It List - Creative HEAD

ABOUT CATEGORIES HOW TO ENTER PAST WINNERS MOST WANTED

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… 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. Last year’s panels included 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.

Make your mark in 2025 – put your name on the It List. Good luck!

Creative HEAD’s It List Awards

Make your mark in 2025 – put your name on the It List. Good luck!

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.

Download PDF

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)

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.

Download PDF

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)

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.

Download PDF

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)

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.

Download PDF

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)

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.

Download PDF

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)

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.

Download PDF

ENTER

IT LIST 2025

KEY DATES

CLOSING DATE

Monday 28 July, by 9pm

JUDGING

Monday 18 August

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

Wednesday 20 August

GRAND FINAL

Monday 13 October, London

ENTER

IT LIST 2025

ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS

HOW TO ENTER

All It List entries are digital and will be reviewed by our judges on a tablet or laptop.

Here’s how to enter:

1. Read the terms of entry
You must read and agree to the It List 2025 Terms of Entry before preparing and submitting your entry(ies). If you have any questions about the terms, please call or email Laura on +44 (0)20 7324 7540 or laura@alfol.co.uk.

2. Choose your category(ies)
There are six It List categories open for entry. Each category description clearly states who is eligible, and any exclusions, so please check carefully before you make your selection(s). If in doubt, please call or email Laura on +44 (0)20 7324 7540 or laura@alfol.co.uk.

You may enter multiple categories.

3. Prepare your entry(ies)
Each category has a bespoke set of criteria (ie, content required), which must be carefully followed. Your entry may be disqualified if you do not adhere to the criteria.

Each category also stipulates the formats accepted for your entry files (eg, PDF, video), alongside quantities, durations, and sizes (eg, up to 8 pages, maximum 5 minutes). Your entry may be disqualified if you do not adhere to these specifications.

4. Label your files
You must label each entry file with your name, plus the name of the category you are entering, followed by a number – denoting the amount of of files you are uploading.

Example: if you are entering The Editorial Stylist, with the PDF containing parts 1 and 2, and your supporting imagery and documents, you would label your files as follows:
John Smith_The Editorial Stylist_1.PDF (your entry – combining parts 1 and 2)
John Smith_The Editorial Stylist_2.JPEG (image of you)
John Smith_The Editorial Stylist_3.JPEG (image of your editorial work)
John Smith_The Editorial Stylist_4.JPEG (image of your editorial work)
John Smith_The Editorial Stylist_5.JPEG (image of your editorial work)
John Smith_The Editorial Stylist_6.JPEG (your photo ID)

Example: if you are entering The Rising Star, with a video for part 1, and a PDF for part 2, plus your supporting imagery and documents, you would label your files as follows:
John Smith_The Rising Star_1.MP4 (your entry – part 1)
John Smith_The Rising Star_2.PDF (your entry – part 2)
John Smith_The Rising Star_3.JPEG (image of you)
John Smith_The Rising Star_4.JPEG (image of your best hairdressing work)
John Smith_The Rising Star_5.JPEG (image of your best hairdressing work)
John Smith_The Rising Star_6.JPEG (image of your best hairdressing work)
John Smith_The Rising Star_7.JPEG (your photo ID)

5. Submitting your entry(ies)
When your files are complete, and you are ready to proceed, click the ‘ENTER’ button to submit your entry. This will take you to a form, which you must complete, and where you will upload your files.

You must wait until ALL files have uploaded before clicking the ‘Submit’ button. It is not possible to add or amend files once your entry has been submitted. 

Once you have submitted your entry, you will receive an automated confirmation email from Creative HEAD. Please check your junk mail in case it goes in there! If you do not receive this email, please email laura@alfol.co.uk.

You must repeat this process for every entry you are submitting.

Entries must be submitted no later than 9pm on Monday 28 July 2025.

If you have any questions about the entry process, or are experiencing problems uploading your entry, please call or email Laura on +44 (0)20 7324 7540 or laura@alfol.co.uk.

TERMS OF ENTRY

You must read these Terms before preparing and submitting your entry. By submitting your entry, you are agreeing to these terms. If you have any questions, please call or email Laura on +44 (0)20 7324 7540 or laura@alfol.co.uk.

