Living the DREAM

We caught up with the super-talents who are this year’s nominees for HJ’s British Hairdresser of the Year, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, to find out what inspires them, drives them and makes them who they are

Richard Ashforth, House of Sassoon

A nomination is recognition from people within our industry who understand the work, the time and the thinking that goes into creating something original. Being nominated tells me that what I’m trying to communicate has connected with people. It gives me confidence that I’m moving in the right direction and encourages me to keep pushing myself. Curiosity sits at the centre of everything I do. I firmly believe there’s always something new to learn, whether that’s a technique, a different way of thinking, or inspiration from outside of hairdressing. The day you think you’ve mastered everything is the day you stop growing. Work/life balance is something I’ve become more conscious of over the years. When you genuinely love what you do, it doesn’t always feel like work, which is great, but it also means it’s easy to let it take over. I’ve realised that having time away actually makes me more creative. Stepping back, spending time with family and friends, travelling, or just time alone and switching off for a while gives me the space to come back with fresh ideas and a different perspective.

Jordanna Cobella, Cobella Salon

Being nominated for British Hairdresser of the Year is incredibly humbling. When I first started hairdressing, I never imagined my career would take me here. Awards represent years of curiosity, resilience and a genuine love for our industry. When I create a collection, I always start with a feeling rather than a hairstyle. I’m fascinated by people, fashion, culture and psychology, and I love exploring how hair can express identity and emotion. Technical skill is essential, but the storytelling behind the images is what really excites me. The values that drive me are generosity, authenticity and collaboration. I’ve always believed that knowledge should be shared, not guarded, and I’m passionate about creating opportunities for others, whether that’s through education, mentoring or building creative communities.

Hairdressing has given me far more than a career. It’s given me lifelong friendships, confidence, purpose and the opportunity to make a positive impact on others. Since becoming a mum, it’s also taught me that success isn’t just about personal achievements; it’s about building a life where creativity, family and community can all thrive together.

Efi Davies, TONI&GUY

When I found out I was nominated in 2025, I was so shocked, happy and proud. I felt seen. I am still trying to digest my nomination, never mind my win! I am humbled to be nominated again, as there are so many incredible hairdressers in British hairdressing and I will always fly the flag for our industry around the world! I have worked with TONI&GUY since I was an apprentice and discovered my love of creative, avant-garde hairdressing early on. I will spend months working on a technique, and TONI&GUY have been incredibly supportive throughout my career, giving me space and support to create my own aesthetic. I am lucky to be working amongst some amazing creatives, but it’s also important to embrace individuality and stay true to yourself. I love my career, but I love being a mum even more. It can be demanding juggling both, my daughter is my world and watching her grow into a beautiful young woman is a privilege and honour. I work with young people all day, every day and like to think I understand their challenges and frustrations, and I will mentor my daughter as much as my students.

Errol Douglas MBE, Errol Douglas London

Every nomination I’ve received means a huge amount because nothing should ever be taken for granted. This year feels particularly special as it’s my 30th consecutive nomination. It represents three decades of hard work, creativity, resilience and the support of so many amazing people. I’ve never stood still. I’ve always been curious, always learning and always looking at how I can improve. Trends change, our industry evolves, but creativity, consistency and treating people well never go out of fashion. I’ve been fortunate to build an incredible team around me, and together we’ve always pushed ourselves to do our best.

Kindness, integrity and respect are at the heart of everything I do. I want people to feel valued, whether they’re a client, a member of my team or someone I’m mentoring. I believe in leading by example, working hard and never losing sight of why we do this job – to make people feel good about themselves. Hairdressing teaches you to listen, to understand people and to stay resilient. Every day you’re building trust and helping someone feel more confident, and those lessons stay with you far beyond the salon. It’s made me a better leader, a better communicator and, I hope, a better person.

Bruno Marc Giamattei, Marc Antoni Hair

When I received the news that I was nominated, I was ecstatic, and I still am. It’s been a real whirlwind, and I can only say it has been one of the most incredible moments of my life.

