WELCOME

Someone recently told me that print was dead. I smiled and explained to him that he must not know about the world of hairdressing magazines… Despite the revolution social media has had on the industry and the ways it has challenged and progressed creativity, we know how important it is for hairdressing artists and creatives to see their work in print. Nowhere is that more obvious than in the finalist and nominee collections from the British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional. Feast your eyes on the work from page 34. We’ve also put a focus on celebrating some of the collections that didn’t finalise in this year’s awards, proving just how strong the competition and collections are.

But of course, HJ is more than ‘just’ a print magazine. Face-to-face events, world-leading awards, not to mention our three million-plus audience across our digital and social platforms, we’re not a one-trick-pony. Someone who knows the power of embracing all platforms is Chris Foster, he shares his tricks for building your profile in 2024 on page 20. Elsewhere in this issue we talked to John Phillips for our HJ Voicenotes column who was keen to stress the importance of in-salon education and traditional apprenticeships. Meanwhile take a tour around Samantha Cusick’s new opening Stã Studios, see Nathan Walker’s Colour Notes and pore over Ken Picton’s Life Through A Lens images.

Stealth wealth and quiet luxury have been buzz words in fashion for a good couple of seasons now (think label-less clothing, understated colour palettes and an aversion to bling), and as ever, they’ve quickly been translated into the beauty world. Expensive brunette is the colour shade we’re backing for 2024 and beyond – not only is it a way to keep clients coming back for more (looking luxurious takes serious upkeep) but it doesn’t have to be as ‘expensive’ as the name suggests… Find out why on page 26. 

Some of you will be reading this at the British Hairdressing Awards (or maybe with coffee in bed the next morning…) and will know there’s nothing greater than celebrating your peers' work. It’s set to be a big night. Team HJ is excited to see the results and congratulates each and every one of you!