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Creative HEAD’s Most Wanted And It List Grand Final Didn’t Miss A Beat

Creative HEAD’s Most Wanted And It List Grand Final Didn’t Miss A Beat

Creative HEAD’s Most Wanted And It List Grand Final Didn’t Miss A Beat

Last night’s event at Drumsheds was epic!

by CATHERINE | CONNECT

Take an old IKEA in Tottenham (all 6,485m sq of it). Send 550 impeccably dressed hairdressers up the famous travelator into the vast industrial space that used to be the superstore’s flatpack warehouse, now fitted out with panoramic screens, high-quality sound systems and immersive light displays. Serve delicious drinks and a sustainably sourced dinner at spotlit tables dressed with linen tablecloths and elegant lamps. And announce the winners of the 2025 Most Wanted and It List awards.  

That, dear friends, is what Creative HEAD did last night. And boy, was it spectacular! 

The 2025 Grand Final at world-leading music venue Drumsheds in north London brought to a close an epic year for our two competitions, as we marked Most Wanted’s 25th birthday and 15 years of ghd’s support of the It List. It had to be special, and it was. 

Assisted by fellow compere, the comedian Lou Sanders, Creative HEAD’s editorial director Amanda Nottage announced 19 trophies – the six new talents taking their place on the 2025 It List (our first all-female It List in the competition’s history), the winners of our 12 brand-new Most Wanted categories, and the crowning of Grace Dalgleish as a Most Wanted Legend. 

And afterward, at the Olaplex x MWIT25 After-Party, guests hit the dancefloor to the tunes of rising DJ star, Phoenix Brown (daughter of Spice Girl “Mel B”, no less), fuelled by an array of potent cocktails (and mocktails) served in cute retro glitterballs on a bar laden with stunning red florals. The immersive photo-booth was an inspired installation, capturing glamorous guests dressed in eveningwear that had to be seen to be believed. With so much fun to be had, it’s no surprise that party was still heaving when Drumsheds finally called time at 1.30am… 

This was a brilliant night for British and Irish hairdressing – one that celebrated the courage of all the finalists and their commitment to their clients, teams, communities and fellow creatives. By doing things differently, as they have done over the past 12 months, by doing things better, they are reimagining how hairdressing looks, feels and operates. And it’s so exciting to watch.  

A quick reminder, however, that this year’s Most Wanted awards so nearly didn’t happen. The fact that it did was down to an exceptional group of brands – BaByliss PRO, Electric, HairCon, Kérastase, L’Oréal Professionnel, Moroccanoil, Olaplex, Phorest, Redken and Wella Professionals – to decide that an industry without Most Wanted was an unthinkable outcome and to come up with the support that was needed. Our thanks go to all of them for ensuring this important night for the industry went ahead. 

© The Assembly Media Group Limited, 2025

BaBylissPRO Unveils Creative Team In Paris

BaBylissPRO Unveils Creative Team In Paris

BaBylissPRO Unveils Creative Team In Paris

Artists assemble for the Community Hair Show at Hair Congress

by AMANDA | INFORM

Syd Hayes and Ky Wilson are among the names forming the new BaBylissPRO Creative Team, which hard launched with a headlining presentation at the Community Hair Show in Paris.

Hosted as part of Hair Congress at the legendary Folies Bergère, the Community Hair Showopened with the BaBylissPRO Creative Team showcasing a story that marked three stages of the brand’s journey – Heritage, Evolution and Innovation. Looks blended timeless classicstyling with more futurefacing creativity.

Left: Syd Hayes. Right: Ky Wilson

For the first time, BaBylissPRO brought together their leading brand ambassadors from across Europe to make their team debut. The squad consists of Ky Wilson (UK), Syd Hayes (UK), Ilona Kulesza (Poland), Pascal Lombardo (France), Christophe Pujol (France) and Alvaro Sanchez (Spain).

The narrative on stage unfolded with Heritage, honouring the brand’s ‘60s origins with the world’s first electric curling tong by reimagining the glamour of the decade with silhouetteinspirations from hair icons including Priscilla Presley and Brigitte Bardot.

Evolution centred on the progression of hair trends, reflecting the brand’s evolution from the initial electric curling tong to the broad portfolio of styling tools they boast today. Finally, Innovation led the audience into the now, where signature artistry is fuelled by cutting-edge innovation, with a particular spotlight on the brand’s new Drying Wand, a hairdryer that’s described by ambassador and collaborator on the tool, Syd Hayes, as an extension of a stylist’s arm.

 

Which Irish Salon Won Big At The IHF Hairdressing Championships?

Which Irish Salon Won Big At The IHF Hairdressing Championships?