I approach my work just like I do my personal life – with passion, dedication, honesty, and hard work. Everything I do is done to the best of my ability, and I own every decision or choice I make and strive to progress in every aspect of my life and work. I like to share, give back, and help people wherever I can, and I hope that I positively impact others on their individual journeys, both personally and within the industry. Being part of this industry has provided me, my family and my brothers with such an incredible life. My dad founded Marc Antoni 60 years ago, and from the day he opened the doors it’s been a real rollercoaster, with some amazing, money-can’tbuy milestones. We’ve travelled the world, worked with some of the most amazing teams and brands, created memorable collections, won numerous awards and made life-long memories. My life without this industry would be very different. I am very humbled, thankful and very, very lucky.

Gary Hooker and Michael Young, Hooker & Young

Michael: I don’t think there’s ever a point where you become blasé about being nominated. When your peers recognise you for your work, it’s a really proud moment.

Gary: It still gives us butterflies. The British Hairdressing Awards have always been the benchmark for our industry, so being nominated never loses its shine. We still have that moment of elation every time it happens.

Michael on Gary: Gary has an incredible creative instinct. He’s fearless when it comes to trying something new, and has a real gift for making hair look effortless. He reminds me that some of the best ideas come from trusting your instincts.

Gary on Michael: Michael has endless patience and an eye for detail that’s second to none, and quiet determination that keeps us moving forward. He has amazing ideas, and turns them into something truly special.

Gary and Michael: We bring different strengths, different personalities and different ways of thinking, but we share exactly the same love for our craft, for our team and for British hairdressing. We feel incredibly lucky to have built a life and a career together, doing what we love in an industry that’s given us so much.

Akin Konizi, HOB Salons

When I got the call to say I was nominated, I couldn’t quite believe it. It’s been 13 years since I was last nominated, and in that time, I have been working hard, winning awards with my team, including Artistic Team of the Year for the past two years, and being an advocate for the craft. I’m delighted that my passion and dedication have been recognised by a new generation of hairdressers. I try not to be a perfectionist, as there is so much beauty in imperfection and creativity is what drives me to develop not only my skills, but myself. I’m very excited and enthusiastic about our industry. I like to break down a haircut into its individual parts so that I can further develop it again. My obsession with being the best is a blessing but also a curse because I worry that one day I won’t be reaching my own expectations. The secret to long-term success is not to have a destination but to see success as a journey. Winning British Hairdresser of the Year four times and quite a few other awards doesn’t mean that I have ‘arrived.’ The problem with arrival is you’re not going any further, and for me it’s about constantly moving forwards towards mastery and that pushes me to be my best.

Cos Sakkas, TONI&GUY

I never take any nomination for granted as there’s some incredible hairdressers in our industry and for my peers to believe in me is an honour. I’ve won British Hairdresser of the Year three times, and every time I have tried to use my voice to raise standards and professionalism in hairdressing, and get the conversation started about the way we attract and educate the next generation. I won Newcomer of the Year in 1999 and my first British win was in 2022, which shows that nothing is a quick win; you need to work hard and hone your skills. It doesn’t matter how many awards we have; we never stop learning; there is always a new way to do something. I thrive under pressure, whether that’s backstage at London Fashion Week, on a deadline to create content, or working into the early hours on a photo shoot. I am lucky that I have a lot of energy and the busier it is, the more creative I am. The reason I can do this is because I can rely on my skills that I’ve learnt and continue to learn – there’s no pretending here. I also have an amazing team and wife who support me in whatever I do.

Tracey Ann Smith, French & Ivi

I still can’t believe I am a nominee for British Hairdresser of the Year! It really is something I have been working towards for many years, and I feel a real sense of relief and achievement to have reached this milestone. When it comes to my personal life, I would say I am very chilled and easy-going, which balances out with a hectic work life. I love my life, spending time with my family and taking part in sport. I really like to embrace every single day as you never know how long you have got. When it comes to my work life, I am extremely driven, forward-thinking, and feel blessed to have had the career and experiences of a lifetime. I am now at a stage where I am giving back to the industry and passing on my knowledge to the next generation. I could not imagine my life without hairdressing, it is in my DNA. I get to travel, inspire others, and help the industry evolve and progress. The industry is part of my life and my daughters’ lives, and I just love it!