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Most Wanted 2025 Is Open For Entry – And We Have News!

Most Wanted 2025 Is Open For Entry – And We Have News!

Most Wanted 2025 Is Open For Entry – And We Have News!

Introducing a whole new line-up of categories aligned with today’s business and creative priorities

by JOANNA | CONNECT

Creative HEAD’s Most Wanted is 25 years old this year – time to refine and reimagine it for a new era.

Today we’re officially opening the competition with an exciting new line-up of 12 purpose-driven categories, designed to reflect how you work and think now. From Collaborations to Community, Education to Engagement, are awards are focused on what matters to you – and what makes our industry so utterly special and unique.

This year, Most Wanted is truly inclusive and democratic, open to all hair professionals from across the entire industry – and across Britain and Ireland. The owners and employees of salons and barbershops and other workspaces; freelance, session and self-employed hairdressers; educators and entrepreneurs… Most Wanted sees you all!

What has not changed is that Most Wanted is free to enter and based on work you’ve already done; there’s no need to shoot or create something new and exclusively for the competition, at your expense.

Once again, entries are digital, creating a level playing field for all.

And Most Wanted is still judged by people who matter – top industry names, of course, but also journalists from leading fashion and beauty media, talent scouts from international management agencies, fashion designers and educators, directors of photography and film, session stylists and brand innovators. This fresh perspective is one of the reasons we get such great results!

Ah yes, let’s talk about winning.

Most Wanted culminates in a spectacular gathering of amazing names and faces in London – it’s the industry at its very best, and the perfect backdrop for the winners to be announced. Trophies will be handed out, for sure, but winning Most Wanted is about so much more. It’s a night when the industry celebrates your skills, your journey, your passion – it celebrates you. And as you make your way back from the stage, you’ll be entering a whole new world full of opportunity, distinction and respect from your peers.

Ah yes, winning a Most Wanted award is just the beginning…

Most Wanted 2025 – ALL NEW Category Listing

The Most Wanted award for: COMMUNITY

For a hair professional or team going above and beyond their core business to provide meaningful support to their local community and/or a local organisation. Judges will look for an ongoing commitment to a single cause with clear evidence of positive impact.

Open to individual hairdressing professionals and businesses regularly providing hairdressing services to clients.  

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The Most Wanted award for: COLLABORATION

When creative talents come together, it can lead to an incredible result. Tell us about a specific project you worked on – a shoot, show, campaign or training course, perhaps – where you collaborated with creative(s) from outside your usual team to create something new and relevant, and which you could not have created on your own. Judges will look for a clear strategy for the project, an exciting, impactful execution and evidence of success. 

Open to individual hairdressing professionals working in a creative capacity. Your collaborator can be based outside of the UK and Ireland.

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The Most Wanted award for: PURPOSE

For an individual hairdressing professional or business truly committed to a specific cause, whether that’s sustainability, mental health, the under-represented in society – whatever is close to your heart. Finalists in this category will be able to demonstrate that purpose permeates everything they do and has a positive impact. 

Open to individual hairdressing professionals and businesses regularly providing hairdressing services to clients.

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The Most Wanted award for: ENGAGEMENT

Building an engaged online community around a business is crucial nowadays, and we’re looking for examples of excellence in the field. So, how do you build yours, which channels do you use and why, and how do you maintain audience attention? This is not about the size of your following, rather the impact you and your social fans create together.

Open to individual hairdressing professionals and businesses regularly providing hairdressing services to clients. 

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The Most Wanted award for: EDUCATION

Education is the lifeblood of hairdressing – constantly upgrading our knowledge and skills is the only way we can provide the best service to clients. So, this award goes to an individual or business delivering exceptional hairdressing education, with our judges looking for output that’s relevant, innovative and making a difference. 

Open to all hairdressing professionals delivering education, as well as colleges, private academies and other education providers. Not open to educators working in-house for product companies.

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The Most Wanted award for: CREATIVITY

Creativity comes in all different forms: asymmetric, vibrant, odd, spontaneous. This award is for a hair artist who’s excelling at their craft, whether that’s cutting, colouring or styling any hair type, and whose creative output results in something beautiful and transformational.

Open to individual hairdressing professionals working in a creative capacity.

