IT LIST 2025
WINNERS
The It List is exclusively sponsored by ghd
The Rising Star
Amelia Krasinski, KH Hair
A week of work experience turned into a Saturday job that turned into an apprenticeship. Now Amelia is flourishing at the KH Hair Nottingham salon, creating luxury blondes and balayages and stepping out of the everyday to experiment with session styling. HairCon put those skills to the test as she hit the stage for The Fellowship’s Project Colour, and she loved it! Amelia also finalised for UK Colour Visionary at the Wella TrendVision Awards in 2023 and 2024.
Other finalists in this category: Taylor Borthwick, Myka; Harriet Bull, Tribe Salons; Sofia-Rose O’Kane, Houston Hair; Ellie Roese-McLean, Rebecca H Salons
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The Salon Stylist
Elle Foreman, Tribe Salons
Unusually, Elle learned how to run a salon before she picked up her first pair of scissors. She worked on reception in her mum’s salon, then became a manager, which is how she learned the secret to delivering a great client experience. But a six-month diploma at Sassoon is what propelled Elle behind the chair, and since then hairdressing has become more than a career. It’s shaped the person she is, making the kind of positive impact her shy 16-yearold self could never have imagined.
Other finalists in this category: Keeley Louise Greene, Salon 2; Jo Haywood, Luke Ormsby; Grace Poffley, Nylon Hair Artists; Mitchell Scott, Michael Van Clarke
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The Editorial Stylist
Emma Vickery, Percy & Reed
Working in an environment outside of the salon has enabled Emma – last year’s One To Watch winner – to really find her feet. She knows what she likes (and doesn’t) and while she’s not one for pushing boundaries, she’s very confident in doing great hair on great people and for it all to have an editorial feel. A recent personal project, called “A 35mm POV”, saw her shoot all her work on a 35mm film camera, capturing real images of real people – a beautiful retort to the inexorable rise of AI.
Other finalists in this category: Michaela Bodden; Yasemin Hassan; Daniel Joy, Haug London Haus; Francesco Merico
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The Business Builder
Chlöe Swift
Last year’s It List Business Builder winner has won gold again! Backed by incredible success over the past 12 months, the expert content creator and social media consultant has grown her audience by 18 per cent (target was 15 per cent), collaborated with 18 pro brands and her turnover has almost doubled. But what matters most to Chlöe is how the content resonates – she loves it when people message her to say how much more confident and capable they feel because of something she’s shared.
Other finalists in this category: Norman Boulton; Matthew Bradshaw, ÂPRE; Rebecca Jacques, Rebecca Jacques Hair; Charlotte O’Flanagan, Charlotte Paints Hair Studio
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The Visionary
Emy Roccabella, Danilo Hair Boutique
Since winning The Visionary last year, Emy’s experienced a shift in the way she approaches creativity. Becoming a Revlon Creative Artist marked a turning point – it has sharpened her eye, made her more aware of nuance, proportion, tension, silhouette and how each decision impacts the overall result. Her entry included work she created to prove to herself that she could grow, that her taste could shift. Clearly, the judges like the new direction – she’s now a two-time Visionary winner!
Other finalists in this category: Matteo De Vita, TONI&GUY; Dylan Jack McConnachie; Annabel Payne, TONI&GUY; Roman Sys
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The One to Watch
Elle Foreman, Tribe Salons
Elle is on a mission to make the industry better. And her efforts earned her a second 2025 It List award! A co-founder of two Tribe salons in London, Elle is bucking the self-employment trend by doing employment – but differently, with the emphasis on togetherness. “We collaborate, we train, we learn from each other and build a business that works for everyone,” she says. An expert educator, Elle trained four of Tribe’s apprentices, who are now on the salon floor taking upwards of £300k a year.
Other finalists in this category: Magdalena Campos, Ena Salon; Ella Fisher, Hair Artistry; Phoebe Friend; Rebecca Jacques, Rebecca Jacques Hair; Francesco Merico; Meg Piper, Solstice Hair Studio; Andrew Plester, Arkive by Adam Reed; Jacob Scully, ScullyScully; Ellie Smith, Smith England
IT LIST 2025
ABOUT
Creative HEAD’s It List Awards
Exclusively sponsored by ghd and marking 15 years in 2025, Creative HEAD’s It List catapults into the spotlight Britain and Ireland’s most exciting hair talents aged 30 and under. Chris Appleton… Sophia Hilton… Leigh Keates… Grace Dalgleish… Giuseppe Stelitano… Hayden Cassidy… They all put their name on the It List, and just look at what they’ve gone on to achieve. Question is: are you next?
