IT LIST 2024
WINNERS
The It List is exclusively sponsored by ghd
THE BUSINESS BUILDER
For the brains behind a brilliant business
Chlöe Swift, Chlöe Swift Stylist
Chlöe has been on a mission since 2018 to connect the world of the professional with the consumer. She’s been trailblazing on social media, keeping her 627k-plus audience up-to-date and encouraging them into the salon, while also providing tips and advanced tutorials for the professional. And her business has expanded further, providing advice on socials to a host of major hair brands.
Finalists: Ben Jones, Massarella & Jones; Joe Sirry, SHAG!; Frazer Wallace, THE HAUS STUDIO; George Waterfield, The Secret Garden
THE EDITORIAL STYLIST
For a stylist making waves on set
Mike Mahoney, Josh Wood Colour Atelier
It all started in Camden, surrounded by cool kids on the way to work, which gave Mike the desire to push forward his career. His edgy styles have been seen in Elle, Vogue, and Tatler, and he thanks Akin Konizi for inspiring a precision in his work. Plus, for six years already, Mike’s been busy on the session circuit with hair legend Gary Gill, and there’s no sign of slowing down.
Finalists: Lee Devlin; Yasemin Hassan, Woolf Kings X; Emma Vickery, Percy & Reed; Frazer Wallace, THE HAUS STUDIO
THE SALON STYLIST
For stand-out skills behind the chair
Norman Boulton, Not Another Salon
Reigning champion Norman has been busy delivering beautiful hair with loving energy to his beloved clients. His 10-week waiting list is testament to the transformative power of his colour work, while his positive mental attitude keeps things bright and breezy. This year saw Norman graduate as a L’Oréal Colour Specialist and create his own professional vivid colour course, which he delivered to six different classes.
Finalists: Elle Foreman, Tribe Salons; Jo Haywood, Jamie Stevens; Ellie Lewis, Redz Hairstylists; Cameron Willetts, Combers Inside-Out Hairdressing
THE RISING STAR
For an impressive and fast-improving salon assistant
D’Arcy White, Jack & the Wolfe
The energy D’Arcy brings to the salon is immeasurable, says Jack & the Wolfe co-owner Jack Mead, and it’s no surprise as she’s been fixated on hair since the age of five! By chance her brother happened to mention her after being model-scouted by the salon, and the rest is history. Now storming through her training, she won UK gold at Kao’s Global Creative Awards, earning her a trip to the US.
Finalists: Lucy Boodell, Goldsworthy’s Hairdressing; Harriet Bull, Tribe Salons; Yasemin Hassan, Woolf Kings X; Melissa Reilly, Not Another Salon
THE VISIONARY
For head-turning creativity
Emy Roccabella, Danilo Hair Boutique
Perpetually hunting for a creative project to immerse herself in, Emy is returning for another shot at this title. Her built-in taste for intricacy in styling and an unbowed will to succeed is driving this senior stylist and colourist, whose work reflects an elegant simplicity, inspired by contemporary and modern art alike, such as in her textural shoot, Newtopia.
Finalists: Edoardo Colasanti, Trevor Sorbie; Matteo De Vita, TONI&GUY; Roman Sys, Brooks & Brooks; Quentin Taillepied, Stag
THE ONE TO WATCH
For an outstanding hair talent demonstrating all-round excellence
Emma Vickery, Percy & Reed
The artistic director at Percy & Reed is going places. She’s become Paul Percival’s first assistant, arranged an exclusive deal between the salon and a model management company, led fashion shows, and been pivotal in Percy & Reed’s rebranding – all while still running a weekly column! Emma’s mantra truly sums up her approach and capabilities: ‘unwavering self-reliance, mutual accountability with an affinity for intensity’.
Finalists: Edoardo Colasanti, Trevor Sorbie; Lee Devlin; Sophie-Rose Goldsworthy, Goldsworthy’s Hairdressing; Rebecca Jacques, Rebecca Jacques Hair; Birte Klintworth, Radio; Christopher Laird, November Collective; Mike Mahoney, Josh Wood Colour Atelier; Annabel Payne, TONI&GUY; Joe Sirry, SHAG!
IT LIST 2024
ABOUT
Creative HEAD’s It List Awards
Launched in 2010, and exclusively sponsored by ghd, Creative HEAD’s It List awards catapult into the spotlight Britain and Ireland’s most exciting new hair talents. We’re talking the best young business-builders, style-makers, hard grafters, and game-changers – the names who’ve been setting the barbering, session styling and salon spheres on fire, and all aged 30 or under.
There are six categories to choose from, representing a wide spectrum of hairdressing disciplines – there’s even a title for professionals at the very start of their hairdressing career.
Entries are judged by experts working in hair, fashion, business, and the media – for example, leading names in salon and session, editors from the likes of 10 Magazine, marie claire and The Telegraph, and talent scouts from international agencies including Art + Commerce and The Wall Group. And you know what? Your work deserves it.
If you make it through judging, not only will you join hundreds of ultra-stylist guests at the Most Wanted and It List Grand Final in London, but you could also really get the chance to shine, winning an It List trophy, a generous gift from ghd and year in the Creative HEAD spotlight.
It’s free to enter the It List, and your career could sky-rocket as a result.
IT LIST 2024
CATEGORIES
THE BUSINESS BUILDER
For the brains behind a brilliant business.
Sponsored by
Open to hair professionals aged 30 or under, who have launched a hair-related business serving clients, the industry, or both.
To enter, you must submit the following:
Part 1: Business profile – EITHER a PDF (up to 8 pages) OR a video (up to 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 (up to 4 pages)
Prove to the judges your business is booming! Provide financial reports, statistics, press coverage, client testimonials, etc, from the past 12 months, to corroborate its success.
