2010 British Hairdressing Awards Launched
The countdown to the most prestigious and exciting event on the hairdressing calendar has begun with the launch of HJ’s 26th British Hairdressing Awards.
“The British Hairdressing Awards is the jewel in the crown of British hairdressing,’ comments Jayne Lewis-Orr, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Hairdressers Journal International. “Each year the standard of entries exceeds our expectations. The British hairdressing industry is alive with creativity, pushing the boundaries of cutting, colouring and styling to retain our place as the country everyone looks to for inspiration in hair trends.”
Launched in 1985 by Hairdressers Journal International and sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, the British Hairdressing Awards rewards and recognises hairdressers who are pushing the boundaries of creativity and influencing how women and men all over the country wear their hair. Affectionately known within the industry as the “Oscars” of hairdressing, the awards have grown and developed over the past 26 years with British hairdressing being viewed around the world as creative, innovative and at the forefront of global hair fashion.
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 team 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 hair specialist 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 and hair 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 2009 British Hairdresser of the Year title, Akin Konizi, follows in the footsteps of winners including Trevor Sorbie, John Frieda, Anthony Mascolo, Charles Worthington, Beverly C and Andrew Barton. “Winning HJ’s prestigious British Hairdresser of the Year Award for a second consecutive year in 2009 was absolutely incredible and is almost too hard to put into words! As only the third hairdresser in the history of the awards to win this title two years in a row, I feel very proud to be recognised in this way and it really is a true honour to fly the flag for British hairdressing which is the most amazing industry to work in,” adds Akin.
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 excitement! Held in the Great Room of the Grosvenor House Hotel, a JW Marriott Hotel in Park Lane London, on Monday 22nd November 2010, the Awards are the ultimate celebration of the best in British hairdressing.
For press information on the British Hairdressing Awards please contact Alison Jameson or Rachael Grieve at Alison Jameson Consultants on +44 131 621 7210, fax +44 131 621 7215 or email alison@alisonjamesonpr.com.
www.britishhairdressingawards.co.uk
