Most Wanted and The It List Awards 2020

2020

2020

K S R O W T N R I P O M LIV E FR D T E N A W T O S M 2 0 TH E 20 L A I N F N D A R T G S I T L & THE I N T E E M L P U P S R N I SO UVE

O H W …

O S ?

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DO NOT ADJUST YOUR SET Has there ever been a more eagerly anticipated Most Wanted & The It List Grand Final?

Because of you-know-what, a full 394 days had passed between the launch of our Most Wanted and The It List 2020 competitions and the moment we finally got to crown the winners – but it was worth the wait.

Streamed live online from the iconic Printworks in London, the socially distanced ceremony was packed with laughs, camaraderie and some incredible surprises, and for the first time, we got to share the shenanigans with folks watching from home.

An on-form Russell Kane was hilarious as host, entertaining the finalists in attendance and at home with his sparkling stand-up. A trio of talents – Charlotte Mensah, Adam Reed and Zoë Irwin – dazzled with a gloriously glamorous celebration of 20 years of ghd magic. And Anthony Turner ‘wreaked havoc’ (his words, not ours) with a monster of a creative slot.

But the reason we rolled out the red carpet was, of course, to give recognition to the hairdressing stars from the UK and Ireland who’d shone particularly brightly over the past 12-and-a-bit months.

Whether it turned out to be your night or not, our Grand Final was all about you and your brilliance.

So let’s hear it for the stars of salon and session – the educators, innovators, the little guys taking big leaps, the masters of classic cuts, the incredible colour concocters and the bold rule rewriters. Bravo to the sharp business builders, the fierce fashion shapers, the think-outsidethe-box success stories, the system shatterers, the hard grafters, and the fighters who battled everything the pandemic had to throw at them and came back twice as strong.

We salute you, and all of this year’s champions, in this vibrant, creative, inclusive, PHENOMENAL industry of ours.

Reportage photography by Andy Lane and Sarah Seal Winners’ portraits by Sarah Seal Portrait photography by Jon Baker

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THE REIGN OF KANE He’s one of the quickest, most stimulating stand-ups in the land, so it’s no surprise that host Russell Kane served an evening of pure raw-nerve comedy espresso. His terrifically barnstorming set sending up the pandemic was blistering stuff – home hair colour, self-employment and surreptitious sanitising all got a mention – and provided a welcome shot of Covid catharsis. And boy, did we all need that bittersweet last laugh…

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THE RISING STAR ANNABEL PAYNE

THE EDITORIAL STYLIST AIDAN DARCY

THE ENTREPRENEUR RICKY WALTERS

THE VISIONARY MARLON HAWKINS

THE IT GUY TOM GILLING

THE IT GIRL LEAH HAYDEN CASSIDY

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2020

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU

Take note! The industry’s most exciting new talents have been named! Their work is daring, bold and thought-provoking.

They are ambitious, gifted and ready to rule. Creative HEAD and ghd invite you to meet The It List of 2020 – a six-pack of rule-breakers, taste-makers and game-changers.

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2020

“This Grand Final livestream broadcast is unique, and so too is The It List – no one else runs such a competitive showcase for talented young hairdressers across the UK and Ireland. Covid-19 might have impacted some aspects of that process, but our mission remains the same: to identify, celebrate and elevate the true stars of the future, all with the long-standing support of hair superstar, ghd. The It List offers these six winners a springboard to success, and a brilliant showcase of just what this innovative and diverse industry can offer young people choosing hairdressing as a career.”

Amanda Nottage, editor, Creative HEAD

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2020

THE RISING STAR

FOR A YOUNG SALON ASSISTANT WHO IS ENTHUSIASTIC, HARD-WORKING AND FAST-IMPROVING – A A NEW TEAM STAR

Annabel Payne

Toni&Guy, Salisbury A passion for editorial work has seen Annabel assist the international art directors at Toni&Guy and even complete her first London Fashion Week season. She now plans to extend her avant-garde and men’s skills so that she can grow her clientele (clever girl!). No wonder she’s caught the eye of salon boss Louise Smith: “She’s one of the most driven hairdressers I’ve ever met. If ever I want something done, I’ll turn to Annabel first.”