Plus, supporting imagery and documents:
- An image of you
- At least three images illustrating your business
- A copy of your ID as proof of age
Your PDF must be A4, in either portrait or landscape format. Please combine all parts into one single file, making sure you do not exceed the page numbers stipulated. Feel free to add a front cover page to introduce your entry. Maximum file size 100MB. Please do not include any embedded video or hyperlinks.
If you are providing a video, it must be an MP4 file, in either portrait or landscape format. Smartphone footage is fine. Please do not exceed the maximum duration stipulated. Maximum file size 200MB.
If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry.
THE EDITORIAL STYLIST
For a stylist making waves on set.
Sponsored by
Open to hair professionals aged 30 or under, whether employed, self-employed or freelance.
To enter, you must submit the following:
Part 1: Your editorial CV – EITHER a PDF (up to 8 pages) OR a video (up to 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 (up to 4 pages)
Describe in detail a single editorial project you’ve worked on since March 2023 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.
Plus, supporting imagery and documents:
- An image of you
- At least three images showcasing the work you’re most proud of
- A copy of your ID as proof of age
Your PDF must be A4, in either portrait or landscape format. Please combine all parts into one single file, making sure you do not exceed the page numbers stipulated. Feel free to add a front cover page to introduce your entry. Maximum file size 100MB. Please do not include any embedded video or hyperlinks.
If you are providing a video, it must be an MP4 file, in either portrait or landscape format. Smartphone footage is fine. Please do not exceed the maximum duration stipulated. Maximum file size 200MB.
If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry.
THE RISING STAR
For an impressive and fast-improving salon assistant.
Sponsored by
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.
To enter, you must submit the following:
Part 1: A personal introduction (from you) – EITHER a PDF (up to 8 pages) OR a video (up to 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: A testimonial (from your boss or manager) – EITHER a PDF (up to 4 pages) OR a video (up to 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.
Plus, supporting imagery and documents:
- An image of you
- At least three images showcasing the work you’re most proud of
- A copy of your ID as proof of age
If you are providing a PDF it must be A4, in either portrait or landscape format. Please combine all parts into one single file, making sure you do not exceed the page numbers stipulated. Feel free to add a front cover page to introduce your entry. Maximum file size 100MB. Please do not include any embedded video or hyperlinks.
If you are providing a video, it must be an MP4 file, in either portrait or landscape format. Smartphone footage is fine. Make sure you do not exceed the maximum duration stipulated. Maximum file size 200MB. Video files must be separately supplied.
If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry.
THE SALON STYLIST
For stand-out skills behind the chair.
Sponsored by
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.
To enter, you must submit the following:
Part 1: Your salon CV – EITHER a PDF (up to 8 pages) OR a video (up to 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 (up to 4 pages)
Describe in detail one example of excelling in your position at work since March 2023. 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 supporting imagery, as relevant.
Plus, supporting imagery and documents:
- An image of you
- At least three images showcasing the work you’re most proud of
- A copy of your ID as proof of age
Your PDF must be A4, in either portrait or landscape format. Make sure you do not exceed the maximum page numbers stipulated. Feel free to add a front cover page to introduce your entry. Maximum file size 100MB. Please do not include any embedded video or hyperlinks.
If you are providing a video, it must be an MP4 file, in either portrait or landscape format. Smartphone footage is fine. Make sure you do not exceed the maximum duration stipulated. Maximum file size 200MB.
If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry.
THE VISIONARY
For head-turning creativity.
Sponsored by
Open to hair professionals aged 30 or under, whether employed, self-employed or freelance.
The team must work at a single location; it is not possible to enter as a team working across multiple sites.
To enter, you must submit the following:
Part 1: Personal statement – PDF (up to 4 pages)
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: Showcase – EITHER an image edit (10 individual images) OR a 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.
Plus, supporting imagery and documents:
- An image of you
- At least three images that best represent your visionary skills
- A copy of your ID as proof of age
Your PDF must be A4, in either portrait or landscape format. Make sure you do not exceed the maximum page number stipulated. Feel free to add a front cover page to introduce your entry. Maximum file size 100MB. Please do not include any embedded video or hyperlinks.
If you are providing a video, it must be a MP4 file, in either portrait or landscape format. Smartphone footage is fine. Make sure you do not exceed the maximum duration stipulated. Maximum file size 200MB.
If you are providing an image edit, your pictures must be supplied as individual JPEG or PNG files, in either portrait or landscape format. They do not need to have been professionally photographed (smart phone photos are fine) or shot exclusively for the It List.
If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website, and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry.
THE ONE TO WATCH
For an outstanding hair talent demonstrating all-round excellence.
Sponsored by
Open to hair professionals aged 30 or under, whether employed, self-employed or freelance.
To enter, you must submit:
Your career story – EITHER a PDF (up to 12 pages) OR a 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
Plus, supporting imagery and documents (JPEG or PNG), including:
- An image of you
- At least three images showcasing the work you’re most proud of
- A copy of your ID as proof of age
If you are providing a PDF it must be A4 size, in either portrait or landscape format. Make sure you do not exceed the maximum page number stipulated. Feel free to add a front cover page, to introduce your entry. Maximum file size 100MB. Please do not include any embedded video or hyperlinks.
If you are providing a video, it must be an MP4 file, in either portrait or landscape format. Smartphone footage is fine. Make sure you do not exceed the maximum duration stipulated. Maximum file size 200MB. Video files must be separately supplied.
If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website, and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry.
IT LIST 2024
PAST WINNERS
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
IT LIST 2024
EXCLUSIVELY SPONSORED BY GHD
