WELCOME

First things first, team HJ would like to wish you all a very happy and fulfilled new year. I’m sure 2022 will bring some uncertainty with it, but if there’s one thing this industry has shown it’s just how resilient it is. All you can do is what you do best – serve your clients, your communities and keep getting creative!

This issue first and foremost celebrates the creativity of the winners of the British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional. The awards night, held at London's Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott Hotel, saw high emotions and moving speeches, as well as spectacular shows from nine of the British Nominees. It was amazing to see such diversity and individuality celebrated on the catwalk. Special mention to Robert Eaton’s show, our newly crowned British Hairdresser of the Year who showed two insanely confident, powerful and (hallelujah!) 50+ models, who now grace this month’s HJ cover. See the full collection from the Northern powerhouse, starting on page 59.

Elsewhere in the issue we investigate the trend for ‘expensive brunettes’ (page 23). There’s a move, in the celebrity world at least, towards rich, glossy, natural-looking brunette shades. Is it a seasonal shift, or a sign of the times? We have to say we were alarmed at HJ HQ when we spotted a series of TikTok videos calling blonde hair ‘cheugy’. After some quick research (thank you Urban Dictionary) turns out this is the new ultimate Gen Z diss against millennials. (Other things that are ‘cheugy’? Golden retrievers apparently. Yes, the breed of dog!) Find out how hairdressers are proving that the new blondes are anything but outdated on page 31.

Looking for some business inspiration for the new year? The move to reclaim Saturdays continues in our HJ Debate on page 16 and find out how to keep your salon a drama-free space on page 18 thanks to Liz McKeon’s sage advice. And a big congratulations also goes to Sally and Jamie Brooks who are celebrating 20 years in business, see their journey on page 17 and find out their tips for balancing business with creativty.