Celebrating the Best of British – the 2009 British Hairdressing Awards has launched
The most exciting event in the British hairdressing calendar, the British Hairdressing Awards – presented by Hairdressers Journal International and sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional rewards hairdressers who are pushing the boundaries of hairdressing, creating and setting the trends and excelling in this creative industry. In 2009, the British Hairdressing Awards will celebrate its 25th Anniversary. Recognising and rewarding the best of British hairdressing, the awards have grown over the past 25 years, and are affectionately known within the hairdressing industry as the ‘Oscars’ of hairdressing.
“Each year the interest in the British Hairdressing Awards exceeds our expectations with salons and hairdressers already planning shoots and preparing their entries, and the excitement and motivation is building within salons throughout the UK,” comments Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Hairdressers Journal International, Jayne Lewis-Orr. Hundreds of hairdressers from all over the UK dedicate months of hard work preparing their entries, with nine regional categories covering all areas of the UK and six specialist categories, which include a variety of disciplines including Afro, Men’s, Newcomer, Artistic Team, Schwarzkopf Professional British Colour Technician and Avant-Garde Hairdresser of the Year, along with the ultimate award – British Hairdresser of the Year.
Any salon-based hairdresser can enter the regional and specialist category awards and compete on a level playing field with their contemporaries. Unlike other competitions, the British Hairdressing Awards is based on photographic entries that demonstrate the skills and talents of the entrant. For the first round judging, a distinguished panel, made up of members of the British Hairdressing Awards Hall of Fame (hairdressers who have won their region or specialist category three times) judge all entries independently, with all entries remaining anonymous, and all marks counted and compiled by an independent firm of auditors. From the first round judging, six finalists are selected in each category. They are then required to produce a second set of four images, which are added to the first four and judged in the second round. To judge the finalists in each category, Hall of Fame members are joined by leading UK hairdressers and selected members of the press, and once again the judging process is independent and anonymous, with the marks collated by independent auditors.
For a hairdresser to be nominated for the prestigious title of British Hairdresser of the Year, members of the Hall of Fame, key hairdressers, trade, hair consumer and selected consumer press along with international press are invited to nominate hairdressers they feel would be a worthy ambassador for British hairdressing, and the title – British Hairdresser of the Year. This title has only been won by 15 hairdressers throughout the British Hairdressing Awards 25 year history, and is viewed as the ultimate hairdressing title. Nominees for the title have to submit a portfolio of eight images and a CV, which is again judged independently and anonymously.
The British Hairdressing Awards has significantly raised the profile of British hairdressing both in the UK and overseas. Winners of all the categories can enjoy an increased media profile and the biggest award of the night – British Hairdresser of the Year is recognised throughout the world. Overnight the winner will become an ambassador for British hairdressing, appearing on TV, radio and in the national and consumer press. The winner of the 2008 British Hairdresser of the Year title, Akin Konizi, follows in the footsteps of winners including Trevor Sorbie, Anthony Mascolo, Charles Worthington, Beverly C and Andrew Barton.
A jubilant Akin commented, “Winning British Hairdresser of the Year will definitely go down as one of those monumental moments, not only in my career, but in my whole life! Having been striving to win the title since being nominated in 2006, it was a mix of excitement, delight, relief and disbelief! This award means so much to me as it’s the culmination of so many years of hard work having been recognised by my peers and to realise that so many people had nominated and/or voted for me was truly humbling. These awards are the most anticipated night of the British hairdressing calendar and to be British Hairdresser of the Year is a real honour, which I hope to be a good ambassador for.”
The British Hairdressing Awards is the most glittering and star-studded event in hairdressing with television crews, photographers and journalists clamouring for an invitation to this extra-special night of glamour, entertainment and pure excitement! Held in the Great Room of the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane London, on Monday 23rd November 2009, the Awards is the ultimate celebration of the best in British hairdressing.
