On arrival at the Grosvenor Hotel, London, the lobby was already abuzz with an excited atmosphere, and brimming with those individuals that make the hairdressing industry electric.  Once we were all glammed up with hair perfectly in place it was time to descend on the grand ballroom for the nights events to begin.

As always the room was swathed in grandeur and the night got off to a great start with the arrival of humorous host Jonathan Ross, alongside Schwarzkopf Professional’s Managing Director Colin Sillery and Hairdressers Journal publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Jayne Lewis-Orr.

As the regional and special awards were handed out to ecstatic winners the time then came to honour those who can no longer be with us. As a celebration of his life and input into British Hairdressing Terry Calvert’s family were presented with a special award to honour all he contributed to the industry and his support for the British Hairdressing Awards. Although a sombre moment, it was humbling to see pillars of the industry from all different positions in their respective careers unite to pay tribute to those who have given so much and paved the way for the next generation to develop

A musical interlude was well received by chart topper Aloe Blacc, and a break from the tense atmosphere culminating towards the all important final award. The eagerly anticipating crowd were then wowed with a short model presentation from each finalist, showcasing their individuality and creativity before Akin Konizi claimed his place as British Hairdresser of the Year for the third time, previously taking this title in 2008 and also 2009.  

We had a fantastic night and what a pleasure it was to be a part of honouring all those who contribute such creativity, diversity and passion to the much celebrated industry of British Hairdressing. Big congratulations go out to all finalists and very worthy winners, and a big thank you to the team at Hairdressers Journal and everyone involved in making this event such a success.  We can’t wait to see what the winners get up to over the coming year.

Here are the winners in full:

Wales and South Western Hairdresser of the Year: Ken Picton , Ken Picton

Southern Hairdresser of the Year: Bruno Marc Giamettei, Marc Antoni

Scottish Hairdresser of the Year: Suzie McGill, Rainbow Room International

North Western Hairdresser of the Year: Marcello Moccia, Room 97 Creative Hairdressing

Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year: Kevin Kahan, Kevin Kahan

Midlands Hairdresser of the Year: Sean Tetlow, The Colour Room

Eastern Hairdresser of the Year: Terri Kay, Mark Leeson Hair Body and Mind

North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year: Julian Holland, Mark Hill

London Hairdresser of the Year: Richard Mannah, Toni & Guy

Afro Hairdresser of the Year: Junior Green, Junior Green Hair & Beauty

Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year: Indira Schauwecker, Toni & Guy

Men’s Hairdresser of the Year: Jamie Stevens, Errol Douglas Salon

Newcomer of the Year: Jasmine Redstone, Rush Hair

Artistic Team of the Year: HOB Creative Team

Schwarzkopf Professional Colour Technician of the Year: Christel Lundqvist, HOB Salons

HJ’s British Hairdresser of the Year: Akin Konizi, HOB Salons