Six super talented international hairdressers have been shortlisted for the inaugural title of International Collection of the Year at HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards 2019, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional. This is a brand-new category which was open to all qualified hairdressers with a regular client column, who work outside of the UK in a commercial environment and have done so for at least three years (excluding training).

The six stylists from around the globe selected to be in the running for this top accolade are:

The recognition comes after their hairstyling prowess captivated the imagination of more than 100 UK hair industry judges. Four striking, fashion-lead photographic images of each of the stylist’s work secured their nominations of the world’s leading creative hairdressers.

In the hope of taking home the title, the finalists will each submit a further four images of their creative hairdressing work for the second round of judging in September, ahead of the awards ceremony in November.

Commenting on the announcement, Jayne Lewis-Orr, executive director of HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards said; “To be named as a finalist in the International Collection of Year category highlights just how exceptional these global stylists are. Their hairstyling demonstrated fantastic skill and vision, and rightly gives them the acknowledgement as one of six of the world’s best hairdressers.”

“Britain has long had a world-class reputation for trend-setting in the hairdressing industry, but we wanted to look further afield and champion the stars who are shining and carrying the baton for hair innovation and artistry in their own countries all over the world.”

HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, celebrates the very best of British hairdressing, recognising and rewarding the creative talents of individuals and teams who make the industry so vibrant. Currently over 287,000 people work within the hairdressing, barbering and beauty industries*, with salons often making up the backbone of the high street, contributing over £7bn to the UK economy each year. It’s an ever expanding industry too, with over a third of salons in 2018 (41%) noting that turnover had increased from the previous year.**

“Sponsoring HJ's British Hairdressing Awards is an enormous privilege, and we at Schwarzkopf Professional are delighted that we can partner with HJ in supporting and recognising the very best hairdressing talent across the UK. Hairdressing is an industry of endless enthusiasm and creativity and nowhere is this more evident than in the entries for these awards. Receiving a finalist place is a phenomenal feat and we extend our biggest congratulations to all of the finalists, wishing them all the luck for the awards ceremony," says Julian Crane, Schwarzkopf Professional General Manager, UK and Ireland.

HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards have launched the careers of a host of household names: from John Frieda and Nicky Clarke to TONI&GUY creative director Sacha Mascolo-Tarbuck, as well as TV favourites Lisa Shepherd and Andrew Barton.

HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional will take place on 25th November 2019 at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.

*National Hairdressers’ Federation Industry statistics for 2018

** National Hairdressers’ Federation Wages Survey 2018