Which Irish Salon Won Big At The IHF Hairdressing Championships?

Competition is highlight of the annual Gala Event in Kilkenny

by AMANDA | INFORM

Left: Amanda Ryan. Right: Emma Kileen

Mayo’s Allure Hair & Beauty are celebrating a clean sweep of the biggest trophies at the Irish Hairdressers Federation (IHF) Hairdressing Championships, held at the Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny.

Amanda Ryan was crowned Irish Hairdresser of the Year, while her colleague, Emma Killeen, received IHF Irish Trainee Hairdresser of the Year. Amanda went on to win first place in four additional categories, with Emma also scoring two first places in other categories.  

It was also an exceptional result for Dublin’s Patrick Browne, who took first, second and third places for Barber Technique Specialist.

“This year’s awards showcased an extraordinary standard of creativity and skill,” said IHF president, Mark O’Keeffe. “It highlights the remarkable level of talent we continue to nurture in Ireland, with our industry standing proudly on the world stage.”

And the winners are

IHF Irish Hairdresser of the Year
Sponsored by L’Oreal Professionnel

Amanda Ryan, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo

IHF Irish Trainee Hairdresser of the Year
Sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional

Emma Kileen, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo

Newcomer of the Year – Trainee
Sponsored by Image Skillnet

1st Casey Cahill, House of Colour, Dublin
2nd Molly Carroll, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow
3rd (Joint) Kaci McEntagart, House of Colour, Dublin
3rd (Joint) Aimee Flynn, Roassanos, Donegal

Creative Colour – Trainee
Sponsored by Alfaparf Milano Professional

1st. Danielle O Sullivan, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow
2nd Leah Swift, House of Colour, Dublin
3rd Leah Avloniti, House of Colour, Dublin

Trend Upstyle – Trainee

1st. Emma Kileen, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
2nd Laurna McGrath, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow
3rd (Joint) Mykhailo Dmytriiev, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayp
3rd (Joint) Molly Carroll, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow

Fantasy – Trainee

1st Laurna McGrath, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow
2nd Emma Killeen, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
3rd Zoe Taylor, Hair Creations, Dublin

Creative Colour – Senior
Sponsored by Wella Professionals

1st Amanda Ryan, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
2nd Amanda Ryan, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
3rd John Baker, Zeba Hairdressing, Dublin

Hair Up – Senior
Sponsored by ghd

1st Amanda Ryan, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
2nd Amanda Ryan, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
3rd Aoife O’Toole, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow

Fantasy – Senior

1st Amanda Ryan, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
2nd Aoife O’Toole, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow
3rd Emily Dunne, Cyril Morgan, Limerick

Barber Technique – Specialist
Sponsored by Remi

1st Patrick Browne, Patrick Browne, Dublin
2nd Patrick Browne, Patrick Browne, Dublin
3rd Patrick Browne, Patrick Browne, Dublin

Textured – Specialist

1st Emma Killeen, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
2nd Amanda Ryan, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
3rd Danielle O’Sullivan, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow

Salon Social – Specialist

1st Niamh Lynch, Our Salon By Derek & Fearghal, Meath
2nd Darren Luby, Kida Hair & Co. Cork
2nd (Joint) Andy Nolan Arantes, Cyril Morgan, Limerick
3rd Molly Houlihan, Kida Hair & Co., Cork

Extensions – Specialist
Sponsored by Hairtalk

1st Amanda Ryan, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
2nd Danielle O’Sullivan, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow
3rd Kerri Donnelly, Our Salon By Derek & Fearghal, Meath
3rd (Joint) Monique Carrick, Brown Sugar, Dublin

Quif Centre Stage Competition Reveals Winner

Quif Centre Stage Competition Reveals Winner

Quif Centre Stage Competition Reveals Winner

Colour brand unveils name at event in Manchester

by AMANDA | INFORM

Amelia Wilmot is the winner of the 2025 Quif Centre Stage competition.

Held at Fallowfield Social Club in Manchester, the event brought together five finalists and their models, alongside 10 hair show models presented by Quif ambassadors Brooke Evansand Georgia Bell.

Winner Amelia, based in Blackpool, is a member of Hair Socials Professional and a current Fellowship ClubStar member. Her innovative approach and stage presence set her apart on the night, impressing judges and grabbing her the title. Judges included Creative HEAD’s editorial director, Amanda Nottage.

It represents the chance to show my creativity and passion for hair,” said Amelia of her win. My look was all about movement. Fire is uncontrollable and wild and that’s exactly how I want to push myself in my career. Keep pushing the boundaries, never standing still and embracing the challenge of creating something new. It was a look that gave me a chance to create, and story tell with creative colour. 

