Rewarding the creation of an original initiative, product or service, benefitting hair professionals and/or the industry at large. 

Category sponsor

Open to all hair professionals, whether employed, self-employed or freelance. 

It is not possible to enter if you are working in-house for a product manufacturer (which is not exclusively your company), even if you are also operating as a hairdresser.  

To enter, you must submit the following: 

Part 1: Innovation overview – EITHER a PDF (up to 8 pages) OR a video (up to 5 minutes) 
Have you launched something new – a product, a service, a new concept – that has benefitted hair pros and/or the industry in general? Whatever you’ve masterminded, let’s hear about it! Introduce your innovation: what it’s called, the inspiration behind it, how it came about, who it benefits and why you consider it to be truly pioneering. Include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.  

Part 2: Endorsements – PDF (up to 4 pages)
Prove your innovation is making a positive impact. Include here testimonials, statistics and any press coverage or other information to demonstrate its success. 

Plus, supporting imagery:

• An image of you  
• At least three images illustrating your innovation 

Your PDF must be A4, in either portrait or landscape format. Please combine all parts into one single file, making sure you do not exceed the page numbers stipulated. Feel free to add a front cover page to introduce your entry. Maximum file size 100MB. Please do not include any embedded video or hyperlinks. 

If you are providing a video, it must be an MP4 file, in either portrait or landscape format. Smartphone footage is fine. Please do not exceed the maximum duration stipulated. Maximum file size 200MB.  

If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry. 

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Rewarding outstanding customer service.

Category sponsor

Open to hair salons, barber shops and other workspaces regularly providing hairdressing services to clients. 

Single locations only. It is not possible to enter as a group, although individual sites within a group may enter themselves. 

To enter, you must submit the following: 

Part 1: Experience overview – EITHER a PDF (up to 8 pages) OR a video (up to 5 minutes) 
Outline your unique approach to customer service, describing the client journey at every stage – before, during, after and in-between bookings. You may want to talk about your communication processes, your consultations, the food and drink you offer, your chill-out spaces, the tailored appointments you offer clients with special needs – or all of the above! Make sure you cover all the aspects that make your client experience unbeatable and unforgettable. Include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.  

Part 2: Endorsements – PDF (up to 4 pages)
Demonstrate the experience you provide is first-class. Include here testimonials, statistics and any press coverage giving you glowing reviews. 

Plus, supporting imagery: 

• Imagery of the exterior of the salon/barber shop/workspace (portrait and landscape options, please) 
• At least three images illustrating the client experience

Your PDF must be A4, in either portrait or landscape format. Please combine all parts into one single file, making sure you do not exceed the page numbers stipulated. Feel free to add a front cover page to introduce your entry. Maximum file size 100MB. Please do not include any embedded video or hyperlinks. 

If you are providing a video, it must be an MP4 file, in either portrait or landscape format. Smartphone footage is fine. Please do not exceed the maximum duration stipulated. Maximum file size 200MB.  

If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry. 

 Discover Kérastase >

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Rewarding a salon at the heart of its community. 

Category sponsor

Open to hair salons, barber shops and other workspaces regularly providing hairdressing services to clients.  

To enter, you must submit the following: 

Part 1: Salon overview – EITHER a PDF (up to 8 pages) OR a video (up to 5 minutes) 
Showcase your space and its place within the community. Talk about how you have supported and enriched the local area, ways you have collaborated with neighbouring businesses and why the locals love you! Include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.  

Part 2: Case study – PDF (up to 4 pages)
Provide one detailed example of how you have positively impacted the local community since March 2023. From fundraising drives and litter picks to throwing open your doors during times of adversity, show the judges your power of engagement. Provide information about the success of the activity or initiative, such as testimonials, press coverage and other evidence of achievement. Include imagery to illustrate, as relevant. 

Plus, supporting imagery:  

• Imagery of the exterior of the salon/barber shop/workspace (portrait and landscape options, please) 
• At least three images illustrating community-related work  

Your PDF must be A4, in either portrait or landscape format. Please combine all parts into one single file, making sure you do not exceed the page numbers stipulated. Feel free to add a front cover page to introduce your entry. Maximum file size 100MB. Please do not include any embedded video or hyperlinks. 

If you are providing a video, it must be an MP4 file, in either portrait or landscape format. Smartphone footage is fine. Please do not exceed the maximum duration stipulated. Maximum file size 200MB.  

If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry. 

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Rewarding a new or revamped space with a unique sense of style. 

