British Hairdressing Awards 2006

The British Hairdressing Awards, organised by the Hairdressers Journal International and sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, aim to reward those hairdressers who are actively creating and setting trends, and pushing forward the boundaries of hairdressing in the process.

Each year hundreds of hairdressers from all over the UK dedicate months of hard work preparing their entries into one of the sixteen categories.

Any hairdresser from any salon can enter the awards and compete with the biggest names in the industry on a level playing field.

The British Hairdressing Awards has significantly raised the profile of British Hairdressing both in the UK and overseas. Winners of all the categories can enjoy an increased media profile and the biggest award of the night – British Hairdresser of the Year – is recognised throughout the world.

The awards night is the most glittering and star-studded event in hairdressing, with television crews, photographers and journalists clamoring for an invitation to this extra-special night of glamour, entertainment and pure excitement!

For those hairdressers nominated for the most coveted award, British Hairdresser of the Year, the waiting is almost over with the winner being announced during this evening’s star studded awards ceremony and dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane, London.

The nominated hairdressers are;

Andrew Barton: International Creative Director for Saks, one of the UK’s leading franchise salon groups with 120 salons nationwide, and a presence in Belgium. His outstanding talent is well recognised within the industry – having been nominated four times for the coveted title of British Hairdresser of the Year in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Many will recognise Andrew as the hair expert on the hit Channel 4 makeover show Ten Years Younger, he also regularly appears on other UK shows including GMTV and the BBC’s Who’s Looking at You. He also works on consumer magazine shoots. Andrew is no stranger to the catwalk shows in London, Milan and New York and has worked on fashion shows for Versace, Prada, Calvin Klein and Central St Martins.

As head of the renowned Saks Art Team, Andrew is responsible for creating images, seasonal collections and the company’s signature hairdressing techniques. He also travels the world extensively, passing on Saks’ philosophies and his expertise to students. When he’s not abroad, teaching at the Saks Academies or at shoots, Andrew still finds time to work in Saks’ flagship salon in London’s Covent Garden with journalists, celebrities and devoted clients.

Antoinette Beenders: Acclaimed for her originality, creativity and vision, renowned hair stylist and 2004 British Hairdresser of the Year, Antoinette is the Global Creative Director of Aveda. Her responsibilities include providing the direction, vision and training for Aveda’s hair cutting and styling programs, establishing trends, developing products and leading the company’s education initiatives.

Antoinette’s celebrity clients have included Elle MacPherson, Liv Tyler, Sarah Brightman, Veronica Webb, Kate Winslett, Sophie Dahl, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Sadie Frost and members of the British Royal Family. She created the hair for Burn the Floor, an international dance show designed by Mamma Mia producer Anthony Van Laast. Her magazine editorial work includes credits for Vogue and Glamour among many others, and she was named one of London’s 13 top hair gurus by The Evening Standard (London). She has worked on fashion shows for Hussein Chalayan, Clements Ribeiro, Prada, Miu Miu and Dolce & Gabbana.

Errol Douglas: Respected for his classic styling, beautiful cuts and the ultimate in blow-drying and polished finishing in London. Amongst his awards and accolades, Errol has been nominated for British Hairdresser of the Year an incredible ten times. Errol’s salon is also renowned for its expertise in both Afro and European hairstyling. His priority is to make every woman look their best and as a result his client list includes some of the most glamorous women including - Iman, Christina Ricci, Gillian Taylforth and Emilia Fox.

Errol’s photographic work is seen regularly in the fashion and beauty press and his session work is featured internationally and he frequently participates in shows and seminars in Britain, Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the USA presenting his hairdressing skills and creative techniques to a wide audience.

Errol’s hairdressing talents, professional approach and enormous personality make him the obvious choice for television. Appearances have included GMTV, This Morning, Good Morning, Model Behaviour, UK Living, G-Girls, Queer Eye for a Straight Guy, Ready Steady Cook and The Weakest Link in addition to many more consumer programmes.

Akin Konizi: Co-director and creative force behind the successful hob salon group. Akin’s vision has brought hob salons to the forefront of the industry and in 2005, Akin was awarded London Hairdresser of the Year at the British Hairdressing Awards. This is Akin’s first nomination for British Hairdresser of the Year.

Akin’s hairdressing style epitomises the hob brand – beautiful, simple and progressive. He has the natural ability to translate catwalk fabulous hair into fashion-led, wearable hairstyles. Akin’s show, seminar and photographic work is in worldwide demand, and his expertise is regularly called upon by the beauty press, whether it be make–overs, shoots, predicting trends or supplying hair advice.

As a British Hairdresser of the Year nominee, Akin’s goal is to continue to push the boundaries of hairdressing with originality, innovation and creativity.

Angelo Seminara: First time British Hairdresser of the Year nominee, Angelo Seminara is based at the Trevor Sorbie salon in London’s Covent Garden. Angelo’s creative drive and passion has captivated clients and colleagues alike and inspired the work of hair professionals the world over. His celebrity client list reads like a lunchtime sitting at The Ivy, but it hasn’t gone to his head. He maintains his gentle nature and carries with him an aura of calm – occasionally spiked with classical Italian intensity and expansive gestures!

Angelo is absorbed by his work; he perceives hair as fabric and delights in creating new shapes and textures to push the boundaries of hair still further. He is captivated by the possibilities of hair and is adept at bringing out every clients natural beauty.

Richard Ward: Six times British Hairdresser of the Year nominee, Richard Ward is one of the UK's most innovative hairdressers. His award winning London salon is a Mecca for celebrities such as Liz Hurley, Trinny and Susannah, Tara Palmer- Tompkinson, Will Young and Sophie Wessex. Richard's hair attitude is about making women feel beautiful - his signature look is sexy, glamorous, wearable hair.

A regular on television he is often seen on programmes such as This Morning, GMTV, LK Today, and the National Lottery. He is currently filming the sixth series of his trademark makeovers on the Trinny & Susannah show What Not to Wear, where he will actually appear as the resident on-screen hairdresser. Richard has also enjoyed completing several new series during 2006; Chantelle’s Dream Dates (C4, E4), Make Me Perfect (21 hour-long makeover programmes shown daily on ITV1), Extreme Makeover (UK Living) and a 4-week run of Richard Ward’s Summer Hair Tips for LK Today (GMTV, ITV1).

Plus with his regular hair advice in the national press, he’s known in the industry as one the ultimate high-profile hairdressers. His new 5000 sq. ft state-of-the-art Sloane Square, Richard Ward Hair & Metrospa opened in July 2005 and has been the talk of town ever since!