The 39^th iteration of HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf, named their 2023 winners, with gala event held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London on November 27. The awards honoured 19 winners and congregated 1400 industry members in British hair’s night of nights.

Compered by celebrity host Katherine Ryan, who was joined by Hairdressers Journal International’s Executive Director, Jayne Lewis-Orr, and Julian Crane, General Manager for Henkel Consumer Brands Hair Professional UK & Ireland, on stage, the event showcased dazzling hair fashion, treated guests to a musical performance by Björn Again and awarded winners across ten regional categories and nine specialist awards. Categories range from Afro to Men’s, Session and Newcomer, as judged anonymously by over 100 leading hairdressers, from celebrity hairdressers to Hall of Fame members, previous winners and more.

“Almost four decades since they began, HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards continue to celebrate the most exciting and creative names in our industry. Tonight’s winners have demonstrated creative vision, dedication and passion for their craft. Their work is an inspiration to us all and utterly deserving of this recognition,” Jayne said.

“Schwarzkopf Professional is honoured to shine a spotlight once again on some of the industry’s greatest talents. Our winners have wowed us with their passion and skill and should feel incredibly proud of their achievements,” Julian added.

The pinnacle award, British Hairdresser of the Year, was won by Cos Sakkas, Creative Director at TONI&GUY, for the second year running, adding to his illustrious mantle as a decorated and leading global talent.

“To be nominated for this award is an incredible honour and to win it is just unbelievable, to win twice is completely overwhelming,” he said. “Without my TONI&GUY family it just would not happen. This award isn’t for me, it’s for us. This year it is TONI&GUY’s 60th anniversary when Toni, Guy, Bruno and Anthony revolutionised hairdressing and I’ve been privileged to work with them for 30 years. The standard of hairdressing in this country is constantly improving and I’m honoured that the judges have seen the passion and dedication I have for my work. I hope that this moment inspires others to pursue their dreams – if I can do it, then so can they!”

Congratulations to all the winners!

Specialist Category Winners 2023:

• British Hairdresser of the Year: Cos Sakkas, TONI&GUY
• Session Hairdresser of the Year: Eugene Souleiman
• Afro Hairdresser of the Year: Melissa Timperley & Sara Williams, Melissa Timperley Salon
• Artistic Team of the Year: Mark Leeson Artistic Team
• Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year: Darja Laett, TONI&GUY Kensington
• Men’s Hairdresser of the Year: Sam Elliot, TONI&GUY Covent Garden
• Newcomer of the Year: Lucia Siero Hernández, TONI&GUY Westfield White City
• Schwarzkopf Professional British Colour Technician of the Year: Suzie McGill, Rainbow Room International
• Trend Image of the Year: Elyse Pointon, Edward & Co

Regional Winners 2023:

• Eastern Hairdresser of the Year: Olivia Binch, Mark Leeson
• London Hairdresser of the Year: Jordanna Cobella, Cobella
• Midlands Hairdresser of the Year: Tracey Ann Smith, French + Ivi
• North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year: Rick & Zoe Roberts, Rick Roberts
• North Western Hairdresser of the Year: Laura Kulik & Ria Kulik, The Hairbank
• Scottish Hairdresser of the Year: David Corbett, David Corbett Hairdressing
• Southern Hairdresser of the Year: Seung-ki Baek, RUSH Hair
• Wales & South West Hairdresser of the Year: Ken Picton, Ken Picton Salon
• Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year: Danny Malone, MACC Hair
• International Collection of the Year: Antoinette Beenders & Jorge Cáncer, Aveda

Hall of Fame – winning the same category three times:

• Caroline Sanderson (Scottish)
• Steven Smart (Wales & South West)

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