Best of British – Hairdressing Awards 2006

The winners of the 22nd British Hairdressing Awards were announced at a glittering awards ceremony held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Park Lane yesterday evening. The biggest event in the hairdressing calendar was a night Andrew Barton certainly won’t forget as he was announced as the 2006 British Hairdresser of the Year.

The evening got off to a fantastic start when Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Hairdressers Journal International, Jayne Lewis-Orr, welcomed three new members into the British Hairdressing Awards Hall of Fame – Lisa Shepherd from Lisa Shepherd Salons, three times winner of Schwarzkopf Professional British Colour Technician of the Year, Robert Smith from Haringtons, three times winner of Southern Hairdresser of the Year and Charlie Taylor from Charlie Taylor Hair Health & Beauty, three times winner of Scottish Hairdresser of the Year.

TV and radio personality Jonathan Ross hosted the event, ensuring the audience was entertained throughout, while the music was provided from legendary soul diva Jocelyn Brown who made sure everyone was on their feet.

In 1985, the British Hairdressing Awards - presented by Hairdressers Journal International and sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional - were launched to reward hairdressers who were pushing the boundaries of hairdressing, creating and setting the trends and excelling in this competitive industry.

Each year, hundreds of hairdressers from all over the UK dedicate months of hard work preparing entries for the sixteen categories. There are nine regional categories covering all areas of the UK, six specialist categories, which encompass a variety of disciplines including Afro, Men’s, Avant Garde and the most prestigious award - British Hairdresser of the Year.

Any salon-based hairdresser can enter the awards and compete with the biggest names in the industry, with the British Hairdressing Awards based on photographic entries that demonstrate the skills and talents of the entrant. A distinguished panel of judges make their decisions independently, with all entries remaining anonymous, and results counted and compiled by an independent firm of auditors.

The British Hairdressing Awards has significantly raised the profile of British hairdressing both in the UK and overseas with winners of each category enjoying an increased media profile. The biggest award of the night – British Hairdresser of the Year – is recognised throughout the world, with the winner, overnight, becoming the ambassador for British hairdressing, appearing on television, radio and in the national and consumer press.

“British hairdressing is renowned throughout the world for its creativity and innovation, and with the 2006 British Hairdressing Awards we are recognising, rewarding and celebrating the best of British,” added Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Hairdressers Journal International, Jayne Lewis-Orr. “The standard of entries in all categories was incredible and the judges had a really difficult job. I am sure that in 2007, as this year, the standard of entries to the British Hairdressing Awards will continue to inspire and motivate hairdressers throughout the UK.”

The winners of the 2006 British Hairdressing Awards: -

British Hairdresser of the Year 2006
Andrew Barton - Saks Hair and Beauty

Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year
Johanna Cree Brown - Trevor Sorbie

Men’s Hairdresser of the Year
Louis Byrne - Brooks and Brooks

Afro Hairdresser of the Year
Claire Rothstein - Bloww

Artistic Team of the Year
Trevor Sorbie - London

Newcomer of the Year
Emma Steven - Lisa Shepherd Salons

Schwarzkopf Professional British Colour Technician of the Year
Gary Hooker & Michael Young - Hooker & Young

London Hairdresser of the Year
Jamie & Sally Brooks - Brooks & Brooks

Southern Hairdresser of the Year
Tina Farey - Rush, Croydon

Eastern Hairdresser of the Year
Mark Leeson - Marc Leeson Hair, Body and Mind

Midlands Hairdresser of the Year
Tim Scott-Wright - Lisa Shepherd Salons

North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year
Michael Young - Hooker & Young, Jesmond

North Western Hairdresser of the Year
Angie James - Toni & Guy, Liverpool

Wales & South West Hairdresser of the Year
Vicky Turner - Goldsworthy’s Hairdressing

Scottish Hairdresser of the Year
Tracey Devine - Angels

Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year
Noel Burns - Zuni Hair