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The Most Wanted award for: EXPERIENCE

This award is for a hairdressing business taking customer service to the next level. We want to hear how you are focused on delivering the best possible experience for your clients at all relevant touch points – in real life and online – and the resulting benefits to business.

Open to businesses 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.  

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The Most Wanted award for: NEW SPACE

We’re looking for a new or revamped hairdressing workspace that not only brings something interesting to the market, but that also delivers something exciting to its clients. Judges will be taking everything into consideration, from fit-out to service menu, and they’ll want to see evidence of success.

Open to businesses regularly providing hairdressing services to clients, opened or refurbished since March 2024.

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The Most Wanted award for: LEADERSHIP

Do you run a hairdressing business, manage a department at work or lead a team (eg, backstage at Fashion Week) that consistently delivers great results? Use your entry to tell us about your drive and decision-making, the goals achieved and the direction you want to take next. 

Open to individual hairdressing professionals in a leadership role.

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The Most Wanted award for: IMAGE

For a hair professional who’s crafted a hair look capturing a contemporary vibe shift, or a trend that’s about to boom. 

Open to all individual hairdressing professionals. Maximum of three entries per entrant.

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The Most Wanted award for: SESSION

For the most exciting hair professional working in session.

This category cannot be entered; finalists will be determined by votes from leading fashion and beauty titles, alongside creative directors, producers, photographers, fashion stylists and make-up artists. 

The Most Wanted award for: INFLUENCE

Awarded to the most influential, impactful hairdresser of the year.

By invitation only; 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 an entry for assessment by a separate judging panel.  

Entries close on 28 July, so find your category fit, go forth, and conquer Most Wanted 2025!

The It List Is Live! We’re Searching For The Talents Of Tomorrow

The It List Is Live! We’re Searching For The Talents Of Tomorrow

The It List Is Live! We’re Searching For The Talents Of Tomorrow

If you’re 30 or under, make sure we find you!

by JOANNA | CONNECT

Chris Appleton… Sophia Hilton… Leigh Keates… Grace Dalgleish… Giuseppe Stelitano… Cyndia Harvey… Marlon Hawkins… Paddy McDougall… Hayden Cassidy… What have they got in common? Every single one put their name on the It List, the hottest awards event for hair talents aged 30 and under.

Question is: are you next?

Well, now is your chance because the It List 2025 is officially OPEN, with six sought-after titles waiting to be claimed. From the assistants keeping salons running smoothly to young bosses bringing it with their businesses and the session stylists making magic happen at fashion week, we’re looking for the names who are set to shape the future of British and Irish hairdressing.

Six titles – six changes to get on the It List!

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 serves clients, the industry, or both.

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The Editorial Stylist – for a stylist making waves backstage, in the studio or on location

Open to hair professionals aged 30 or under, whether employed, self-employed or freelance.

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The Rising Star – for an impressive and fast-improving salon or barbershop assistant  

Open to hair professionals who are employed at a salon or barber shop 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. 

ENTER NOW

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 barber shop and aged 30 or under. It is not possible to enter this category if you are the business owner. 

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The Visionary – for a hair professional demonstrating head-turning artistry 

Open to hair professionals aged 30 or under, whether employed, self-employed or freelance. 

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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. 

ENTER NOW

The It List is free to enter, smashing records year on year, and we know why! It’s because the It List is a gateway to career growth, success and opportunity – winners go on to sign deals with talent agencies, boss it in business, become brand ambassadors, assist leading session stylists at global fashion weeks. Who wouldn’t want a piece of that? The hunger is real!

Last year’s It List was judged by experts including Little Mix stylist Aaron Carlo, session hairdresser Adam Garland, photographer Alex Barron-Hough and influencer Maddie Bruce, with a Grand Final held in a former Tate & Lyle sugar factory in the heart of East London attended by 650 hair artists dressed in the sleekest, wildest, gender non-conforming fashion.

And our longterm It List partner, ghd, took things to the next level, with high-tech gifts galore for the winners and a high-octane live performance that re-enacted Versace’s iconic supermodel reunion to George Michael’s ‘Freedom 90’. It was a masterclass in fashion, trend, style and fun and we LOVED IT!

