HJ NEWS

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Trevor Sorbie and Keune Mark One Year of Partnership

Keune Haircosmetics and Trevor Sorbie have marked a year of collaboration with the launch of a new salon concept in London, sorbie at The House of Keune. The concept is built around creativity, collaboration and culture, blending Trevor Sorbie’s heritage of artistry with Keune’s commitment to the advancement of professional hairdressers. In addition, all Trevor Sorbie salons will transition to Keune Colour, strengthening the creative and educational alignment between the brands. Darren Potter, General Manager of Keune UK & Ireland, said: “The launch is a truly significant moment for both brands. It represents artistry, community, and the exciting future we are building together.” Bree Davie, CEO of Trevor Sorbie International Ltd, adds: “sorbie at The House of Keune is a concept shaped by those values, a collective for modern hair culture where craft meets freedom and individuality meets community.”

BRITISH HAIRDRESSING BUSINESS AWARDS 2026

HJ has announced the 2026 British Hairdressing Business Awards finalists, ahead of the ceremony on 2 March at the Royal Lancaster London. Mark Moloney, Managing Director of HJ’s British Hairdressing Business Awards shared: “The British Hairdressing Business Awards recognise the resilience, leadership and innovation that underpin a vital industry. Our 2026 finalists demonstrate exceptional business insight and a genuine commitment to excellence, while playing a vital role in supporting local high streets, creating jobs and delivering outstanding client experiences.” Head to hji.co.uk for the full list of finalists.

Richard Marshall Awarded MBE

The entreprenuer, Pall Mall Barbers owner and member of the Small Business Growth Council received an MBE from the King, for Services to International Trade, Mentoring and to People with Dyslexia. Richard was diagnosed with severe dyslexia at the age of five, while ADHD emerged later in life. Despite being expelled from school at the age of 15 with no formal qualifications, he went on to build one of the world’s oldest barbershop brands into a global enterprise with outposts in London and New York.

1-2 MARCH

THESE ARE THE DATES FOR YOUR DIARY FOR THE FIRST-EVER SALON GROWTH SUMMIT, BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY GROUP. FOR MORE DETAILS ON THE EVENT THAT’LL SET YOUR BUSINESS APART, HEAD TO PAGE 16.

GOLDWELL UNVEILS BRAND RELAUNCH

Goldwell is ushering in a new era of colour powered by stylists, with Goldwell Glow Up. This puts stylists at the heart of the brand, offering opportunities for collaboration and skill development, as well as a $1 million Future Fund. To celebrate this commitment, Goldwell announced its Colour of the Year for 2026: Bellini, a luminous, head-turning shade developed in collaboration with international colourists Salome De Wet, Zachary Norman, Peter Wu and Neil Barton. Dominic Pratt, Global President Kao Salon Division says: “Goldwell has always been a brand built for stylists and with the Glow Up we’re going further, by putting their voices, talent, and development at the very centre of the brand’s future direction. Our intention is for the new and modernised Goldwell to be the most collaborative, most relatable and highest performing colour brand on the market.”

Timely appoints Newest UK ambassador

Timely has announced Holly Fairley of RIO HAIR as its newest UK ambassador. Holly Fairley is a hairdresser-turned-educator and business coach known for her straight-talking approach to growth in the hair industry. Holly will collaborate with the brand across education, events, and content, sharing real-world insights, behind-the-scenes experiences, and practical strategies to help hair professionals streamline their businesses. “I’m so proud to be a Timely ambassador and represent a brand I genuinely use and believe in,” says Holly. “I know first-hand the difference Timely can make in a business owner’s life, so this feels like a real full-circle moment.”

INVERNESS SALON CELEBRATES FIRST YEAR OF BUSINESS

KIKU Salon, founded in the Scottish Highlands in November 2024 by Paul Ralph and Hiro Kudo, has celebrated its first birthday. The name ‘kiku’, taken from the Japanese verb for ‘to listen’, has become the foundation of the salon’s approach, influencing consultations, team culture and the client experience. This focus remains firmly in place for 2026, as KIKU continues to raise the standard for Scottish hairdressing. “As long as we stay true to our philosophy, we can grow in a way that feels meaningful,” says Hiro.

Barbershop Raises Funds for Huntington’s Disease

Lowe’s Barber Shop in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset has proudly raised funds for the Huntington’s Disease Association (HDA) through a recent in-shop fundraising raffle. The raffle was held in memory of barber Tony’s late mother-in-law, who sadly lost her life to Huntington’s Disease. A homemade hamper by Tina Lowe formed the centrepiece of the prize. Thanks to the generosity of customers, £340 was raised through ticket sales, with additional cash donations also added to the total. Mike Lowe, Owner of Lowe’s Barber Shop, said: “A huge thank you to everyone who entered our raffle and helped support the Huntington’s Disease Association. Your kindness and generosity mean so much to us.”

Blue Tit Opens Its First International Salon in Copenhagen

London salon collective Blue Tit has launched its first international salon, in Copenhagen, Denmark. The BCorp company is bringing its boutique approach to the vibrant Nørrebro neighbourhood, with a colour-drenched space that combines Scandinavian design with a cool London vibe. At the helm is Blue Tit Copenhagen owner Mads Ruus. He says: “My vision is to bring a slice of what Blue Tit London does best to Copenhagen.”