Category sponsor

Open to salons, barber shops and other workspaces regularly providing hairdressing services to clients and opened/refitted after March 2023.

To enter, you must submit the following: 

Part 1: Design concept – PDF (up to 8 pages)  
Describe your vision for the space – what you wanted to achieve, how you hoped it would serve both clients and team and the design decisions you took to bring your vision to life. From high-spec lighting or head-turning wall art to quirky fixtures and furnishings, make sure you cover all angles, and include imagery to illustrate. Remember to provide location details and launch/relaunch date.  

Part 2: Your space in pictures – EITHER a PDF (up to 8 pages) OR a video (up to 5 minutes) 
Showcase the results! Take the judges on a visual journey through your space, highlighting the elements you’re most proud of, and demonstrating the way your design delivers on style as well as function. Includes captions to give the judges the full picture.  

 Plus, supporting imagery: 

• Imagery of the exterior of the salon/barber/workspace (portrait and landscape options, please) 
• Imagery illustrating key design features 

Your PDF must be A4, in either portrait or landscape format. Please combine all parts into one single file, making sure you do not exceed the page numbers stipulated. Feel free to add a front cover page to introduce your entry. Maximum file size 100MB. Please do not include any embedded video or hyperlinks. 

If you are providing a video, it must be an MP4 file, in either portrait or landscape format. Smartphone footage is fine. Please do not exceed the maximum duration stipulated. Maximum file size 200MB.  

If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry. 

Discover GLOWWA >

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Rewarding teamwork at its best. 

Category sponsor

Open to teams employed at hair salons and barber shops. 

The team must work at a single location; it is not possible to enter as a team working across multiple sites. 

To enter, you must submit the following: 

Part 1: Team profile – EITHER a PDF (up to 8 pages) OR a video (up to 5 minutes) 
Introduce the crew – talk about who they are, what they do, and how they feel about being part of a top team. Outline the qualities and characteristics that combine to make yours a strong, happy, and effective squad. Include plenty of images showing your team working (as well as playing!) together. 

Part 2: Case study – PDF (up to 4 pages)
Describe in detail one way you have come together as a team to support and enhance business since March 2023. Maybe you collaborated to come up with brilliant new re-booking incentives, or perhaps an employee-to-employee mentoring scheme has resulted in boosted confidence and productivity. Back up with evidence of success and include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.  

Plus, supporting imagery: 

• Group images of the team (portrait and landscape options, please) 
• At least three images illustrating teamwork in action  

Your PDF must be A4, in either portrait or landscape format. Please combine all parts into one single file, making sure you do not exceed the page numbers stipulated. Feel free to add a front cover page, to introduce your entry. Maximum file size 100MB. Please do not include any embedded video or hyperlinks. 

If you are providing a video, it must be an MP4 file, in either portrait or landscape format. Smartphone footage is fine. Please do not exceed the maximum duration stipulated. Maximum file size 200MB.  

If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry. 

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Rewarding an owner or a director demonstrating a fresh approach to business. 

Category sponsor

Open to the owners or directors of salons, barber shops and other workspaces regularly providing hairdressing services to clients. 

Duos may enter, providing they jointly own or co-direct the business. 

To enter, you must submit the following: 

Part 1: Business fact file – PDF (up to 4 pages)
Please provide the following information: 

• Name  
• Location (if more than one location, please detail) 
• Ethos  
• Staffing structure (eg, all employed, part employed/part chair rental, all chair rental) 
• Number of years under your ownership/directorship 
• Number of team members 
• Percentage growth in turnover and profit over the last three years (or since you took on ownership/directorship/launch, if less) 

Part 2: Personal introduction – EITHER a PDF (up to 4 pages) OR a video (up to 3 minutes): 
Talk about the journey you’ve taken to become a business owner or director. Share your work passions and the key strengths and qualities you bring to the task. Outline the ways in which you have made the business the hit it is today, detail how you have achieved a competitive edge in your area and explain how you are planning for continued success. 

Part 3: Case study – PDF (up to 4 pages) 
Describe in detail one initiative implemented since March 2023 that shows you’re building a better business. Perhaps you executed an effective recruitment drive, completed a challenging expansion plan, or revamped the staff structure, improving productivity. Back up with evidence of success and include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.  

Plus, supporting imagery: 

• An image of you  
• At least three images representing the business (the space, the team, the services provided, etc) 

Your PDF must be A4, in either portrait or landscape format. Please combine all parts into one single file, making sure you do not exceed the page numbers stipulated. Feel free to add a front cover page to introduce your entry. Maximum file size 100MB. Please do not include any embedded video or hyperlinks. 