Says Creative HEAD editorial director Amanda Nottage: “It is so important to our industry to support emerging talent: the trailblazers who are breaking glass ceilings, setting new standards (sometimes in ways we don’t expect) and overhauling our industry bit by bit to steer it towards a new, more exciting future. New stars need to be heard – and the It List completely cranks up the volume!” 

Make your mark in 2025 by getting your name on the It List. Just like Chris, Sophia, Leigh et al, your career will go stratospheric as a result. 

All Smiles At Salon Smart 2025

All Smiles At Salon Smart 2025

All Smiles At Salon Smart 2025

From candid talks and open Q&A to brilliant insights and exceptional support, the vibe at Creative HEAD’s business networking event was one of pure positivity. Scroll the gallery!

by JOANNE | CONNECT

Five Big Takeaways From Salon Smart 2025

Five Big Takeaways From Salon Smart 2025

Five Big Takeaways From Salon Smart 2025

Creative HEAD’s networking event was just what hair business owners needed

by AMANDA | CONNECT

“Whoever says the hairdressing industry is dead should eat their words. Far from throwing in the towel, business owners are facing challenges head-on with razor-sharp thinking around pricing and an increased emphasis on customer service. It’s the kind of creative response that underlines why this industry is the most resilient out there.” Catherine Handcock, publisher, Creative HEAD

Let’s get one thing straight: Salon Smart 2025 was much needed. At a time of industry turmoil, this was a day where business owners and employers could get together to discuss the challenges and share ideas on how to power through – and there were fresh takes on everything from pricing and profit margins to learning how to rub along with younger team members. With no fewer than 21 presenters and panel members taking to the stage, the Salon Smart agenda was varied and wide-ranging. But as the day played out, some key themes emerged:

Sophia Hilton

1. Gen Z are ready for the world of work, but are you ready to work with them?

Do you think your generation is smarter than your parents’ generation?

Of course you do!

That’s because every generation answers that question exactly the same. Every single generation thinks they’re elite to the one above and the one below.

So, said Sophia Hilton in her session entitled Navigating The Next Generation, it’s really not constructive to say things like, “Kids don’t want to work nowadays,” or that “They are just lazy,” or that “They are going to get a shock when they see what the real world is about.”

Nor, as fellow speaker Michael Young advised, should you start sentences with the words, “When I was your age,” because that puts you firmly in the past, when you need to focus on the future.

Instead, what the new generation want is a sense of control over decision-making; breaks, holidays and flexibility; to be able to bring their problems to work (within professional boundaries); and a boss that can hold a conversation about the new topics of the world (such as gender activism, consumerism, sustainability and maybe even anti-capitalism). 

Think about investing in some resilience training, to help you develop skills and strategies to cope with challenges. Meanwhile, map out growth and development plans for each member of your team to keep them motivated and loyal to your business.

Monica Teodoro

2. Always keep an eye on the future of your business

It’s not just your team that’s changing; your clients are evolving too. Monica Teodoro shared invaluable insight from L’Oréal Professional Products Division to remind us that while it’s imperative we look after our current customers (42 per cent of women claim to be watching every penny they spend, so give them what they’re looking for – personalised, expert-led experiences that will lead them to book services based on your recommendation), we need also to be sure we are tapping into the clients of tomorrow. She highlighted that while consumers classified as Growing Minorities (eg, Southern Asian and African) account for just 16 per cent of the population, they also account for 30 per cent of spend because of their reliance on a high degree of specialisation. Men, too, offer untapped potential, and 70 per cent of this category will come from Gen Z and Millennials.

“However,” said Monica, “while all around us is changing, it’s important to focus on the things that will never change: consistency creates a sense of stability and trust, while empowering your team will make them feel comfortable to learn. Continuous upskilling is no longer optional – it’s a must.”

Jacob Morris

3. Financial education, goals and stability contribute to employee satisfaction

“Staff are more loyal if they are financially empowered,” argued Jacob Morris from Salon Smart software partner, Phorest – a powerful insight, given the challenges around recruiting and retaining staff nowadays. Phorest data shows that using Phorest Tips increases not just the number of clients tipping, but also the amount of tip they leave. However, while tipping is seen by staff as a second income, a lifeline for paying rent or saving for their first home, around 30 per cent of them still choose to spend their tips on having fun. Employers could look to provide their teams with a toolkit for handing their money better, said Jacob. However, if that feels too invasive (or beyond your skillset) he also revealed that Phorest will be releasing a series of financial literacy masterclasses this year to help tackle the problem.