There are six sought-after categories to choose from, representing a range of hairdressing skill and achievement. From the assistant keeping the salon running smoothly to the young boss bringing it with a brilliant business concept and the session stylist making magic happen backstage…. The It List is looking for the names set to shape the future of our hairdressing industry.
It’s free to enter the It List, and entries are judged by experts working in hair, fashion, business, and the media – including high-profile names like Little Mix stylist Aaron Carlo, session hairdresser Adam Garland, influencer Maddie Bruce and photographer Alex Barron-Hough. And you know what? Your work deserves it.
The competition culminates at the most stylish night of the year – the Most Wanted and It List Grand Final, where winners are crowned and the hottest names and faces gather to celebrate hairdressing talent at its best.

Creative HEAD’s It List Awards
Exclusively sponsored by ghd and marking 15 years in 2025, Creative HEAD’s It List catapults into the spotlight Britain and Ireland’s most exciting hair talents aged 30 and under. Chris Appleton… Sophia Hilton… Leigh Keates… Grace Dalgleish… Giuseppe Stelitano… Leah Hayden Cassidy… They all put their name on the It List, and just look at what they’ve gone on to achieve. Question is: are you next?
There are six sought-after categories to choose from, representing a range of hairdressing skill and achievement. From the assistant keeping the salon running smoothly to the young boss bringing it with a brilliant business concept and the session stylist making magic happen backstage…. The It List is looking for the names set to shape the future of our hairdressing industry.
It’s free to enter the It List, and entries are judged by experts working in hair, fashion, business, and the media – including high-profile names like Little Mix stylist Aaron Carlo, session hairdresser Adam Garland, influencer Maddie Bruce and photographer Alex Barron-Hough. And you know what? Your work deserves it.
The competition culminates at the most stylist night of the year – the Most Wanted and It List Grand Final, where winners are crowned and the hottest names and faces gather to celebrate hairdressing talent at its best.
IT LIST 2025
CATEGORIES
THE BUSINESS BUILDER
For a hair professional who has built a remarkable business
Open to hair professionals aged 30 or under, who have launched a business serving clients, the industry, or both
Sponsored by
To enter, you must submit the following:
Part 1: BUSINESS PROFILE
PDF (maximum 8 pages) OR video (maximum 5 minutes)
Have you built a business from scratch? Maybe you’ve opened a new salon, crafted an online education programme, or set up a hair accessories line. Whatever you’ve launched, provide information about why you created it, who it’s for and what makes your business unique. Share the highs and lows of your journey so far, and the learnings along the way that have shaped your business for the better. Include the name and location (if relevant), the date of launch, and imagery to illustrate.
Part 2: ENDORSEMENTS
PDF (maximum 4 pages)
Prove to the judges your business is booming. Provide financial reports, statistics, press coverage, client testimonials, etc, since March 2024, to corroborate its success.
Separate to your entry, please provide the following supporting imagery, which may be used to promote your success if you reach the finals. We require good quality, hi-resolution files:
- An image of you
- At least three images illustrating your business
Also required: a copy of your ID as proof of age (you must be aged 30 or under at the competition closing date of 28 July)
PDFs must be A4, supplied in either landscape or portrait format. The maximum page number stated must not be exceeded. You may include a front cover, which will not count towards the total page limit.
Videos may be landscape or portrait and must not exceed the maximum duration stated. Phone footage is acceptable.
If you choose to supply all parts in PDF format you must combine into one file.
Embedded videos and hyperlinks are not accepted within PDF files.
Usage rights must be secured prior to submission for all entry files and supporting imagery.
THE EDITORIAL STYLIST
For a stylist making waves on set, in the studio or on location
Open to hair professionals aged 30 or under, whether employed, self-employed or freelance
Sponsored by
To enter, you must submit the following:
Part 1: YOUR EDITORIAL CV
PDF (maximum 8 pages) OR video (maximum 5 minutes)
Introduce yourself and tell the judges about your editorial career to date, from assisting positions through to jobs where you have been the team lead. Include details like the kind of projects you’ve undertaken, who you’ve worked for and collaborated with, key roles and responsibilities – and let the judges see what you’ve created! Include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.
Part 2: CASE STUDY
PDF (maximum 4 pages) OR video (maximum 3 minutes)
Describe in detail a single editorial project you’ve worked on since March 2024 that you’re most proud of. Maybe you were involved at a live event like Fashion Week, got booked for a film, TV or music shoot, or shot for a leading magazine. Share details of how you got the job, the work you undertook and the impact this project has had on your career progression. Include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.
Separate to your entry, please provide the following supporting imagery, which may be used to promote your success if you reach the finals. We require good quality, hi-resolution files:
- An image of you
- At least three images showcasing your editorial work
Also required: a copy of your ID as proof of age (you must be aged 30 or under at the competition closing date of 28 July)
PDFs must be A4, supplied in either landscape or portrait format. The maximum page number stated must not be exceeded. You may include a front cover, which will not count towards the total page limit.
