artistic Director, who also took home Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year. Widely regarded as one of the industry’s most exceptional creative talents, Efi rose through the ranks to create a multi-award-winning career that exemplifies the artistry, opportunity and innovation that define British hairdressing.
A special mention also goes to Steven Smart of Smartest 73 Salon who achieved an impressive double win, securing both Schwarzkopf Professional British Colour Technician of the Year and Wales & South West Hairdresser of the Year.
Rick Roberts & Zoe Roberts of Rick Roberts Salons, also enjoyed an extraordinary night, taking home Afro Hairdresser of the Year and Trend Image of the Year, alongside a significant milestone with their induction into the British Hairdressing Awards Hall of Fame, following consecutive wins as North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Further Hall of Fame honours were awarded to Olivia Barnes of Mark Leeson Salon, recognised after securing Eastern Hairdresser of the Year titles in 2021, 2023 and 2024, and Andrew Smith of Andrew Smith Salons, celebrated for his outstanding success as Southern Hairdresser of the Year in 2019, 2022 and 2024. Their induction marks an extraordinary achievement, placing them among an elite group whose creativity continues to shape the future of British hairdressing.
The Winners
Congratulations to all the 2025 winners of HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional…
Individual
BRITISH HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR - EFI DAVIES, TONI&GUY LONDON ACADEMY
SESSION HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR - EUGENE SOULEIMAN
Regional
EASTERN HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR - DARREL STARKEY, TAYLOR’S HAIR STUDIO
LONDON HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR - LUCIA SIERO HERNANDEZ, TONI&GUY WESTFIELD
MIDLANDS HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR- REBECCA JACQUES & AIMEE ATKINS, REBECCA JACQUES HAIR
NORTH EASTERN HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR - EMMA SIMMONS, SALON 54
NORTHERN IRELAND HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR - DAMIEN JOHNSTON & STEPHEN AIKEN, PURE HAIR
NORTH WESTERN HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR - JAMES EARNSHAW, JAMES EARNSHAW HAIR
SCOTTISH HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR - DAVID CORBETT, DAVID CORBETT HAIRDRESSING
SOUTHERN HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR - DAVID CASSIDY, PALETTE & BRISTLE
WALES & SOUTH WEST HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR - STEVEN SMART, SMARTEST 73
INTERNATIONAL COLLECTION OF THE YEAR - BERNADETTE BESWICK, BESWICK EDUCATION SERVICES
Specialist
AFRO HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR - RICK ROBERTS & ZOE ROBERTS, RICK ROBERTS
ARTISTIC TEAM OF THE YEAR - HOB ACADEMY CREATIVE TEAM, HOB ACADEMY
AVANT GARDE HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR - EFI DAVIES, TONI&GUY LONDON ACADEMY
MEN'S HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR - JOSHUA LAMONACA, MENSPIRE
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR - CHLOE HOUSTON, HOUSTON HAIR
SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL BRITISH COLOUR TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR - STEVEN SMART, SMARTEST 73
TREND IMAGE OF THE YEAR - RICK ROBERTS, RICK ROBERTS
Hall of Fame
HALL OF FAME SOUTHERN 2019, 2022, 2024 - ANDREW SMITH, ANDREW SMITH SALONS
HALL OF FAME EASTERN 2021, 2023, 2024 - OLIVIA BARNES, MARK LEESON
HALL OF FAME NORTH EASTERN 2022, 2023, 2024 - ZOE ROBERTS & RICK ROBERTS, RICK ROBERTS
Imagery: HJ's British Hairdressing Awards