If you are providing a video, it must be an MP4 file, in either portrait or landscape format. Smartphone footage is fine. Please do not exceed the maximum duration stipulated. Maximum file size 200MB.  

If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry. 

Discover Vagaro >

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Rewarding a colourist demonstrating brilliant skill and vision. 

Category sponsor

Open to all hair professionals, whether employed, self-employed or freelance.  

To enter, you must submit the following:  

Part 1: Personal introduction – EITHER a PDF (up to 4 pages) OR a video (up to 3 minutes) 
Introduce yourself and outline your skills, passions, and achievements in colour. Share details about when and how you trained, your career to date, key strengths, specialisms (e.g., balayage, creative colour, colour correction) and your proudest accomplishments in colour (e.g., award wins, big bookings). Include imagery to illustrate, as relevant. 

Part 2: Case study – PDF (up to 4 pages)
Describe in detail one work project led by you since March 2023 that demonstrates your skill, vision and progressive thinking around colour. Examples could include developing a new colour service/menu, colouring hair for a brand campaign, or delivering technical training on stage or in-salon. Back up with evidence of success and include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.  

Part 3: Your work in pictures – PDF (up to 8 pages) 
Impress the judges with a selection of your finest colour work. You can include individual images alongside full collections, campaign shots and wider projects – everything’s relevant! But choose carefully, to ensure you’re showcasing a broad range of skills, as well as your signature approach to colour. Include a brief explanation for everything that makes the cut. Smartphone imagery is fine.  

Plus, supporting imagery:  

• An image of you  
• At least three of the images included within part 3  

Your PDF must be A4, in either portrait or landscape format. Please combine all parts into one single file, making sure you do not exceed the page numbers stipulated. Feel free to add a front cover page to introduce your entry. Maximum file size 100MB. Please do not include any embedded video or hyperlinks. 

If you are providing a video, it must be an MP4 file, in either portrait or landscape format. Smartphone footage is fine. Please do not exceed the maximum duration stipulated. Maximum file size 200MB.  

If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry. 

Discover Wella Professionals >

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Rewarding an art director or a senior team member leading the creative direction of the business.

Category sponsor

Open to employed or self-employed hair professionals working exclusively at salons, barber shops and other workspaces regularly providing hairdressing services to clients. 

If you are freelance, you should enter Independent Stylist

To enter, you must submit the following: 

Part 1: Personal introduction – EITHER a PDF (up to 4 pages)) OR a video (up to 3 minutes) 
Introduce yourself and outline your skills, passions, and creative achievements. Talk about your role – how long you’ve held it, key responsibilities and the qualities and strengths you bring to the task. Share details about your overall approach to the work you undertake and the ways your skill and vision are helping the business to grow and/or innovate. Include imagery to illustrate, as relevant. 

Part 2: Case study – PDF (up to 4 pages) 
Describe in detail one instance since March 2023 where you have risen to a creative challenge that has had a positive impact on business. Examples could include something that brought new clients through the door, upskilled the team or boosted retail sales. Back up with evidence of success and include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.  

Part 3: Your work in pictures – PDF (up to 8 pages) 
Impress the judges with a selection of your finest creative work, all undertaken for the business. From in-house collections and marketing campaigns to brand redesigns and press engagements, choose carefully to ensure you’re showcasing both creative skill and commercial awareness. Include a brief explanation for everything that makes the cut. Smartphone photos are fine.   

Plus, supporting imagery: 

• An image of you  
• At least three of the images included within part 3

Your PDF must be A4, in either portrait or landscape format. Please combine all parts into one single file, making sure you do not exceed the page numbers stipulated. Feel free to add a front cover page to introduce your entry. Maximum file size 100MB. Please do not include any embedded video or hyperlinks. 

If you are providing a video, it must be an MP4 file, in either portrait or landscape format. Smartphone footage is fine. Please do not exceed the maximum duration stipulated. Maximum file size 200MB.  

If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry. 

Discover L’Oréal Professionnel Paris >

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Rewarding exceptional hairdressing education. 

Category sponsor

Open to all hair professionals – individuals or teams, whether employed, self-employed or freelance, as well as colleges and private academies and providers.  

Not open to educators working in-house for product companies. 

To enter, you must submit the following: 

Part 1: Education summary – EITHER a PDF (up to 8 pages) OR a video (up to 5 minutes) 
Outline the fundamentals and USPs of the education you provide – the concept and formation, the people involved, your goals and why it stands out. Talk about who, where, what and how you teach, and provide information on duration, frequency, pricing, and any follow up support you may offer. Include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.  