Colour panellists Sean Butt, Sophie Hill, Lorraine Naughton and Tony Walmsley

4. Salon colour is your superpower!

Desire for luxury continues to boom, especially among Gen Z, revealed Viktoria Vinnichenko from L’Oréal Professionnel Paris – clients aged 16 to 35 spend 10 per cent more per appointment. Tap into the trends they see on social media by offering colour services that deliver the Gen Z must-haves of healthy shine and a multi-dimensional, natural-looking result (spoiler alert: L’Oréal’s iNOA colour does it all!) or try the hidden colour placement ‘peekaboo’ trend spotted by the L’Oréal colour hack team on TikTok.

There were also loads of tips and ideas for maximising colour revenue in a panel session featuring a quartet of business owners. These included:

• Ban colour notes to avoid the ‘same again’ attitude that can lead to clients eventually leaving (Tony Walmsley, Anthony John Salons)

• Check voice dynamics in the consultation to ensure clients can have confidence in everything your team is recommending. If the stylist’s voice goes up at the end of the sentence, that signals a lack of confidence in what they’re saying. If the stylist sounds like they don’t believe in what they’re saying then why should the client? (OB-1 Hair and Inside Outside)

• Look in-depth at your client base to see how and when they book. For those who come less frequently, introduce them to ‘interim’ services that tempt them back in between appointments. For time-poor clients, make sure you offer speedy services that can be done in a lunchtime appointment – and charge more for them. (Sean Butt, Alchemy & I)

• Make sure you keep your colour training up to date so your colour team can jump on trends and be enthused by the colour they’re creating. (Sophie Hill, Headmasters)

Oliver Blackaby, pictured with fellow budget panellist Katya Milavic Davies 

5. Now, more than ever, you need to know your numbers

After THAT Budget, it’s not surprising this came up time and again throughout the day, as salon owners take a long, hard look at their business to see where economies can be made and new revenue streams found. For some, like Oliver Blackaby of The Hair Salon Collective, this meant facing up to one of his biggest fears (looking at the actual accounts side of his business), while for others, like self-confessed spreadsheet nerd Sheona Hill of Bloom Salons, it meant picking apart the complex commission structures she had created to help simplify the path to profitability. “I refuse to be a low-margin business anymore,” she said. “I decided what profit I wanted to make and worked back from there.”

Look out for tonnes more coverage from Salon Smart 2025 in the May/June issue of Creative HEAD, and see more photos from the event here.

New Year, New Business Goals

New Year, New Business Goals

New Year, New Business Goals

Calling all salon and barbershop owners! Book for Creative HEAD’s business networking event and set yourself up for a brilliant year ahead

by JOANNA | CONNECT

The business of hairdressing is challenging – perhaps now more than ever. But one thing is certain: you do not need to go it alone. In fact, togetherness is the beating heart of Salon Smart, Creative HEAD’s business networking event. 

Now it its 19th year, Salon Smart aims to serve and support salon and barbershop owners and managers across the UK and Ireland, offering unique insight, sharing experiences, and providing endless opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals. Large or small, urban or rural, established or newly launched – the one-day event agenda is abuzz with fresh information, advice and inspiration for every business. And the community spirit is second to none.

Taking place in London on Monday 7 April, a ticket to Salon Smart costs £100 plus VAT (£80 plus VAT for newsletter subscribers), and guarantees access to a schedule of candid talks given by industry innovators, debates on big topics, interactive and live Q&A sessions, and the hair and business brands that could transform the way you work. A hot and delicious lunch plus coffee and cake breaks will ensure you’ll feel satiated and supercharged to absorb every second!

But don’t just take our word for it, these are the words of one satisfied Salon Smart attendee: “Every salon owner needs a pick me up! Today lifted me to the moon. So much great content to take away and digest, then spring it all into action.” 

Relaxed, inclusive and relevant for right now, if you want to build a better business, get to Salon Smart.   