“Thank you so, so much! This is a huge shock, I can’t believe it. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone at Toni&Guy, especially Lou and George and the team in Salisbury. And a massive thank you to Creative HEAD for putting this evening on – you’ve done an amazing job.”

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2020

THE EDITORIAL STYLIST FOR A YOUNG HAIRDRESSER TURNING HEADS ON SET

Aidan Darcy Dublin

With his work already published globally – from British Vogue through Harper’s Bazaar Arabia to Elléments magazine in New York and Irish Tatler – Irish-born Aidan uses session styling as a creative outlet for his artistic vision. But there are others, too: “In my spare time I like to create. Sometimes I would get this idea during the day or at night and I would have to either draw it or paint it so that I could see my idea come to life and sometimes I would translate that or ideas from that into hair.”

A favourite collection, Distorted, shows Aidan purposefully leaving hair unpolished, in order to challenge mainstream views of beauty.

“I was not expecting this at all. Thank you, Creative HEAD, thank you to all the judges, this is such a dream come true for me. To be recognised for something I’ve dedicated my entire life to is the most rewarding feeling.”

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2020

THE ENTREPRENEUR FOR A SALON OWNER WHO HAS CREATED AN EXCITING AND SUCCESSFUL SALON BUSINESS

Ricky Walters

Salon64, London

Ricky’s space in the heart of Soho has turned the traditional hair salon on its head. A social hub for 21st century trendsetters, complete with firepit, make-up station and cocktail bar with phone-charging docks, Salon64 is part-salon, part-workspace, part-coffee bar – and anything else you want and need it to be, thanks to a layout that can convert from salon by day to members club by night. “There are plenty of places in London where you can book to have your make-up and hair done, but there’s nowhere where you can just stroll in, order a drink and do your own make-up and that’s what we’re trying to put out there,” says Ricky. “It’s your dressing room, in the middle of Soho.”

“Oh wow, shocked! I always say there’s no ‘i’ in entrepreneur – although I can’t actually spell entrepreneur – but this is a team effort. Thank you everybody behind the scenes, and thank you Creative HEAD.”

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2020

THE VISIONARY FOR A YOUNG STYLIST OR COLOURIST WHO IS PUSHING CREATIVE BOUNDARIES

Marlon Hawkins

Brooks & Brooks, London Working in lockdown, Marlon slowly started to create with all the tools he had to hand. “Just me and my mannequins in my room, having fun!” he smiles. Experimenting with colour, styling and the avant-garde, as well as learning how to use his phone to its full potential – an invaluable tool throughout this process – more and more images began to emerge.

Eventually, Marlon realised he’d created a collection in a totally organic way. In ‘The Mannequin’, Marlon found his own unique style – and the judges loved it!

“Lockdown has been such a tough time, and my collection was just about being inspired and staying motivated – thank you to everyone who liked it and to my Brooks family for always supporting me. I’m well chuffed, I can’t believe I’ve finally done it!”

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2020

THE IT GUY

FOR A STYLIST EXCELLING IN ALL AREAS OF HAIRDRESSING AND DESTINED FOR GREATNESS

Tom Gilling

Adam Reed London Tuning into the Grand Final from home, and visibly shocked when his name was read out, Tom’s hairdressing journey started in Huddersfield, where his boss, Mark Riley, saw promise. Joining The Fellowship’s Project X opened up the world of session styling, and life would never be the same again. Now based at Adam Reed London, Tom’s worked at fashion weeks, on TV, with artists from the worlds of music, film and modelling, and is taking advantage of his East London base to develop his network. With the 2020 It Guy title under his belt, we reckon Tom will find new doors opening up all around him…

“I’m incredibly, incredibly shocked, that’s unreal. Thank you so much, I was really not expecting this award. Wow, I’m absolutely speechless. Thanks to Creative HEAD for putting on such amazing awards, with everything going on. Thank you to everyone I’ve had the pleasure of working with to make this possible.”

