British Hairdressing Business Awards Winners Announced

On Monday 7 July, HJ’s British Hairdressing Business Awards 2025 winners were announced at the Royal Lancaster London, an event which brought the UK professional hairdressing industry together to celebrate the best in the business. The awards saw the industry’s biggest names and brands celebrate those who have excelled in the past year. Hosted by ITV’s This Morning’s Ben Shephard, the event was full of inspiring speeches, incredible business insights and industry networking opportunities like no other. Turn to page 43 to see this year’s winners

MOOD Appoints New Creative Director

MOOD Hair Colour has announced the appointment of Tracey Ann Smith as the brand’s new Creative Director. Tracey will lead and oversee all things creative across product development, visual identity, and campaign imagery. “MOOD Hair Colour for me has always stood out for its incredible heritage, product innovation and products that perform, I’m looking forward to developing the MOOD Creative Team and I can’t wait to push boundaries, showcase the brand and be part of this new and exciting era,” said Tracey.

DISTRIBUTOR ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH K18

Sweet Squared has announced its exclusive partnership with K18, making it one of only two strategic distribution partners in England, Wales, and the Channel Islands. “K18 chose Sweet Squared because we serve the pro exclusively – we don’t just sell products,” said Samantha Sweet, co-founder of Sweet Squared. “Our passion for education, service and salon success made us the obvious partner for a brand rewriting the rules of haircare. Our team couldn’t be prouder!”

1 JULY

AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S SMALL BUSINESS STRATEGY INQUIRY, THE BRITISH HAIR CONSORTIUM JOINED TALKS IN FRONT OF A PANEL OF 11 MPS (FROM ACROSS THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM) IN PARLIAMENT

Easydry Recertified as a B Corp

Easydry has been officially recertified as a B Corporation, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable business in the hair and barbering industry across the UK and beyond. Originally certified in 2022, Easydry was among the first ten companies in Ireland to achieve B Corp status. “We built Easydry to offer salons a better way to work - cleaner, faster, and more sustainable,” said Anne Butterly, Founder and CEO. “This recertification confirms we’re still delivering on that promise - and raising the bar.”

L’ORÉAL COLOUR TROPHY 2025 FINAL TAKES PLACE

The 69th L’Oréal Colour Trophy 2025 grand final took place on Monday 30 June at Old Billingsgate London and crowned the industry’s freshest talent at hairdressing’s longest-running live competition. The evening comprised of two spectacular shows, including L’Oréal Professionnel’s Global Colour Ambassador Berni Ottjes’ Chromatique show and RealHallucination from D&J Ambrose. Head to page 14 to see the winners.

Andrea Dorata Announced as New UKI Ambassador for ALFAPARF Milano

ALFAPARF Milano Professional has welcomed Dorata Hairdressing to the family and announced Andrea Dorata as an ALFAPARF Milano Professional Brand Ambassador UKI. Dorata Hairdressing has two salons in Marlow and Henley-on-Thames, and is family-run by three siblings - Angelo, Simona and Andrea, who are supported by their team. “Dorata Hairdressing is to us what hairdressing is all about. With two local businesses at the heart of community, they share their passion for this incredible industry not just with their team but with their loyal and ever-growing client base,” said David Donnellan for ALFAPARF Milano Professional.

Jayne Lewis-Orr has announced that she will be stepping down as Executive Director at Hairdressers Journal International at the end of the year, but will continue in a consultancy role to support the brands. Jayne commented:

“IT’S BEEN AN AMAZING JOURNEY, AND I’M SO GRATEFUL FOR THE EXPERIENCES, PARTNERSHIPS AND FRIENDSHIPS BUILT ALONG THE WAY… I AM EXCITED TO CONTINUE CONTRIBUTING IN NEW WAYS AND LOOK FORWARD TO REMAINING ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN AN INDUSTRY I LOVE.”

CHARITY RECEIVES DENMAN DONATIONS

Ellie Goan, the first CRADLE Charity Ambassador in Northern Ireland recently dropped by the Denman International Head Office in Bangor to pick up brush donations for her Comfort Bag Project. CRADLE is a national Mental Health charity providing support to anyone affected by the death of a baby during pregnancy, or termination of pregnancy. One of the many ways in which CRADLE helps women through these difficult times and prevents feelings of isolation and loneliness is by providing Comfort Bags during their hospital stay. These bags include donations from brands that offer everything from deodorant and ear plugs, to lip balm and a Denman D14 mini styling brush, which Ellie collates and delivers to local hospitals.

Stephanie Mason Appointed as Global MD of Cloud Nine

Stephanie Mason has been announced as the new Global Managing Director of Cloud Nine, where she will spearhead the brand’s growth and expansion plans worldwide. Martin Rae, Chairman of Cloud Nine, said: “Stephanie’s expertise and contribution have proved invaluable to fuelling our continued double-digit growth. Female leadership has always been a huge part of Cloud Nine. When my mum first founded ghd in the early 2000s, she was an innovator who fought hard to have her ideas acknowledged. As a business where 67% of our workforce is female, we’re proud to continue our legacy of elevating and crediting leaders like Stephanie.”

SAKS CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Salon group Saks closed their 50th Anniversary celebrations with their Saks Awards 2025 held at 12th Knot in London. Stephen Kee, managing director, said: “Celebrating 50 years has been a proud moment for us, and we’ve done it in true Saks style. Now our focus is firmly on the future and staying relevant, evolving with the times and continuing to be the place to be for our customers and teams.”