The Most Wanted And It List 2024 Finalists Have Been Named

Jun 13, 2024 | HOME CONNECT, INDUSTRY NEWS

CONNECT

The Most Wanted And It List 2024 Finalists Have Been Named

Meet the extraordinary talents in the running for 22 coveted trophies

Hundreds of entries, showcasing exceptional talent, filled with ingenuity and packed with passion, flooded in for Creative HEAD’s 2024 Most Wanted and It List Awards. The standard was exceptional, and the job for our judges – dozens of expert names working in hair, beauty, fashion, business and the media – was monumental. But the results are in, and we are hugely proud to reveal who’s made it through to the finals in this year’s competitions.

For a full list of Most Wanted 2024 finalists, click here

For a full list of It List 2024 finalists, click here

To everyone who shared with us their stories, creativity, skill, ambition, and drive, thank you. No matter the outcome, know that you are all the reason British and Irish hairdressing is regarded the very best in the world.

Finalists will gather at the Most Wanted and It List Grand Final, the industry’s hot ticket event, taking place on Monday 2 September at Beams – a lofty East London location. The Grand Final brings together an all-star guest list of more than 700 names to celebrate the crowning of the 2024 winners.

Want to be there? Get on the Most Wanted and It List Grand Final guest list! Tickets go on sale at 9am on Monday 8 July. To receive updates, sign up for the Creative HEAD newsletter.

CATEGORIES > INFORM

Coke-Themed Hair Colour? It’s The Real Thing

Sophia Hilton and Coca-Cola start a fizzy pop partnership called the Flavour Parlour.

Sophia Hilton

Not Another Salon is fizzing up its colour services by partnering up with Coca-Cola on the Flavour Parlour. The pop-fuelled pop-up – on between 6 to 8 June – uses iconic Coca-Cola flavours as inspiration for colour transformations. And yes, Dua Lipa’s beloved Cherry Coke is on the menu…

But it’s the new Coca-Cola Lemon, alongside an improved recipe for Cherry, that’s fuelling tie-up. Salon owner Sophia Hilton has a VIP space downstairs in the salon that’s exclusively themed with eye catching seating to themed mirrors with witty quotes, as well as that all important selfie station.

What’s on the menu?

Coke Cherry – a rich and luxurious looking red ranging from a deep dark shade that reflects black and blood red, to shiny crimson with touches of magenta. “We’re obsessed with Dua Lipa’s cherry red hair revival,” says Sophia, “but we can’t resist a throwback of Cheryl circa 2010 with this exact tone, or Rihanna also in 2010 with her bright cherry.

Coke Lemon – the ultimate bright summer yellow vibes, from pop art bold to lemonade subtle.

Coke Zero Sugar – a rich brunette with warm sweet undertones of red and gold.

Coke Vanilla – a blend of buttery and icy, delivering a delicate combination of warm and cool.

CATEGORIES > INFORM

Is It Time To Keep Quiet?

More than half of stylists and clients favour of silent services – and they could earn you more money.

Samantha Cusick

Silent hair services are nothing new – in fact, they’ve been back in the news recently but fresh research suggests it might be time for more salons and stylists to turn down the chatter. More than half (56 per cent) of hair stylists – and 53 per cent of clients – would prefer “silent” services, according to a survey of 2,000 consumers and 100 freelance and salon hair stylists across the UK by Ripe Hair & Beauty Insurance.

Silent slots could also positively impact the bottom line. Offering silent services as an option could create a 25 per cent revenue boost to the industry, as clients said they would book more return visits if a quiet appointment could be guaranteed. Clients said they would book more frequently if silent options were available.

The findings showed that on average, return visits could increase by around 1.7 times per customer, per year. So Ripe did some maths: the typical client visits a salon 6.7 times a year, spending £55.40 per appointment and £371.18 annually, according to its own data. Silent services could increase this to 8.4 visits a year with a total annual spend of £465.36 – an uplift of 25 per cent.

More than half (56 per cent) of hair stylists – and 53 per cent of clients – would prefer “silent” services, according to a survey of 2,000 consumers and 100 freelance and salon hair stylists across the UK by Ripe Hair & Beauty Insurance. Silent slots could also positively impact the bottom line.

Offering silent services as an option could create a 25 per cent revenue boost to the industry, as clients said they would book more return visits if a quiet appointment could be guaranteed. Clients said they would book more frequently if silent options were available.

The findings showed that on average, return visits could increase by around 1.7 times per customer, per year. So Ripe did some maths: the typical client visits a salon 6.7 times a year, spending £55.40 per appointment and £371.18 annually, according to its own data. Silent services could increase this to 8.4 visits a year with a total annual spend of £465.36 – an uplift of 25 per cent. Consumer feedback in the survey included comments about “chat for the sake of it” and the desire to “switch off from the stress of the day”. “I wish there was an agreement you can make at the start of the appointment that the other person doesn’t want to talk,” said one client. Salons and stylists with neurodiverse clients have also discussed how noisy spaces can be overwhelming for many with social anxiety. Samantha Cusick, founder of Samantha Cusick London and Stā Studios, has introduced a silent appointment option on her salons’ online booking.

