WELCOME

HAIR: THE NXT ARTISTIC TEAM

MAKE-UP: MADDIE AUSTIN

STYLING: CLARE FRITH

PHOTOGRAPHY: MICHAEL YOUNG

It is with an overwhelming sense of enthusiasm and responsibility that I am stepping into the role of Acting Editor at Hairdressers Journal – Charlotte has left some very big shoes to fill!

In my nearly four years as Deputy Editor, I have seen how this industry thrives on creativity, resilience and community, and every issue of HJ aims to reflect exactly that. As we move into 2026, this issue is about looking ahead whilst sharing the realities of salon life.

It seems that change is a recurring theme throughout this issue. From the evolving needs of salon businesses to the way trends are interpreted on the salon floor, there’s a clear sense that some are redefining what success looks like. Our HJ Debate asks: does your business feel safe in 2026? A conversation many are quietly having which led to discussions on the ways business safety is measured – sometimes it’s simply about the people and the environment not the numbers. Victoria Lynch also shares her thoughts on what the salon of the future could look like and why “complacency is our biggest enemy”.

On the creative side, we question the creativity behind Pantone’s (controversial) Color of the Year and whether it has a place on your colour menu… The industry verdict? Make trends your own, Cloud Dancer doesn’t have to mean blonde or white. And keeping on the theme of low maintenance hair, our Spring/Summer 2026 edit focuses on effortless hair, taking inspiration straight from the catwalk into the salon.

Elsewhere we’re excited about our Salon Growth Summit taking place 1-2 March. Designed to support ambitious owners and managers, the event promises to deliver education, honest discussion and real connections; something we know you value more than ever. We’ll also be celebrating the British Hairdressing Business Awards finalists and winners on 2 March, so make sure you secure your tickets to join in the celebrations at the Royal Lancaster London.

If I had to name the most rewarding part of my job, it’s meeting the wider hairdressing community – you truly are what make this industry great and I look forward to meeting more of you in 2026!

TEAM HJ

Managing Director Mark Moloney

Editor Charlotte Grant-West charlotte.g@thepbgroup.com • 020 3841 7369 (Maternity Leave)

Acting 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

Freelance Editorial Assistant Jenna Waggitt