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2020

THE IT GIRL

FOR A STYLIST EXCELLING IN ALL AREAS OF HAIRDRESSING AND DESTINED FOR GREATNESS

Leah Hayden Cassidy

Unit8 by Hayden, London It took a life-changing accident on the pitch to persuade footballer Leah Hayden to explore other career avenues – and in barbering she rediscovered her passion. Always on the move, whether exploring creativity on the salon floor or in her exquisite photoshoots… travelling the world as an educator for Andis… launching her own education business… moving to London… opening her own studio…

For the determined, ambitious, pioneering 2020 It Girl, Leah Hayden Cassidy, the journey is only just beginning.

“It’s probably the first time in my life I’ve been speechless. Thank you to Creative HEAD for this opportunity. The finalists nominated, that category, you saw the names yourself – they’re all my idols, my inspirations. It’s just amazing to be here to accept this award. Congratulations to everyone in this room for being here and enjoying it. It’s been a f**ked-up year but we’re going to get through this and it’s going to be great.”

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“What better way to celebrate 20 years of ghd than with a diverse array of looks that showcase what you can do with the brand?

I wanted to have fun with these styles, but also demonstrate the styling capabilities of ghd tools with looks that represent everything I love in hairdressing.

As well as creating fun, fashionled shapes, we incorporated accessories and unexpected details for looks that make you smile.”

Adam Reed

LOOKS E L Y T S LIKE

A milestone birthday, an It List Grand Final and an audience of thousands watching from around the world… No wonder ghd pulled out all the stops for its 20th anniversary celebrations, with a runway show that unfurled the work of ghd ambassadors Zoë Irwin, Charlotte Mensah and Adam Reed and the versatility of its award-winning tools. From Botticelli curls to gloriously full Afros and teased takes on classic updos, the ideas were big, the shapes even more so, and each hair artist got to express their individuality in style.

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“These looks showcase the choice I have with ghd and how I can use its tools – from the rise and the glide to the Afro comb with the ghd helios – to create endless shapes and silhouettes, without losing the texture of the hair. I wanted to create styles that celebrated that relationship between creativity and ghd’s care for the hair and that’s what my looks represent.”

Charlotte Mensah

“My looks demonstrate the incredible versatility of ghd styling tools and the gorgeous wealth of textures and shapes that can be created with the range. On top of this, it’s a celebration of all of my favourite techniques with ghd and the looks that I love to do – from supersized volume to tousled Bardot waves and my signature cool girl waves. Working with ghd allows me to create the best version of those looks – and as a brand, it continues to excite me.”

Zoë Irwin

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backstage action the show in full at here and then watch /events om creativeheadmag.c

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CELEBRATE 20 YEARS OF GOOD HAIR DAYS WITH GHD Jeroen Temmerman

CAST YOUR MIND back to your hair styling options 20 years ago. Just one big, chunky straightener with little or no regard for hair condition, and just one straight result.

Limiting, frizz-inducing, slow styling.

Then in 2001, like a gift from the hair gods, along came ghd with its styling versatility, passion for the professional and a promise always to invest in the very best technology to deliver optimum results. The name was pure genius, too. Women around the world rejoiced, no longer tied down by the prospect of a bad hair day.

Only good hair days were to follow as hairdressing welcomed its new queen of heat styling. British brand ghd had officially changed lives forever.

Fast-forward to 2021 and ghd continues to innovate, merging pioneering science with luxury beauty and style to create industry-acclaimed stylers, hairdryers, curlers and hot brushes that are used in more than 45,000 salons worldwide and to create radical runway moments for designers like Dior, Prada and D&G. Trusted worldwide and with 300 beauty awards to its name, ghd sells two million stylers every year, with five iconic products sold every minute. Impressive.

