Britain's best hair talent revealed with the British Hairdressing Awards 2026 finalists.
The wait is over. The Regional and Specialist finalists for HJ's British Hairdressing Awards 2026, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, have officially been announced.
Recognised as one of the most prestigious accolades in the industry, the British Hairdressing Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the creativity, technical excellence and innovation that define British hairdressing. From exceptional salon professionals and colour experts to boundary-pushing creative artists, this year's finalists represent the very best talent from across the UK.
The first stage of judging took place on Monday 20th July 2026 at Novotel London West, where an esteemed panel of industry leaders gathered to review hundreds of entries across 18 Regional, International and Specialist categories throughout the UK and Northern Ireland. The standard of work was exceptionally high, showcasing an inspiring mix of craftsmanship, originality and artistic vision.
The second round of judging will take place during Salon International at ExceL London on Sunday 4th October 2026, where judges will reconvene to select the winners in each category. British and Session Hairdressers of the year were nominated separately by an elite panel of Industry leaders and press and will be displayed at the second-round judging as well. With competition fiercer than ever, anticipation is already building for the final results.
Mark Moloney, Managing Director of HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards, said: "The British Hairdressing Awards showcases the incredible depth of talent within our industry. This year, our finalists have raised the bar, delivering work that is not only technically outstanding but also creatively inspiring. These collections reflect the innovation, passion and dedication that make British hairdressing admired around the world. To be named a finalist is a remarkable achievement, and I would like to congratulate everyone who has reached this stage of the competition."
Mert Eren, General Manager for Henkel Consumer Brands Hair Professional UK & Ireland at Schwarzkopf Professional, added: "At Schwarzkopf Professional, we are proud to support an event that celebrates the artists and innovators driving our industry forward. The British Hairdressing Awards continue to champion excellence and provide a platform for hairdressers to showcase their creativity on a national stage."
Save the Date
The British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, will return to the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London on Monday, 23rd November 2026 for an evening dedicated to recognising the outstanding achievements of British hairdressers.
Bringing together industry leaders, rising stars and creative visionaries, the event promises an unforgettable night of celebration, inspiration and world-class hairdressing. From emotional wins to career-defining moments, the British Hairdressing Awards remain one of the most anticipated events in the professional hairdressing calendar.
Congratulations to this year's finalists
Without further ado, here are the Regional, International and Specialist finalists for the British Hairdressing Awards 2026...
Regional & International
Eastern Hairdresser of the Year
- Sharon Cox, Sanrizz St Albans
- Niall McNulty, YK Hair
- Georgia Mountain, Georgia Mountain Hair
- Darrel Starkey, Taylor's Hair Studio
- Marc Trinder, Trinder Hair Studios
- Christian Wiles, Wiles Studios
London Hairdresser of the Year
- Mustafa Alan, Errol Douglas Salon London
- Sara Cester, TONI&GUY Covent Garden
- Sylvestre Finold, TONI&GUY Wimbledon
- Danilo Giangreco and Emy Roccabella, Danilo Giangreco London
- Elle Page, TONI&GUY Covent Garden
- Lucia Siero Hernandez, TONI&GUY Westfield
Midlands Hairdresser of the Year
- Nikki Clifford, NJUK Salom
- Let Lew, Let Lew Hair Design
- Jamie Richards, JDixhair - Richards Hairdressing
- Heather Shaw and Paul Corbett, Francesco Hair Salon
- Tracey Ann Smith, French & Ivi
