Clayde Baumann of D&J Ambrose Wins Schwarzkopf Professional British Colour Technician of the Year

This week, the winners of HJ’s 30th British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, were announced in style with Clayde Baumann bagging the hugely prestigious 2014 Schwarzkopf Professional British Colour Technician of the Year title.

Set in the luxurious ‘Great Room’ of the Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Park Lane, the awards were hosted by TV personality James Corden. Clayde called the award a defining moment in his professional life, and thanked his salon team at D&J Ambrose. Clayde said,

It is a massive honour and dream realised to be recognised by your peers and industry heroes as an authority in your field of expertise. I am very fortunate to have the support of a wonderful team, a great mentor (Darren Ambrose) and a loving fiancée. This is the beginning of wonderful things and I’m looking forward to the coming year. 

The black-tie award ceremony, which saw the audience entertained by pop sensations Union J, brings together the hairdressing industry to celebrate the best of British creativity. Each year professionals from all over the UK showcase their skills and love for their craft in photographic entries.

There are nine regional categories covering all areas of the UK, and six specialist categories that recognise the skills required in specific disciplines. These include Afro, Artistic Team, Avant Garde, Newcomer, Men’s Hairdresser of the Year and the Schwarzkopf Professional British Colour Technician of the Year. D&J Ambrose fielded an incredibly strong showing with Darren nominated for British Hairdresser of the Year; Clayde and fellow master colourist Abby Smith shortlisted for Colour, and Luke Benson shortlisted in the Afro category.

HJ’s Executive Director, Jayne Lewis Orr said,

British hairdressers are internationally renowned for their creativity, originality and innovation, and we are proud that the British Hairdressing Awards continue to celebrate this. It has been inspiring on this special anniversary to see the standard of entries in all categories exceeding high expectations. Congratulations to Clayde Baumann and all the 2014 winners who truly are the best of British.