Says ghd chief executive Jeroen Temmerman: “ghd is a British business that started in Leeds and has transformed the hair styling category, becoming a global success story over the past 20 years. We are devoted to creating innovative products that have consumer and professional stylist needs at heart, to deliver the best-in-class professional hair styling tools.

Looking ahead, we have a strategic focus on ground-breaking R&D and imminent global expansion plans that will ensure ghd delivers even more good hair days across the globe.”

Congratulations, ghd!

We can’t wait to see what’s next!

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*In a test of 128 consumers, significantly more consumers agreed that ghd gold was better than the ghd V hair straightener for leaving hair sleeker, smoother, shinier and healthier looking. **Proven to deliver more shine versus naturally-dried hair. ***Reduced breakage and 2x less colour fade versus a styler working at 230°C.

INTRODUCING THE LIMITED EDITION 20TH ANNIVERSARY COUTURE COLLECTION, FEATURING THE ICONIC GHD PLATINUM+ STYLER, GHD GOLD STYLER AND GHD HELIOS HAIRDRYER IN A UNIQUE OMBRÉ CHROME DESIGN, WITH LIMITED EDITION HALLMARK

CR EATIV E HE AD AD VE RT OR IAL

TREAT YOURSELF TO A PIECE OF GHD HAIR-ITAGE

ghd gold styler The iconic gold styler features Dual-zone technology for premium performance, delivering sleeker, smoother and healthier-looking hair*.

Comes with a luxury chrome heat-resistant bag.

ghd helios hairdryer For ultra-powerful drying and ultimate styling results, with 30 per cent more shine**, thanks to unique Aeroprecis technology and bespoke contoured nozzle. With helios, hair is left sleek, smooth and shiny.

ghd platinum+ styler The ultimate smart styler, featuring ground-breaking Ultra-zone technology that responds to hair and the way that you style, controlling heat more effectively and predicting hair needs, to give 70 per cent stronger hair***, 2x more colour protection*** and 20 per cent more shine**.

Comes with a luxury chrome heat-resistant bag.

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT GHD’S EXCLUSIVE LIMITED-EDITION COUTURE COLLECTION? CONTACT YOUR GHD ACCOUNT MANAGER OR EMAIL PROHELP@GHDHAIR.COM

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G A T S K C A B S S E C C A It was a MWIT Grand Final like no other, but we couldn’t NOT have a photoshoot to celebrate the cast of this unique livestream extravaganza! All socially distanced – and all socially savvy, natch – meet the background players who helped make this production pop in a completely Covid-compliant way. No pandemic’s gonna take the shine off these stars…

Photography by Jon Baker

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E G A SHE. HAS. ARRIVED!

The Most Wanted Legend that is Not Another Salon’s Sophia Hilton – official! Three years, three Most Wanted Colour Expert trophies, one Legendary status

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PRINCE OF DARKNESS

The night’s showstopper Anthony Turner, Most Wanted Session Stylist for the second consecutive year

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RAY OF LIGHT

It’s sunny side up with Ashleigh Hodges, director of the HairDotCom Art Team

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RHAPSODY IN BLUE

Step to it Adam Reed, founder of Adam Reed London and global brand ambassador for ghd

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HE’S IN FASHION

Work it, Aidan Darcy, own it – our first The It List Editorial Stylist makes his moves

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CAN HE KICK IT?

Yes, Simon Webster Hair’s Nathan Klein absolutely can!