Part 2: Endorsements – PDF (up to 4 pages)
Prove your education has a positive impact on the people you teach. Pull together testimonials, statistics, and any other information, since March 2023, to demonstrate great results. 

Plus, supporting imagery: 

• An image of you/the team of educators  
• At least three images illustrating the education experience you provide 

Your PDF must be A4, in either portrait or landscape format. Please combine all parts into one single file, making sure you do not exceed the page numbers stipulated. Feel free to add a front cover page to introduce your entry. Maximum file size 100MB. Please do not include any embedded video or hyperlinks.

If you are providing a video, it must be an MP4 file, in either portrait or landscape format. Smartphone footage is fine. Please do not exceed the maximum duration stipulated. Maximum file size 200MB.  

If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry. 

Discover Allilon >

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Rewarding the best trend-led image of the year.

Category sponsor

Open to all hair professionals, whether employed, self-employed or freelance.  

Maximum of three entries per entrant; variations of the same look will not be accepted. Entries from duos may be considered only in exceptional circumstances – see rules for more details. A maximum of 100 entries will be selected for judging by impartial industry representatives. 

To enter, you must submit the following:

A high-resolution JPEG or PNG image – (up to three per entry) in either portrait or landscape format
Show the judges a hair look that is in demand – or about to boom! Your image should capture a key trend or ‘feeling’ for 2024, but it does not need to be photographed exclusively for Most Wanted, and we don’t mind if it’s already been posted/published. 

Plus, to support your entry: 

• An image of you  

If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry. 

Discover Redken >

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Rewarding a freelance hair professional with a first-class profile. 

Category sponsor

Open to 100 per cent freelance hair professionals.

To enter, you must submit the following: 

Part 1: Personal profile – EITHER a PDF (up to 8 pages) OR a video (up to 5 minutes) Introduce yourself and outline your skills, passions, specialisms and achievements as an independent hair professional. Provide information about your freelance career to date – when it began, who you’ve worked with and for, the kind of projects you are booking and the ways you are building networks and finding future work opportunities. Include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.  

Part 2: 2x case studies – PDF (up to 8 pages)  
Describe in detail two freelance projects successfully completed by you since March 2023, which demonstrate the calibre and variety of your work and prove you are a covetable solo commodity. Examples could include hosting a training programme, producing hair looks for a film or music video, or collaborating with a brand for a new campaign or product launch. Back up with evidence of success and include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.  

Plus, supporting imagery: 

• An image of you  
• At least three images illustrating your freelance work/projects 

Your PDF must be A4, in either portrait or landscape format. Please combine all parts into one single file, making sure you do not exceed the page numbers stipulated. Feel free to add a front cover page to introduce your entry. Maximum file size 100MB. Please do not include any embedded video or hyperlinks. 

If you are providing a video, it must be an MP4 file, in either portrait or landscape format. Smartphone footage is fine. Please do not exceed the maximum duration stipulated. Maximum file size 200MB.  

If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry. 

Discover Stā Studios > 

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Rewarding trailblazing work in men’s hair. 

Category sponsor

Open to all hair professionals, whether employed, self-employed or freelance.  

To enter, you must submit the following: 

Part 1: Personal summary – EITHER a PDF (up to 4 pages) OR a video (up to 3 minutes) Introduce yourself and outline your skills, passions, and achievements as an expert in men’s hairdressing. Share details about when and how you trained, your career to date, key strengths and specialisms (eg, barbering or long hair) and significant accomplishments. Include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.  

Part 2: Case study – PDF (up to 4 pages)
Describe in detail one work project led by you since March 2023 that demonstrates your skill, vision and innovative thinking around men’s hair. Examples could include working on a magazine, video or brand shoot where men’s hair was the hero, delivering innovative hair trends training into barber shops, or leading a major men’s show at Fashion Week. Back up with evidence of success and include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.  

Part 3: Your work in pictures – PDF (up to 8 pages) 
Impress the judges with a selection of your finest men’s hair work. You can include individual images (client pictures, for example) alongside full collections, campaign shots and wider projects – everything’s relevant! But choose carefully to ensure you’re showcasing a broad range of skills as well as your signature style. Include a brief explanation for everything that makes the cut. Smart phone photos are fine.  