Get tickets >

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Self-Employed? This Is How To Nail Your Tax Return

Self-Employed? This Is How To Nail Your Tax Return

Self-Employed? This Is How To Nail Your Tax Return 

If you hate maths, we have the tips on ensuring your tax return is less of a headache

by AMANDA | CONNECT

Tax can be a headache if you’re self-employed. Unlike being employed, where tax is automatically sent to HMRC from your payslip, sole traders must declare, calculate and pay tax manually via self-assessment. It can be daunting when you’ve not done it before. TaxScout’s head of finance, Francesca Morante, shares how to make it less of a headache with four tips to help you tackle your tax return. 

Understand The Tax Year And Deadlines

The tax year runs from April to April: 6 April to 5 April.

This means that a single tax year takes place between two calendar years e.g. 2024/25. Your earnings, profits and taxes are calculated based on this period. Check out the table for an example of how this impacts your tax return:

BUSINESS START DATE TAX YEAR DEADLINE TO FILE TAXES
1 November 2023 2023/24 31 January 2025
1 April 2024 2023/24 31 January 2025
30 April 2024 2024/25 31 January 2026

You have nine months from when a tax year ends to file and pay your self assessment bill. Put these key dates in your diary: 

  • 6 April: the start of the tax year
  • 5 October: the deadline to register for self-assessment
  • 31 January: the deadline to file and pay your self assessment 
  • 5 April: the end of the tax year

Get Familiar With The Taxes You Owe

As a self-employed person, you owe two major taxes – income tax and National Insurance. What you pay depends on your total earnings. The more you make, the more you pay. Here’s how HMRC charges income tax: 

EARNINGS PER YEAR TAX BAND TAX RATE 
Less than £12,570 Personal allowance 0% 
£12,571 – £50,270 Basic rate 20%
£50,271 – £125,140 Higher rate 40% 
More than £125,141 Additional rate 45% 

When it comes to National Insurance, there’s only one tax the self-employed pay, known as class 4 National Insurance. It’s fairly straightforward; on any income that’s more than £12,570 per year, you pay: 

  • 6% on your profit between £12,570 and £50,270
    2% on your profit of £50,271 or more

Maths not your favourite? Don’t worry! Try this income tax calculator instead to estimate what you owe. 

Learn The Vocab: Earnings, Expenses And Profits 

Wording is important, especially in tax. Earnings and profit are often used interchangeably, but they don’t mean the same thing. And they’re super-important when it comes to your bill.  

  • Earnings – this is everything you earn; all the money you make before any tax-free allowances, reliefs or other deductions 
  • Profit – your earnings minus allowances, reliefs and deductions 
  • Expenses – when you spend on your business. These can include accounting costs, hairdressing equipment and products etc, and you can deduct these from your total earnings to only pay tax on profit. These deductions are known as expenses 

Claim The Trading Allowance 

Did you know that sole traders don’t have to pay tax on the first £1,000 of earnings? It’s known as the trading allowance. Claim it in addition to the first £12,570 of your income that’s income tax and National Insurance free.

However, it’s only worth claiming if your expenses for the year total less than £1,000. This is because you can’t claim both expenses AND the trading allowance – it’s one or the other. So, claim whichever is higher: this will bring down the cost of your tax bill. 

Worried About Mistakes? Get An Accountant 

Staying on top of your tax situation isn’t only for the sake of good organisation. HMRC is vigilant when it comes to tax debt and mistakes made on your self assessment. There are penalties for missing deadlines, paying late and incorrect calculations. 

So, many self-employed workers opt to work with a professional accountant instead of tackling HMRC online solo. The benefits of using an accountant vs DIYing your tax return are:  

  • Reduced stress of having to educate yourself about tax 
  • Avoiding common mistakes that result in fines
  • Keeping your bill as low as possible by claiming relevant allowances and expenses 

But traditional accounting practices can be costly. TaxScouts.com try to combine the best of both. Your own accountant, a straightforward, 100 per cent online process – all for £169. 

Filing A Tax Return In January 2025? 

If you started your self-employed business anytime before 6 April 2024, you probably need to file a tax return for the 31 January deadline. The sooner you kick off, the sooner it’s sorted. File with TaxScouts by 31 January 2025 and you can get 10 per cent off your tax return. 

Visit taxscouts.com/partnership-creative-head. Need a little more help? Contact support@taxscouts.com.