#SALON26 COMPETITIONS
HAIR TOOLS WEREN'T THE ONLY THING BRINGING THE HEAT TO THIS YEAR’S SALON INTERNATIONAL. FROM FAST FADES AND CREATIVE DESIGNS TO LIVE EXTENSION APPLICATION, GET THE LOWDOWN ON THE COMPETITIONS AT #SALON26
HJ’S EXTENSIONS COMPETITION, SPONSORED BY REMI CACHET
MELANIE MCDONALD
Remi Cachet took centre stage at Salon International 2026 as sponsor of HJ’s Extensions Competition of the Year, putting some of the industry’s most talented extension specialists in the spotlight. Seven finalists went head-to-head on the show floor in front of a panel of expert judges, with the winner revealed live on the HJ Stage.
A huge congratulations to Melanie McDonald, crowned winner of HJ’s Extensions Competition of the Year 2026. Congratulations also to fellow finalists Nicole Butterworth, Jamieleigh Talbot, Deborah Robinson, Georgia Jackson, Maisie Dean and Stacey Doolan. A huge thank you to this year’s expert judging panel: Marlene Lamont, Michelle Griffin, Inanch Emir, Poppy Saunders, Zoe Irwin and Victoria Lynch.
CREATIVE DESIGN
BLADE
Competitors had 30 minutes to create an original clipper design that was visible, well-balanced and technically clean. The winner was ‘Blade’, founder of Blade Cuts in London, who has over 30 years of experience and started cutting hair at 14.
THE CROSSOVER COMPETITION
The Crossover Competition, in collaboration with Luchmun Studios and hosted by Kevin Luchmun, brought barbers together across the two-day show, providing an insight into modern barbering. It was split into three categories...
FAST FADE
ROBERT SILVERSTONE
The Fast Fade Competition tested technical precision and speed, with competitors tasked with creating the cleanest, most technically accomplished fade possible in just 15 minutes. Robert Silverstone, owner of Barber’s Barn in Staffordshire, was crowned the winner.
CREATIVE CUT
STEFAN CLARK
Showcasing modern men’s hairdressing and advanced scissor craftsmanship, competitors created a forward-thinking, lived-in haircut in 40 minutes. The winner was Stefan Clark, from OS Lifestyle, Soho.