Videos may be landscape or portrait and must not exceed the maximum duration stated. Phone footage is acceptable.
If you choose to supply all parts in PDF format you must combine into one file.
Embedded videos and hyperlinks are not accepted within PDF files.
Usage rights must be secured prior to submission for all entry files and supporting imagery.
THE RISING STAR
For an impressive and fast-improving salon or barbershop assistant
Open to hair professionals who are employed at a salon or barbershop and aged 30 or under, with testimonial from the owner or manager. Entrants must have no more than three years’ experience on the floor and be educated to (or working towards) minimum NVQ Level 2 or equivalent
Sponsored by
To enter, you must submit the following:
Part 1: PERSONAL INTRODUCTION (FROM YOU)
PDF (maximum 8 pages) OR video (maximum 5 minutes)
Show the judges how far you’ve come on your hairdressing journey. Talk about things like training and mentorships, the skills you’ve mastered and the projects you’ve been part of, as well as what you love most about the job you’re doing now – and your future aspirations. Include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.
Part 2: TESTIMONIAL (FROM YOUR BOSS/MANAGER)
PDF (maximum 4 pages) OR video (maximum 3 minutes)
Introduce your assistant and sing their praises! Talk about their qualities, strengths and skills and highlight a single instance where their performance under your employment has been particularly impressive.
Separate to your entry, please provide the following supporting imagery, which may be used to promote your success if you reach the finals. We require good quality, hi-resolution files:
- An image of you
- At least three images showcasing your best hairdressing work
Also required: a copy of your ID as proof of age (you must be aged 30 or under at the competition closing date of 28 July)
PDFs must be A4, supplied in either landscape or portrait format. The maximum page number stated must not be exceeded. You may include a front cover, which will not count towards the total page limit.
Videos may be landscape or portrait and must not exceed the maximum duration stated. Phone footage is acceptable.
If you choose to supply all parts in PDF format you must combine into one file.
Embedded videos and hyperlinks are not accepted within PDF files.
Usage rights must be secured prior to submission for all entry files and supporting imagery.
THE SALON STYLIST
For a hair stylist delivering stand-out skills behind the chair
Open to hair professionals who are employed full-time at a salon or barbershop and aged 30 or under. It is not possible to enter this category if you are the business owner.
Sponsored by
To enter, you must submit the following:
Part 1: YOUR SALON CV
PDF (maximum 8 pages) OR video (maximum 5 minutes)
Introduce yourself and tell the judges about your career to date, your passions and influences and any specialisms that make you stand out – maybe you’re a whizz with a razor or you’re bossing it at balayage! Include details about your current employment, covering key roles and responsibilities, as well as the kind of clients you serve and your future ambitions. Include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.
Part 2: CASE STUDY
PDF (maximum 4 pages) OR video (maximum 3 minutes)
Describe in detail one example of excelling in your position at work since March 2024. Maybe you came up with a campaign to attract new clients, transformed team morale with a clever mentoring initiative or developed a new service that’s boosted bookings. Talk about what you did, why you did it and the impact it had on the business and/or your own client column. Include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.
Separate to your entry, please provide the following supporting imagery, which may be used to promote your success if you reach the finals. We require good quality, hi-resolution files:
- An image of you
- At least three images showcasing your client work and/or case study
Also required: a copy of your ID as proof of age (you must be aged 30 or under at the competition closing date of 28 July)
PDFs must be A4, supplied in either landscape or portrait format. The maximum page number stated must not be exceeded. You may include a front cover, which will not count towards the total page limit.
Videos may be landscape or portrait and must not exceed the maximum duration stated. Phone footage is acceptable.
If you choose to supply all parts in PDF format you must combine into one file.
Embedded videos and hyperlinks are not accepted within PDF files.
Usage rights must be secured prior to submission for all entry files and supporting imagery.
THE VISIONARY
For a hair professional displaying head-turning creativity
Open to hair professionals aged 30 or under, whether employed, self-employed or freelance
Sponsored by
To enter, you must submit the following:
Part 1: PERSONAL STATEMENT
PDF (maximum 4 pages) OR video (maximum 3 minutes)
Introduce yourself – tell the judges who you are, where you work and how far you’ve come in your career. Talk about the kind of work you create, your creative process and what drives and inspires your artistry. Include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.
Part 2: VISUAL SHOWCASE
PDF (maximum 8 pages) OR video (up to 5 minutes)
Wow the judges with a showcase of your most visionary hair work. From client pictures to full collections, campaigns to passion projects, share a carefully curated edit that best represents your artistic flair.