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THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKING

The bearded brilliance of Simon Tuckwell, founder of Nottingham’s Tuckwell & Co

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FLOWER POWER

Katie Mulcahy, proud founder of Most Wanted Best New Boutique Salon, Paint & Powder

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BLADE RUNNER

Cutting it with the boys, that’s The It List It Girl and barber par excellence, Leah Hayden Cassidy

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SUITS YOU, SIR

Fashion’s favourite dapper gent backstage, session supremo Syd Hayes

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LEAN ON ME

Having finally scooped that It List Visionary trophy, Marlon Hawkins from Brooks & Brooks is blissed out in all back

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RETURN OF THE MAC Leonardo Rizzo has the evening all buttoned up

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SHE’S ELECTRIC

All power to session stylista, Lisa Farrall – a high voltage climax and no mistake

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BEST SALON TEAM

BEST NEW BOUTIQUE SALON

HAIR TREND

PAINT & POWDER

RICHARD PHILLIPART

CREATIVE TALENT

BUSINESS THINKER

BEST NEW SALON

AWARD FOR INNOVATION

COLOUR EXPERT

BEST LOCAL SALON

INDEPENDENT STYLIST

SESSION STYLIST

HAIR ICON

TINT

CAROLINE SANDERSON

STAG

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MESART

ANNA COFONE

TIM BINNINGTON

ZOË IRWIN

PADDY MCDOUGALL

MEN’S HAIR SPECIALIST BEST SALON EXPERIENCE

JODY TAYLOR

GATSBY & MILLER

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THEY MADE 2020 BETTER

Nothing stops a brilliant team, a bold innovator, a creative leader or a business-builder – not even a pandemic. In 2020 – our 20th birthday year – the calibre of entries across all Most Wanted categories was exceptional, and the judges truly had their work cut out to establish the winners. But here they are, and we are so proud to showcase the most amazing names in UK and Irish hairdressing – prepare to be inspired!

THREE NEW MOST WANTED LEGENDS CROWNED It takes constant and consistent brilliance to wow our elite judges not once, not even twice but three times, but that’s exactly what each of our three 2020 Legends has managed to do. Joining us live on-set was triple-crown Colour Expert Sophia Hilton, while tuning in from home were Danielle Kennedy and Tony Heffernan of The Collective By Lloyds, surrounded by their three Best Salon Team trophies. And making it a Legend hat-trick, Sam McKnight beamed in from his beautiful north London garden; his three Hair Icon and Session Stylist wins mean he has now double Legend status, the first person in 20 years of Most Wanted to achieve such a feat.

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“Incredible… awesome… brilliant… inspirational. How do you find the words to describe our Most Wanted winners? In a recordbreaking year for the competition, these fabulous human beings saw off hundreds of entries to take the 14 trophies. They are the people who’ve ensured our industry stayed vibrant, relevant and full of passion – even in the middle of a pandemic. Thank you to our sponsors for helping us to provide a platform for this vital moment in the spotlight for our Most Wanted stars.”

Catherine Handcock, publisher, Creative HEAD

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CATEGORY SPONSOR

BEST SALON TEAM FOR SALON TEAMWORK AT ITS BEST

TINT

Leeds TINT offers something unique to its team: the perks of working in an employed salon while retaining the freedom of being self-employed. Everyone trains together, with a willingness to share skills and knowledge, and everyone has a voice – creative and business decisions are all made communally. Even during lockdown the team stayed united, taking it in turn to curate the TINT Instagram feed and working together on a photo collection shot exclusively on prosthetic models. As a result, the team is emerging stronger, with a social audience that’s grown by the thousands, and an ever-expanding network.

“Was not expecting that! I shouldn’t really be here on my own tonight, it’s a team award. Well done Team TINT, you’ve all been so amazing. To have this as our first award just means so much to me and our business partners.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us since our opening four years ago. Cheers!”

Matthew Sutcliffe co-owner, TINT

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2020

CATEGORY SPONSOR

BEST NEW BOUTIQUE SALON

FOR A NEW SMALL SALON WITH A UNIQUE SENSE OF STYLE

Paint & Powder Stafford

When Katie Mulcahy signed the lease on No. 7 Market Square, Stafford, she had a five-week-old baby and no business plan. But this was her dream salon – steeped in rich 16th century history, with wonky walls and beams that Katie went on to embrace in her design. “We don’t see our floorspace and intimate surroundings as a disadvantage. In fact, it’s our strength. Guests not only come to us for great hair, they come because of the boutique environment we’ve created,” she says. Paint & Powder is also an active part of the Independent Stafford movement, a collective of local businesses that support and promote each other through socials, pop-ups and collaborations.