The evening also featured a lively panel discussion with Brooke Evans, Joseph Ferraro, and NHBF chief executive, Caroline Larrissey, who debated some of the most concerningissues currently affecting the hairdressing industry.

Now in its fourth year, Quif Centre Stage is a celebration of emerging hairdressing talent, offering stylists the chance to showcase their skills in a live setting while connecting with leading industry professionals. The event was supported by the Alan Howard Education Team and co-working space Host Manchester, which provided the prep area and backstage facilities for the finalists.

Photography by Adam Cinelioglu, Kroma @kroma.prd

TrendVision Award 2025 Winners Revealed

TrendVision Award 2025 Winners Revealed

TrendVision Award 2025 Winners Revealed

Natural History Museum plays host to competition and shows from iconic names such as HOB Academy and James Earnshaw

by AMANDA | INFORM

More than 520 guests explored London’s legendary Natural History Museum as Wella Professionals hosted the UK & Ireland TrendVision Award 2025 Final.

From the ‘Wella red’-bathed exterior to the presentation of finalist looks ascending the Earth Hall escalator into a giant globe, the event made the most of the iconic surroundings, with dinner, show presentations and winner reveals centred in Hintze Hall under Hope, the famous 25m blue whale.

Hosted by Patrick Cameron and Fergal Doyle, the night included three jaw-dropping shows with 25 models showcased artistry from some of the biggest names in UK and Irish hairdressing.

Surreal Colour: A Celebration of Emerging Talent presented a celebration of rising stars, spotlighting the 2024 TVA winners who have enjoyed mentoring by some of Wella’s guest artists (you might recall them working together for our March front cover shoot!). Mentors Stil, Sassoon Academy and HOB Academy presented bold, imaginative colour work crafted on nine models using the full Wella portfolio to incredible effect.

Shape Your World: A collaboration between Sebastian Professional and Koleston Perfect delivered edgier looks that pushed boundaries to mark the evolution of the brand, all craftedby Simon Tuckwell, Pedro “Plastic” Pinpao, Guy Kleinhaus, Dom Capel and colour direction by Nikki Clifford.

Make It You shared a dramatic exploration of hair as identity and personal expression, brought to life by James Earnshaw, Michelle Thompson and Calum Tierney. It was an electric and eclectic fusion of glam volume, bold colour and braids.

Following the shows, the 2025 TrendVision Award winners were unveiled, a line-up that will now enjoy myriad money-can’t-buy experiences, from a bespoke education development plan tailored to both the winner and their salon to a brand building professional photoshoot and digital content creation session.

And the winners are:  

Transformation Award Ireland

Winner: Georgia Haverty, Peter Mark & Style Club Hairdressing
Runner up: Rachel O’Neill, Sarah Mason Professional

Transformation Award UK

Winner: Amelia Krasinski, KH Hair Arnold
Runner up: Freya Tyrer, Charlie Taylor Hair & Beauty

Editorial Award Ireland

Winner: Louise Jordan, Bellissimo Hair & Beauty, Galway
Runner up: Ava McGuane, House of Colou 

Editorial Award UK

Winner: Alberto Di Guida
Runner up: Radoslaw Lewandowski, McIntyres Hairdressing

Xposure Creative Colour Award UK & Ireland

Winner: Melissa Coupe, Nottingham Training Group
Runner up: Leah Swift, House of Colour

Digital Award UK & Ireland Winner

Jamie Richards, Richards Hair

NHBF launch free self-employment checklists

NHBF launch free self-employment checklists

NHBF launch free self-employment checklists

Online resource available for the hair and beauty sector

by AMANDA | INFORM

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) have launched a series of free checklists designed to support self-employed professionals and businesses across the hair and beauty sector. 

Stylists and salon owners have increasingly complained of the legal grey area surrounding freelancing and setting up rent-a-chair style collectives. To provide support, the NHBF have created four free and easy-to-use checklists, intended as guidance tools rather than definitive lists:

For businesses exploring chair or space rental 
For self-employed chair, space or room renters 
For home-based hair and beauty professionals 

For those setting up their own self-employed business 

Designed as food for thought’ resources, the checklists have been developed to help identify what’s in place, what may need attention and where to find extra support. “We’re not here to judge. We’re here to support,” said Cathy Weston, NHBF director of quality and standards. “This initiative is part of our ongoing mission to raise standards, support individuals and protect the future of our sector by giving professionals the tools, knowledge and confidence to run their business the right way.” 

The checklists are free and open to everyone working in the hair, barbering, beauty and aesthetics sectors. By visiting the NHBF website, you can complete a short questionnaire at the NHBF’s website to receive a tailored summary, followed by further guidance.