Separate to your entry, please provide the following supporting imagery, which may be used to promote your success if you reach the finals. We require good quality, hi-resolution files:
- An image of you
- At least three images that best represent your visionary skills
Also required: a copy of your ID as proof of age (you must be aged 30 or under at the competition closing date of 28 July)
PDFs must be A4, supplied in either landscape or portrait format. The maximum page number stated must not be exceeded. You may include a front cover, which will not count towards the total page limit.
Videos may be landscape or portrait and must not exceed the maximum duration stated. Phone footage is acceptable.
If you choose to supply all parts in PDF format you must combine into one file.
Embedded videos and hyperlinks are not accepted within PDF files.
Usage rights must be secured prior to submission for all entry files and supporting imagery.
THE ONE TO WATCH
For an outstanding hair talent demonstrating all-round excellence
Open to hair professionals aged 30 or under, whether employed, self-employed or freelance
Sponsored by
To enter, you must submit:
YOUR CAREER STORY
PDF (up to 12 pages) OR video (up to 8 minutes)
Demonstrate to the judges why you’re blazing a trail in hairdressing! Talk about who you are, what you’re made of and where you’re headed, as well as the people, experiences and opportunities that have shaped you as an artist, plus your proudest moments to date. Pack in as much as you like and include imagery to illustrate, as relevant, but be sure to cover the following:
- Education, training and mentorships
- Strengths, specialisms and inspirations
- Roles at work – positions held and key responsibilities
- Session work – shoots, events, runway shows, TV and film projects, etc
- Awards, accolades and other achievements
- Press and publicity (about you!)
- Future goals and ambitions
Separate to your entry, please provide the following supporting imagery, which may be used to promote your success if you reach the finals. We require good quality, hi-resolution files:
- An image of you
- At least five images showcasing your most accomplished work and/or greatest achievements
Also required: a copy of your ID as proof of age (you must be aged 30 or under at the competition closing date of 28 July)
PDFs must be A4, supplied in either landscape or portrait format. The maximum page number stated must not be exceeded. You may include a front cover, which will not count towards the total page limit.
Videos may be landscape or portrait and must not exceed the maximum duration stated. Phone footage is acceptable.
Embedded videos and hyperlinks are not accepted within PDF files.
Usage rights must be secured prior to submission for all entry files and supporting imagery.
IT LIST 2025
PAST WINNERS
2024
The Business Builder Chlöe Swift, Chlöe Swift Stylist
The Editorial Stylist Mike Mahoney, Josh Wood Colour Atelier
The Salon Stylist Norman Boulton, formerly Not Another Salon
The Rising Star D’Arcy White, Jack & the Wolfe
The Visionary Emy Roccabella, Danilo Hair Boutique
The One to Watch Emma Vickery, Percy & Reed
2023
The Business Builder Charles Rose, Crate Cheshire
The Editorial Stylist Darcie Harvey, Reuben Wood Hairdressing
The Salon Stylist Norman Boulton, Not Another Salon
The Rising Star Mia Mozley
The Visionary Birte Klintworth, Radio
The One to Watch Miles Twist, Architect Hair
2022
The Editorial Stylist Lauren Bell, London
The Entrepreneur Danielle Garner, Wildflower, Dublin
The Salon Stylist Ryan Steedman, Adam Reed London, London
The Rising Star Georgia Freeman, Q Cut Hair & Beauty, Surrey
The Visionary Quentin Taillepied, Stag, Edinburgh
The One to Watch Danielle Garner, Wildflower, Dublin
2021
The Editorial Stylist Ellie Bond, Essex
The Entrepreneur Brooke Evans, BE Ironbridge, Telford
The Rising Star Millie Bloy CODE Hair Consultants, Lowestoft
The Visionary Giuseppe Stelitano, Trevor Sorbie, London
The It Girl Harriet Stokes, Humankind Hair, London
The It Guy Giuseppe Stelitano, Trevor Sorbie, London
2020
The Editorial Stylist Aidan Darcy, Dublin
The Entrepreneur Ricky Walters, Salon64, London
The Rising Star Annabel Payne, Toni&Guy, Salisbury
The Visionary Marlon Hawkins, Brooks & Brooks, London
The It Girl Leah Hayden Cassidy, Unit 8 by HAYDEN, London
The It Guy Tom Gilling, Adam Reed London, London
2019
The Entrepreneur Jennifer Linton, Linton & Mac
The Fashionista Tom Gilling
The Rising Star Callum McDonald, Ruffians
The Visionary Amelia Evans, Hare & Bone
The It Girl Sarah Black, Linton & Mac
The It Guy Jamie Benny, Hare & Bone
