Australia’s own Jude McEwen from TONI&GUY Perth has taken home the illustrious title of International Collection of the Year at HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards 2024, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional and hosted on Monday, November 25, at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House on at Park Lane, London. Celebrating the esteemed platform’s 40th anniversary, the event welcomed more than 1,400 guests, honouring talents such as Jude, and British Hairdresser of the Year, Cos Sakkas, Global Creative Director for TONI&GUY, who won the pinnacle title for the third consecutive time.
The awards celebrated ten regional categories and nine specialist awards. Within this, Jude beat competition from 70 entrants, before winning against six other talented finalists, consisting of Australia’s Dee Parker Attwood of Wieselmann Salon, Perth, Pauline McCabe of Rock Paper Scissors Hair Studio, Bernadette Beswick of Beswick Education Services and Silk Hair and Sam James of SJ Establishment, as well as Belgian hairdresser Sevda Durukan of THE STUDIO BY SEVDA and Dutch, American based hairdressing legend Antoinette Beenders. This win against incomparable competition was decided by over 100 judges, including hairdressing and fashion experts, in an anonymous, two-stage and strict judging process.
“What do you say when your dreams come true?? I am so happy, I’ve been given such opportunity and support to emigrate and to mentor the TONI&GUY Breakthrough Team, they’ve been family to me for 25 years. it feels fantastic and having that recognition and being able to have people see my work and appreciate it means the world to me,” Jude enthused.
“The prestige of securing this international title is very exciting. Jude’s work really stood out, and we are delighted to see her receive this iconic trophy which is going to Perth, Australia!” added Jayne Lewis-Orr, Executive Director of HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards. “Four decades since inception, HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards remain the most sought-after British industry accolade. A relatively new addition to the awards, this is the first time an Australian has won. We love recognising talent and shining a spotlight on the hairdressing stars. It’s a privilege to honour Jude with this title.”
Jude added to a stellar night for TONI&GUY, which took home six awards including British Hairdresser of the Year for Cos Sakkas, North Western Hairdresser of the Year for Jon Wilsdon of TONI&GUY Manchester, Newcomer of the Year for Annabel Payne of TONI&GUY London, Schwarzkopf Professional British Colour Technician of the Year for Michela Bazzoli and Charley Henery of the TONI&GUY Academy in London and Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year for Efi Davies of TONI&GUY London.
“The prestige of securing this title for the third time in a row cannot be overstated,” Jayne said of Cos’ historic win. “Cos is such a deserving winner and a great representative for British hairdressing in all he does. The recognition in the room of his peers spoke to his popularity as an industry figurehead, educationalist, and a really good man. To win this award once is phenomenal but raising this trophy three times or more is rare. In fact, in our 40-year history this has only been achieved by six phenomenal hairdressers! Four decades since inception, HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards remain the most sought-after industry accolade.”
The 40th anniversary event was hosted by British TV star and former hairdresser Rylan Clark and reflected on four decades of the platform by showcasing a montage of iconic moments, with added entertainment thanks to Pixie Lott.
“Forty years on, the British hairdressing industry remains as influential and creative as ever, with artists that continue to push boundaries and raise the bar. Schwarzkopf Professional is privileged to have supported this groundbreaking event for the last four decades and will continue to celebrate the exceptional talent this industry has to offer. Huge congratulations, not only to this evening’s winners but to everyone who has contributed to the powerhouse that is Great British hairdressing,” said Julian Crane, General Manager for Henkel Consumer Brands Hair Professional UK and Ireland, speaking on behalf of Schwarzkopf Professional, which has been the sole sponsor of the event since its inception.
Congratulations to Jude and all the winners!
Regional Categories
- Eastern Hairdresser of the Year: Olivia Barnes, Mark Leeson, Mansfield, Notts
- London Hairdresser of the Year: Jake Unger, HOB Salons/Academy, Camden
- Midlands Hairdresser of the Year: Tracey Ann Smith, French & Ivi, Belper, Derbyshire
- North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year: Rick and Zoe Roberts, Beverley, Hull
- North Western Hairdresser of the Year: Jon Wilsdon, TONI&GUY, D/gate, Manchester
- Scottish Hairdresser of the Year: Frazer Wallace, The THEHAUSSTUDIO, Dundee
- Southern Hairdresser of the Year: Andrew Smith, Andrew Smith Salons, Gosport
- Wales & South West Hairdresser of the Year: Nicholas James Tucker, Nicholas James Salon, Tonypandy, Wales
- Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year: Danny Malone, MACC Hair Belfast, Belfast
- International Collection of the Year: Jude McEwen, TONI&GUY, Perth, Australia
Specialist Categories
- Afro Hairdresser of the Year: Lisa Farrall, WIG London, London, E16
- Artistic Team of the Year: HOB Creative Team, HOB Academy, London, NW1
- Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year: Efi Davies, TONI&GUY Academy, London, WC1
- Men’s Hairdresser of the Year: Kevin Luchmun, Luchmun Studios, Hertfordshire
- Newcomer of the Year: Annabel Payne, TONI&GUY Covent Garden, London WC2
- Schwarzkopf Professional’s British Colour Technician of the Year: Michela Bazzoli & Charley Henery, TONI&GUY Academy, London WC1
- Trend Image of the Year: Jake Unger, HOB Salons/Academy, London NW1
Nomination only categories:
- Session Stylist of the Year: Duffy, London
- British Hairdresser of the Year: Cos Sakkas, TONI&GUY Academy, London WC1 (winner 2022, 2023 & 2024)
Hall of Fame for winning the same category three times: Seung-ki Baek, Rush, Southern Hairdresser of the Year 2010, 2013 & 2023
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