Plus, supporting imagery: 

• An image of you  
• At least three of the images included within part 3 

Your PDF must be A4, in either portrait or landscape format. Please combine all parts into one single file, making sure you do not exceed the page numbers stipulated. Feel free to add a front cover page to introduce your entry. Maximum file size 100MB. Please do not include any embedded video or hyperlinks. 

If you are providing a video, it must be an MP4 file, in either portrait or landscape format. Smartphone footage is fine. Please do not exceed the maximum duration stipulated. Maximum file size 200MB.  

If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry. 

Download PDF

Rewarding a business owner or director championing a greener way to work. 

Category sponsor

Open to the owners of salons, barber shops and other workspaces regularly providing hairdressing services to clients. 

Duos may enter providing they jointly own or co-direct the business. 

To enter, you must submit the following: 

Part 1: Sustainability mission statement – EITHER a PDF (up to 6 pages) OR a video (up to 4 minutes) 
Describe how sustainability drives decision-making within your business and the work you undertake – eg, the design of your workplace, the products you use, the way you reduce, re-use and recycle materials and waste, the brands you partner with, the local independent traders you support – as you look to protect the planet while you create great hair. Include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.  

Part 2: 2x case studies – PDF (up to 8 pages)
Prove your eco-friendly credentials. Provide two detailed examples of how you have changed your working practices to be more sustainable. Include details about what you’ve done, why you did it and the positive impact of your actions. Include imagery to illustrate, as relevant. One case study must relate to changes implemented since March 2023.  

Plus, supporting imagery: 

• An image of you  
• At least three images illustrating your green credentials  

Your PDF must be A4, in either portrait or landscape format. Please combine all parts into one single file, making sure you do not exceed the page numbers stipulated. Feel free to add a front cover page to introduce your entry. Maximum file size 100MB. Please do not include any embedded video or hyperlinks. 

If you are providing a video, it must be an MP4 file, in either portrait or landscape format. Smartphone footage is fine. Please do not exceed the maximum duration stipulated. Maximum file size 200MB.  

If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry. 

Discover Paul Mitchell >

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Rewarding stand-out work in textured hair.

Category sponsor

Open to all hair professionals, whether employed, self-employed or freelance.  

To enter, you must submit the following: 

Part 1: Personal summary – EITHER a PDF (up to 4 pages) OR a video (up to 3 minutes) 
Introduce yourself and outline your skills, passions and achievements in textured hair. Share details about when and how you trained, your career to date, key strengths, and specialisms (eg, wigs and weaves, curls and coils or Afro barbering) and significant accomplishments. Include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.  

Part 2: Case study – PDF (up to 4 pages)
Describe in detail one project led by you since March 2023 that demonstrates your skill, vision and innovative approach to working with textured hair. Examples could include devising and hosting sell-out education in styling and care, working on a high-profile shoot or show that really showed off your specialism, or implementing a modern menu of hair services serving type 3 and 4 clients. Back up with evidence of success and include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.   

Part 3: Your work in pictures – PDF (up to 8 pages)
Impress the judges with a selection of your finest work in textured hair. You can include individual images (client pictures, for example) alongside full collections, campaign shots and wider projects – everything’s relevant! But choose carefully to ensure you’re showcasing a broad range of skills as well as your signature style. Include a brief explanation for everything that makes the cut.    

Plus, supporting imagery: 

• An image of you  
• At least three images included within part 3  

Your PDF must be A4, in either portrait or landscape format. Please combine all parts into one single file, making sure you do not exceed the page numbers stipulated. Feel free to add a front cover page to introduce your entry. Maximum file size 100MB. Please do not include any embedded video or hyperlinks. 

If you are providing a video, it must be an MP4 file, in either portrait or landscape format. Smartphone footage is fine. Please do not exceed the maximum duration stipulated. Maximum file size 200MB.  

If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry. 

Discover Avlon >

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Rewarding the most exciting hair professional working in fashion.

Category Sponsor

By nomination only 

Nominators will be invited to participate. It is not possible to nominate yourself in this category.

Finalists will be determined by nominations received from a panel of photographers, videographers, producers, creative directors, fashion stylists, make-up artists and the fashion and beauty teams at leading UK and international magazines.  

Discover BaByliss PRO >

Rewarding the most influential hair professional of 2024.

Category Sponsor

By nomination only

Nominators will be invited to participate. It is not possible to nominate yourself in this category.

Following nominations from a panel of hair, beauty, fashion, business and media experts, a shortlist of names will be drawn up. Those shortlisted will be invited to submit a Hair Icon entry and a separate judging panel will then award scores.

Discover JOICO >