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“I don’t know what’s scarier – accepting this award or walking in heels after so much time in trainers! Oh my God, this means so much. If somebody told me I’d be standing up here, winning an award, I wouldn’t have believed it. Thank you, Creative HEAD!” Katie Mulcahy owner, Paint & Powder

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2020

CATEGORY SPONSOR

HAIR TREND

FOR THE BEST ON-TREND IMAGE OF THE YEAR

Richard Phillipart

The Boutique Atelier, Ellesmere Port Richard took the title with an image of which he is rightly proud: not only is it part of his very first Vogue editorial from January 2020, it embraces one of 2020’s biggest hair trends, championing the beauty and uniqueness of Afro hair in all its kinky, curly, wavy glory. His blunt-cut bob enhances his model’s natural texture, creating a look with effortless volume and shine.

“I hope that this will help to inspire us to learn about textured hair and people will be able to offer it in their salons. Just some small steps in updating skills can make a huge difference to the diversity of your clientele and the open and accommodating environment within your business.”

Richard Phillipart owner, The Boutique Atelier

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2020

CATEGORY SPONSOR

CREATIVE TALENT

FOR A CREATIVE DIRECTOR OR SENIOR STYLIST WITH EXCEPTIONAL ARTISTIC SKILL AND COMMERCIAL EXPERTISE

Zoë Irwin

John Frieda Claiming the Creative Talent trophy for the third time makes Zoë a Most Wanted Legend – and boy, does she deserve it. Dubbed “the Stella McCartney of hairdressing” for her soft, feminine yet super-cool hair, Zoë’s work is a blend of traditional technique, honed over a 30-year career, and new concepts developed from her ongoing studies of hair and fashion. Her creations are playful and fun – the Denim Blowout service she created for John Frieda Salons saw clients wearing strips of vintage Levi’s 501s in their hair – but never frivolous: her knack for spotting trends influences salon owners and forecasting agencies around the world.

“The person I want to thank so much, from my heart this year is Nicola Clarke from John Frieda. She’s not only my hair sister, but through the worst year of my life she has been my absolute friend through everything.”

Zoë Irwin

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2020

CATEGORY SPONSOR

BUSINESS THINKER FOR A SALON OWNER OR DIRECTOR WHO HAS BUILT AN OUTSTANDING SALON BUSINESS

Caroline Sanderson

Ego Hair Design, Inverness Having pulled Ego Hair Design back from the brink during the 2009 recession, Caroline’s creative thinking and determination to succeed have enabled her to transform her small Inverness salon into a multi-channel business with a six-figure turnover and generating six-figure net profits. She now shares her business tips with salons around the world via her Digital Salon Business Academy and has also donated almost £120,000 in support of charities and other small businesses.

“I absolutely can’t believe it, I’m in shock. I won this for the first time in 2013 and I set out on a mission to show that any salon owner can win this. I am proof of that, with my little salon in the Highlands of Scotland, so thank you.”

Caroline Sanderson owner, Ego Hair Design

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2020

CATEGORY SPONSOR

BEST NEW SALON FOR A NEW OR REVAMPED SALON THAT TURNS HEADS

Mesart

Glasgow Offering a lifestyle-oriented antidote to the traditional salon, Mesart is comprised of a series of spaces where clients can relax while having their hair styled – even the backwashes are fashioned like seats in first class. “Our clients are increasingly time-poor, multi-tasking heroines and heroes, who might only get time for themselves when they visit us,” explains founder Stuart Whitelaw. There are partnerships with a local salon for beauty, a local coffee roaster and food provider for those undergoing long colour services. And sustainability plays its part: all waste is organised, all appliances are energy-efficient and eco-friendly and the team has gone back to basics with cleaning products using baking soda, vinegar and lemon.

