Edinburgh salon shortlisted for TWO national hairdressing awards

Two stylists from Jason Hall Hairdressing in Edinburgh have been shortlisted for two awards at HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional. Jason Hall has finalised for Scottish Hairdresser of the Year and Jak Hall is through in the Newcomer of the Year category.

Widely regarded as the highlight of the hairdressing calendar, the annual awards – now in their 39th year – celebrate the outstanding creative and technical skills of stylists from across the United Kingdom.

Featuring ten regional categories recognising the greatest talents from all areas of the UK, stylists from all over the globe are also celebrated in the International Collection of the Year category.

Standout talent is honoured in nine specialist categories including Afro, Men’s and Avant Garde, the event’s most coveted trophy is British Hairdresser of the Year* – arguably the industry’s greatest accolade. 

Judged anonymously by over 100 leading hairdressers (including celebrity stylists, session stylists, salon owners, previous winners and Hall of Fame** members), winners are set to be announced during a red-carpet ceremony on Monday 27th November at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London. 

Jason and Jak each made the shortlist having submitted four photographic images demonstrating the breadth of their hairdressing expertise, including both technical and creative abilities.

They will now submit additional images for the final round of judging, which takes place in September. Both stages of judging are independently audited and verified.

‘It’s a dream come true to make the finals, particularly alongside Jak’ says salon owner Jason. ‘Our industry is full of such talented creatives, so to be shortlisted with names we admire so much feels very special.

“We’re incredibly proud of our collections and hope the judges will see the passion and time that has gone into creating them.’

Jayne Lewis-Orr, Executive Director of HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards said: ‘Almost forty years since their inception, HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards continue to be the most coveted accolade in hairdressing, celebrating the artistry and expertise of the remarkable individuals that make up our industry.

“Jason and Jak have presented work that is both eye-catching and inspiring, showcasing a diversity of skills and an eye for detail. They should feel incredibly proud to have made an impact amongst such impressive competition.’

Schwarzkopf Professional has been the sole sponsor of the event since its launch in 1985.

Julian Crane, General Manager for Henkel Beauty Care Professional UK & Ireland, says: ‘Schwarzkopf Professional is honoured to once again be sponsoring this celebrated event which recognises the remarkable talents of the British hairdressing industry.

“Our finalists have produced work brimming with passion, creativity and skill and I am delighted to see their expertise recognised at this level.’

Edinburgh salon owner shortlisted for prestigious national award

Christopher Laird, co-owner of salon November Collective in Livingston, near Edinburgh, has been shortlisted for one of hairdressing’s most exciting awards.

Christopher, 24, is up for the One To Watch title at Creative Head’s The It List, a competition open to stylists under 30 from across the UK. 

Presented by leading industry magazine Creative HEAD and exclusively sponsored by global hair brand ghd, The It List, now in its 13th year, provides an unparalleled platform for young hairdressers to shine, with six categories recognising hairdressing’s new stars of the future.

Entering required the submission of a detailed dossier outlining Christopher’s career story to date, along with an image gallery showcasing his strongest work. As one of five finalists in his category, he’ll now attend the Grand Final on Monday 5th September at London’s world-renowned Tate Modern, where he’ll compete for the coveted trophy.

Winners also receive an exclusive experience and gift from sponsor ghd, plus 12 months of profile-boosting coverage across the Creative HEAD print, digital and event platforms.

Christopher opened November Collective, along with co-owner Emma-Louise Cantwell, less than a year ago at the age of just 23.

Having worked as an educator for some of hairdressing’s biggest brands, as well as styling for celebrities, opening a salon was a natural progression and the duo have created an inclusive, creative space specialising in glamorous, wearable hair and professional beauty treatments. 

 ‘Making the It List finals is a dream come true!’ says Christopher. “I faced a lot of criticism in my early career and it feels as though I’m finally being taken seriously.

“I’ve worked really hard to get to this point in my life and to have that recognised by a brand as respected as Creative Head means the world. I’d love to bring the trophy home to Edinburgh but just to be shortlisted is a huge honour.”