“We’re always seeking ways to empower our clients and create their perfect salon experience. ‘Silent appointments’ is a thoughtful initiative designed to honour our clients’ need for self-care and personal space, understanding that a salon visit is not just about physical transformation but also mental rejuvenation.”

She first checked with her salon audience on social media, with more than three-quarters (78 per cent) voting for the option. Clients can request a silent appointment when booking, which means stylists “negate any small talk, allowing for a serene and introspective experience with no awkwardness. This approach respects individual preferences creating an environment of mutual understanding and care,” she added. But how is that communicated in a busy salon without that awkwardness? “We have a discreet method, and it’s quite simple: we place a small vase on the workstation. This subtle signal helps the rest of the team to adjust their approach accordingly.”

Samantha says that client feedback has been “overwhelmingly positive”, with many appreciating the option to unwind or focus on ‘working from home’. “They particularly like that they can book the service online so again no need to feel awkward,” she explained. Should we shut up more for silent appointments? Let us know at @creativeheadmag.com

CATEGORIES > INFORM

Who is Sebastian Professional’s New Global Ambassador?

Lady Gaga’s hairdresser takes on new global creative & culture director role.

Frederic Aspiras

Lady Gaga’s stylist, the Oscar-nominated Frederic Aspiras, is looking to “foster an inclusive space that celebrates individuality and creativity” in a new global role with iconic hair brand Sebastian Professional.

He’s the new global creative & culture director, and will have an eye on merging talent and “sparking a global movement of self-expression” through hair and culture.

Across a two-decade career, Aspiras has become known as something of a visionary trailblazer in the world of hairdressing, particularly through his wig making and his long working relationship with Lady Gaga. Since 2009, he’s formed part of her Haus of Gaga styling collective, working on red carpet styles, stage looks and even film work as she broadens her career in movies. In 2022, he was nominated for an Academy Award in the
category Best Make-up and Hairstyling for the film House of Gucci.

The appointment is another reason for Sebastian Professional to celebrate, having marked its 50th anniversary celebration last year.

CATEGORIES > INFORM

Smaller, Lighter And With No Heat Damage – This Is The Hair Dryer You Need

Promotion – Dyson

Dyson knows how to innovate. Meet the pro-exclusive Supersonic r Professional hair dryer.

When Dyson unveiled the Supersonic Professional hair dryer nearly a decade ago, it was a game-changer. Lighter, quieter, like nothing else on the market, the Supersonic empowered stylists to create beautiful hair with a focus on maintaining its health and shine, always. But innovators never stand still…

Revealed at New York Fashion Week, there’s a new tool just for the pros that has everyone talking once again. It’s smaller and lighter, and is packed with new technology to avoid heat damage to hair. This is the Dyson Supersonic r Professional hair dryer. Its genesis has the stylist at its heart. Seven years of ongoing surveys and interviews with nearly 700 stylists has fuelled Dyson’s designs. Having identified the challenges hair pros were facing, engineers were keen to design a tool that would respond to “real world demands” while still delivering on stellar styling experience and stunning results.

Its research found that a stylist will typically see between four and 16 clients each day, spending on average 30 to 60 minutes styling per client, adapting the angle of their arm and hand up to 30 times during one styling session. That all adds up; just look at the prevalence of strain-related injuries among stylists. So Dyson labs have been busy creating something that will look unique, perform brilliantly, empower you to style beautiful hair, all without the arm ache! This is what you need to know…

New ergonomic design

The Dyson Supersonic r Professional hair dryer has been designed ergonomically in an ‘r’ curve and, at 325g, weighs less than a can of hairspray. The shape allows stylists to reach where it’s normally difficult, for better control when styling hair, and better comfort. It’s 30 per cent smaller, 20 per cent lighter, and more manoeuvrable to deliver fast drying, alongside smoother, frizz free and shinier results on hair!

New heaters = even heat

The new curved heater ensures the dryer heats the airflow more evenly, with no hotspots. For stylists, this means you can rely on more even temperatures (including when using the attachments), a higher temperature for faster drying and styling, with no heat damage. The dryer checks the temperature constantly using Dyson’s intelligent heat control – seen in its other hair tools, too – measuring air temperature more than 20 times a second.

Attachments with sensors… and a memory! There’s a range of attachments that have integrated RFID sensors, which communicate with the dryer, automatically adjusting the motor and the heater to deliver what the Dyson engineers have set as the ‘optimal’ airflow and temperature. For example, the diffuser is set to low flow and low temperature to reduce frizz and enhance curls without disrupting the curl pattern. By contrast, the rough dry mode uses maximum power heat and flow to minimise drying time. But stylists can tweak these settings to best suit each client in their chair, depending on the hair type and style of each client… and the dryer will remember that setting the next time the attachment is added! Not only that, the 3D mesh filter at the bottom of the dryer, designed to capture salon pollutants, now lasts up to two times longer in-between cleans.