The It List is open to the owners and employees of salons, barbershops and other workspaces providing hair services, as well as self-employed and freelance hair professionals, aged 30 or under and based in the UK and Ireland.
Some categories state additional entry stipulations, please refer to individual category criteria for full guidance.
Duos may enter The Business Builder, providing they jointly own or co-direct the business.
For The Rising Star, 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. 
It is not possible to enter The Salon Stylist if you are the business owner. 
The details provided on the It List entry form must be the entrant’s own, and not those of a third party, such as a PR representative.
Only digital entries will be accepted.
Entry files must be submitted in accordance with the competition entry instructions. Embedded videos and hyperlinks are not accepted within PDF files.
It is the responsibility of the entrant to ensure all entry files submitted (including supporting image files) are cleared for publication (eg, usage rights secured) in all Alfol Ltd print and digital products, including, but not limited to, all editions of Creative HEAD magazine and any supplements, at creativeheadmag.com, on Creative HEAD social media, in It List live event materials (print and screen), and in any post-event publicity and future competition materials. 
Proof of age is required (entrants must be aged 30 or under at the competition closing date) and will be trusted as supplied.
Entries must be submitted no later than 9pm on Monday 28 July 2025.
Panels of expert judges will assess It List entries on tablets or laptops.
There will be a maximum of five finalists in each category, except in the case of The One to Watch.
The judges’ decision is final.
A full list of It List finalists will be revealed online on Wednesday 20 August 2025. Finalists will be notified via email the same day.
Finalists will be invited to attend the Most Wanted and It List Grand Final in London on Monday 13 October 2025, and offered one complimentary ticket (even if they finalise in more than one category). In circumstances where a duo has been allowed to enter and finalises, one member of the duo may take the allocated ticket. Exceptions to this rule are at the discretion of Alfol Ltd. Grand Final travel/accommodation expenses cannot be reimbursed.
Finalists consent to being photographed and filmed at the Grand Final, and this content may be used later. They also permit Alfol Ltd to use their name, voice and photograph/recording in/on all Alfol Ltd print and digital products, including, but not limited to, all editions of Creative HEAD magazine and any supplements, at creativeheadmag.com, on Creative HEAD social media, in It List live event materials (print and screen), and in any post-event publicity and future competition materials. 
It List winners’ prizes must be accepted as offered. There is no cash alternative.
No employee of Alfol Ltd, nor their families, may enter the It List.
No employee of ghd, nor their families, may enter the It List.
If an entry does not comply with the category criteria it will be disqualified.
Entries may not be withdrawn, unless under exceptional circumstances. Verification may be required. To discuss, please email Laura on laura@alfol.co.uk.
By entering the It List, you agree to the It List 2025 Terms of Entry and for your details to be added to Creative HEAD’s email database, so we can update you with news, events, and special offers. You may unsubscribe to our emails at any point.

FAQ

Hopefully, these common It List queries will address yours. If not, feel free to email laura@alfol.co.uk

Who can enter the It List?
The It List is open to the owners and employees of salons, barbershops and other workspaces providing hair services, as well as self-employed and freelance hair professionals, aged 30 or under and based in the UK and Ireland. 

Are there any age limits or other entry restrictions?
Yes! You can only enter the competition if you are aged 30 or under at the closing date of Monday 28 July 2025. Photo evidence is required.

Some categories state additional entry stipulations, please refer to the Category pages for guidance. 

Does it cost anything to enter?
Zero – only your time.

What is required for entry?
Every category has its own set of criteria, which sets out exactly what you need to provide for the judges, and the format in which you need to supply it. Please refer to the Category pages for guidance.

What’s the competition closing date?
Entries must be submitted by 9pm on Monday 28 July 2025.

Can I enter more than one category?
Yes, you can enter as many categories as you wish.

I would love to enter but how do I know I am up to standard?
Please feel free to call Laura on +44 (0)20 7324 7540 for an informal chat and guidance.

Can another person enter on my behalf?
No, this is not possible.

I work in the UK or Ireland, but I live abroad. Can I enter?
Unfortunately, no. You must be based in the UK and Ireland to enter.

Does the imagery included in my entry have to be created especially for the It List?
No, so long as it’s your work you can enter it!

The work I want to feature in my entry has been published elsewhere, can I still include it?
Yes, you can.

How do I submit my entry?
Full guidance for preparing and submitting your entry can be found in the How to Enter section under Entry Instructions.

My entry won’t upload/submit – what should I do?
Please call or email Laura on +44 (0)20 7324 7540 or laura@alfol.co.uk for guidance.

I have submitted my entry and want to make changes before the closing date, is this possible?
It is not possible to access your entry once it has been submitted, so make sure you are happy before submitting. In exceptional circumstance we may be able to help, please email laura@alfol.co.uk.

Am I allowed to withdraw my entry after entering?
Entries may not be withdrawn, unless under exceptional circumstances. Verification maybe required. To discuss, please email laura@alfol.co.uk

I won’t be around for the Grand Final, what happens if I finalise?
That would be a great shame, however, we understand not everybody can make the date. In this case, we would invite you to nominate somebody to accept the award on your behalf, should your name be announced as the winner, on the night. This person may attend in your place, providing we receive confirmation ahead of the event.

I have finalised in more than one category – how many tickets will I receive?
You will receive one complimentary ticket no matter how many times you finalise. In circumstances where a duo has been allowed to enter and finalises, you will need to nominate one person to take the allocated ticket. 

ENTER

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

View all years

IT LIST 2025

ABOUT

Creative HEAD’s It List Awards

Creative HEAD’s It List Awards

IT LIST 2025

CATEGORIES

THE BUSINESS BUILDER

THE EDITORIAL STYLIST

THE RISING STAR

THE SALON STYLIST

THE VISIONARY

THE ONE TO WATCH

IT LIST 2025

KEY DATES

CLOSING DATE

JUDGING

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

GRAND FINAL

IT LIST 2025

ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS

HOW TO ENTER

TERMS OF ENTRY

FAQ

IT LIST 2025

PAST WINNERS

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

EXCLUSIVELY SPONSORED BY GHD

Send Us A Message