WELCOME

HAIR: HAIR BY SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL

Love it or loathe it, December is a mega time in the hairdressing calendar. But hopefully once you’ve got through the epic client column, it’s time for celebration, reflection and, dare we say it, a look to 2026. This issue brings all three in abundance. From industry milestones to forward-looking trends, we round off the year in style.

In HJ Debate, we explore a topic that is impossible to ignore – does AI have a future in hairdressing? From business support to creative shoots, technology is advancing fast, and our contributors share their honest views on where it fits within our craft. Elsewhere, HJ Voicenotes sees Jenny Miles discuss the importance of sensory hairdressing and how understanding client emotions can completely transform their salon experience.

As we head into a new year, our Training Season feature highlights the brands leading the way with education and development, while Tradition vs TikTok asks whether formal training still has a place in an age where you can’t move for social media tutorials. And for those already thinking ahead, Colour Forecast 2026 predicts the hues hitting the news next year.

Plus, we have the usual dose of creative inspiration, from Colour Notes with Nancy Stripe, where she tells us why grey blending is having a major moment, to the sleek design of TONI&GUY Wigmore Street in our Interiors pages. In Careers, Casey Coleman reflects on his journey and the importance of mental health in a creative career, while Behind the Lens sees Emy Roccabella reveal the story behind her ethereal collection, Renewal.

It would not be a December issue without HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional collections; we shine a spotlight on this year’s outstanding finalists and nominees who continue to raise the bar for the industry. If you’re reading this seated at #BHA25, please come celebrate with the HJ team on the dancefloor after, we’d love to see you!

As the year draws to a close, I want to say thank you to everyone who has shared their stories, their artistry and their passion with us – we love connecting with you in print, online and in-person. Here’s to a bright 2026.

TEAM HJ

Executive Director Jayne Lewis-Orr jayne.l@thepbgroup.com • 020 3841 7360

Managing Director Mark Moloney

Editor Charlotte Grant-West charlotte.g@thepbgroup.com • 020 3841 7369

Deputy Editor Sian Jones sian.j@thepbgroup.com • 020 7349 4798

Content Editor Chloe Weldon chloe.weldon@thepbgroup.com • 020 3841 7362

Group Sales Director Jackie Brown jackie.b@thepbgroup.com • 020 3841 7366

Group Sales Manager Matt Crane matt.c@thepbgroup.com • 020 3841 7367

Recruitment and Classified Nur Suleyman nur.s@thepbgroup.com • 020 7349 4796

Senior Events Executive Anna van der Walt anna.v@thepbgroup.com • 020 3841 7377

Exhibition & Awards Executive Betlem Martinez betlem.m@thepbgroup.com • 020 3841 736

Awards Contributor Angela Jones angela.j@thepbgroup.com • 020 7351 0536

Executive Assistant Katie Matthews katie.m@thepbgroup.com • 020 7349 4792

Head of Global Marketing Chloe Monina chloe.m@thepbgroup.com • 020 7349 4799

Marketing Executive Paige Mowbray paige.m@thepbgroup.com • 020 8194 8484

Contributors Jenna Waggitt and Keysha Davis