The Dyson Supersonic r Professional hair dryer will not only give professionals the ability to execute amazing work, but also at high speed and the highest quality

Larry King, Dyson global styling ambassador

Smaller, lighter, faster, no heat damage – and exclusively for professionals. The Dyson Supersonic r Professional hair dryer is tomorrow’s tool, today. Elevated styling, stunning results, beautifully healthy-looking hair… r you ready to see what you can do?

To secure your own Dyson Supersonic r Professional hair dryer, visit dyson.co.uk/commercial/hair-care

CATEGORIES > INFORM

CLIENTS SEARCHING FOR HIGH-SHINE HAIR? THESE ARE THE PRODUCTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

We’ve got the lowdown on the latest launches to add to your arsenal for achieving the glass hair finish.

Shiny, healthy-looking hair has been on clients’ wish lists and a key factor of salon services for many years, but the latest evolution of glossy hair takes it one step further. ‘Glass hair’ elevates glossy hair to promote glass-like shine, triggering the development of new generation of haircare and styling ranges which work that bit harder to maximise a glossy finish.

If you’re looking to create glass hair for your clients, we’ve rounded up the hero products that you need to get your hands on.

At the backwash

Kérastase was ahead of the game with the launch of the Chroma Absolu Soin Acide Chroma Gloss, but it is as strong a contender now as it was a few years back. The high-shine treatment maximises its lightweight formula, creating a smooth and sleek surface for intense softness and shine. It can be incorporated into your backwash service after shampooing by applying directly to wet hair on the lengths only, avoiding the scalp, massaging for eight seconds and rinsing out.

In the chair

Styling products are another ideal way to give your clients that glass-like finish and complete the service on a shiny high. From L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Metal Detox Oil is a multi-tasking hair hero. Not only is it perfect for any hair type and texture, but it also unlocks two-times more shine and reduces hair breakage by 97 per cent. The L’Oréal Professionnel Paris TECNI.ART Ring Light Pure Spray also makes for the final finishing touch. The micro-dispersed, professional high-shine spray offers the lightest, ring light-effect gleam for maximum gloss and high shine when sprayed in a halo over the finished look.

Redken’s Acidic Color Gloss system offers an Acidic Color Gloss Activated Glass Gloss Treatment – a revolutionary professional strength glossing treatment that conditions and adds intense shine. It works by restoring the hair back to its healthiest pH (4.5 to 5.5), sealing in the cuticle and leaving hair with a reflective shine lasting for up to three days.

Coveted by celebrity hairstylists across the globe, the Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray has recently gone viral on social media – and for good reason. One such fan is none other than celebrity hairstylist, Carl Bembridge.

Hair: @carlbembridgehair, Make-up: @the_makeupservice, Photography: @iulia_david_photography, Model: @fifi.anicah

Known for delivering seriously shiny strands, Carl says the key to glass hair is “all in the products!”. So, how does he maximise the abilities of Color Wow to create these glossy finishes?

“Saturate (don’t be shy!) clean, towel-dried hair in the Color Wow Dream Coat Spray to make the hair reflective and, in fact, waterproof,” he says. “Once dried in, sleek over with the straightening irons.”

His top tip is to also spray the Color Wow Extra Mist-icle Shine Spray on each section before gliding over with the straighteners. Not only does it help melt that shine into the hair, but it contains heat protection.

“Finish by applying a couple of pumps of Color Wow Pop & Lock High Gloss Finish in the palms of your hands, glide through any flyaways and seal the deal with this glassy style.”

The Most Wanted And It List 2024 Finalists Have Been Named

Meet the extraordinary talents in the running for 22 coveted trophies

Related

No Results Found

Coke-Themed Hair Colour? It’s The Real Thing

Sophia Hilton and Coca-Cola start a fizzy pop partnership called the Flavour Parlour.

What’s on the menu?

Related

Is It Time To Keep Quiet?

More than half of stylists and clients favour of silent services – and they could earn you more money.

Related

No Results Found

Who is Sebastian Professional’s New Global Ambassador?

Lady Gaga’s hairdresser takes on new global creative & culture director role.

Related

Smaller, Lighter And With No Heat Damage – This Is The Hair Dryer You Need

Promotion – Dyson

Dyson knows how to innovate. Meet the pro-exclusive Supersonic r Professional hair dryer.

New ergonomic design

New heaters = even heat

The Dyson Supersonic r Professional hair dryer will not only give professionals the ability to execute amazing work, but also at high speed and the highest quality

Related

CLIENTS SEARCHING FOR HIGH-SHINE HAIR? THESE ARE THE PRODUCTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

We’ve got the lowdown on the latest launches to add to your arsenal for achieving the glass hair finish.

Related