- Matthew Surplice and Aid Tams, Spring
North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year
- Kirby Blythe, Hair by Kirby Blythe
- Ross Charles, Ross Charles
- Jenny Hainsworth and Kirstie Bowdin-Emsley, Era
- Claire Morley and Stephen Chapman, Contemporary Salons
- Emma Simmons, Salon 54
- Jonathan Turner and Sophie Lenton, HOOKER & YOUNG
North Western Hairdresser of the Year
- Ria Alderson-Kulik and Laura Kulik, The Hairbank
- Jamie Benny, Benny & Co Hair Studios
- James Earnshaw, James Earnshaw Hair
- Farah Khalid Pritchard, Farah Naz
- Melissa Timperley and Sara Williams, Melissa Timperley Salons
- Jon Wilsdon, TONI&GUY Manchester
Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year
- Stephen Adams, Hair&Co
- Martine Broggy and Lynsey Campbell, Natural Hair Company
- Simon Houston and Tori Smyth, Houston Hair
- Danny Malone, DM Hair
- John Morrison, John Morrison Hairdressing
Scotland Hairdresser of the Year
- Diana Carson, Rainbow Room International
- Amy Christie, Profile
- David Corbett, David Corbett Hairdressing and Beauty
- Paul Ralph and Hiro Kudo, KIKU Salon
- Charlie Taylor, Charlie Taylor
- Frazer Wallace, THE HAUS STUDIO
South Western Hairdresser of the Year
- Samantha Bell, Hair at 58
- Fergal Doyle, Fergal Doyle Hair
- Josh Goldsworthy and Sophie-Rose Goldsworthy, Goldsworthys Hairdressing
- Annabel Payne and Matt Darvill, TONI&GUY Dorchester
- Steven Smart and Jo Lomax, Smart Est 73
- Amy Sultan, Amy Sultan Hairstylist
Southern Hairdresser of the Year
- Seung Ki Baek, RUSH Hair
- Paolo Giamattei, Marc Antoni
- Ashley Long, Directors Hair and Beauty
- Robert Masciave and Ceri Cushen, Metropolis Hairdressing
- Kerry Mather, KJM Salons
- David Vault Baker, The Vault Hair & Spa
Wales Hairdresser of the Year
- Dom Capel, Lara Johnson Lifestyle
- Casey Coleman, CHAIR salons
- Lara Johnson, Lara Johnson Lifestyle
- Shelley Lane, Shelley Lane Salon
- Brandon Messinger, Hendersøn & Co
- Michelle Summers-Davies, Michelle Davies Hair
International Collection of the Year
- Bernadette Beswick, Beswick Education Services
- Sevda Durukan, THE STUDIO BY SEVDA
- Bona Joerg, BY BONA/Professional Hairart
- Pauline McCabe, Rock Paper Scissors Hair Studio
- Lyndal Salmon, BIBA Academy
- Scott Sloan, Sloans
Specialist
Afro Hairdresser of the Year
- Lisa Farrall, WIG LONDON
- Junior Green, Junior Green Hair
- Aycan Kemal, New York Hair Design
- Pashcanel Mitchell, Blue Tit London
- Rick Roberts and Zoe Roberts, Rick Roberts
- Sara Williams and Melissa Timperley, Melissa Timperley Salons
Artistic Team of the Year
- Danilo Giangreco London
- HOOKER & YOUNG
- Marc Antoni Artistic Team
- Rainbow Room International
- RUSH Academy
- Smart Est 73
Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year
- Casey Coleman and Giuseppina Stephens, CHAIR Salons
- Sylvestre Finold, TONI&GUY Wimbledon
- Shelley Lane, Shelley Lane Salon
- Robert Masciave and Harlee Gresty, Metropolis Hairdressing
- Adrian Paoluccio, SMITHS SALON
- Yui Tateno, TONI&GUY Covent Garden
Men’s Hairdresser of the Year
- Gianni Cardinale, Cardinale Collective
- Charlotte Illi, Brooks & Brooks
- Dexter Dapper Johnson, TONI&GUY Bluewater
- Joshua Lamonaca, MENSPIRE Salon
- Kevin Luchmun, Luchmun Studios
- Desmond Murray, Athertoncox
Newcomer of the Year
- Georgina Bradshaw, HOOKER & YOUNG
- Olivia Brady, Allertons
- Kayleigh Byrne, Tribe Salons
- Dodge Mackay, Andrew Jose
- Tom Rowley-Clifford, Bliss Hair Therapy
- Alex Trippier, Claxton Hair
Schwarzkopf Professional British Colour Technician of the Year
- Ria Kulik and Laura Kulik, The Hairbank
- Suzie McGill and Diana Carson, Rainbow Room International
- Steven Smart, Smart Est 73
- Andrew Smith, Andrew Smith Salons
- Dan Spiller, Marc Antoni
- Emanuele Temperini, TONI&GUY Covent Garden
Trend Image of the Year
- Stevan Dulay, POMOhair
- Josh Lamonaca, MENSPIRE Academy
- Ashley Long, Directors Hair and Beauty
- Rick Roberts, Rick Roberts
- Andrew Smith, Andrew Smith Salons
- Frazer Wallace, THE HAUS STUDIO
Join the conversation: #BHA26 @hairdressersjournal and @schwarzkopfprouk.