“Wow, thank you so much to Creative HEAD for putting this on tonight and giving me this opportunity – but most of all thank you to my team, because without you none of this would have been possible.”

Stuart Whitelaw founder, Mesart

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2020

CATEGORY SPONSOR

AWARD FOR INNOVATION

REWARDING AN ORIGINAL HAIRDRESSING INITIATIVE THAT HAS PROVED A SUCCESS FOR THE SALON BUSINESS AND/OR THE INDUSTRY AT LARGE

Tim Binnington for The Manta

Originally designed by Tim for his wife, who had lost her hair to cancer treatment, The Manta works by moulding itself to the shape of the hand and scalp, creating less tension on each strand and stimulating healthy growth. Meanwhile, pioneering technology on the base enables each bristle to have complete 360-degree motion, thereby minimising breakage. Four years in development, it’s now the number one bestselling brush on QVC and the most searched-for brush on Amazon.

“I invented The Manta hairbrush eight years ago for my wife. She’d got cancer and lost her hair. When it grew back every hairbrush was too hard, so I decided to make her one. It took five years, with the best designers, and we’re patented now all over the world – and my wife is eight years clear this month. So this is just the best prize.

If you ever want to go for something, there’s never been a better time. Just do it.”

Tim Binnington founder, The Manta

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2020

CATEGORY SPONSOR

COLOUR EXPERT

FOR A COLOUR DIRECTOR OR SENIOR COLOURIST WITH EXCEPTIONAL TECHNICAL SKILL AND COMMERCIAL EXPERTISE

Paddy McDougall

Rainbow Room International There’s a restless quality to Paddy’s work: never one to look back, he’s always looking at what’s next, how to move it forward, how to break it, evolve it. This approach is reflected in his progressive colour work both as a core member of session stylist Duffy’s team and for his clients at Rainbow Room, for whom he creates “colour with a lived-in edge. Because this is what keeps it cool while allowing me to push what my perception of beauty is”. Paddy also boasts a burgeoning private client list, which sees him travelling to the likes of New York, Monaco and Dubai for everything from root touch-ups to dramatic transformations.

“I’m getting this award but there’s a whole team of people behind me that made it possible. I have to mention Duffy, he’s been a massive influence in my career and given me so many opportunities, such belief and trust in me, that I can only thank him. And I can’t forget my wife and my son. My family put up with me not being here all the time, so I need to thank them too. Nice one.”

Paddy McDougall Rainbow Room International

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2020

CATEGORY SPONSOR

BEST LOCAL SALON FOR A SALON THAT BEST SERVES ITS LOCAL COMMUNITY

Stag

Edinburgh A gender-free hair salon and barber shop founded by Murray McRae, Stag is fiercely protective of its local community, offering discounts to any clients shopping at other small businesses in the area. Prior to Covid-19, regular Undies Sundays put the fun into fundraising for the Scottish Association for Mental Health – clients pay whatever they like for their haircut, so long as they come in to the salon wearing nothing but their underpants. The first event raised a staggering £1,600!

“This is a huge surprise, but a really huge honour too – there are so many amazing people in the final with us, and past winners as well. I just want to give a massive thank you to our team; we’ve got an amazing group in Edinburgh who just give 100 per cent everyday, to everyone. Our community is just so supportive, just massive to us.”

Murray McRae founder, Stag

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2020

CATEGORY SPONSOR

INDEPENDENT STYLIST FOR A STYLIST LOOKING AFTER CLIENTS WHILE BUSY BUILDING ‘BRAND ME’

Anna Cofone

Stylist to high-profile music stars like Dua Lipa and Lana Del Rey, Anna credits her background in performing arts to her ability to create characters and stories that can be communicated through different mediums. An approach that’s evident in her collaborations with other artists, such as the photographer Stephen Klein and film director Anthony Mandler. She’s also styled high-profile ad campaigns for MAC Cosmetics, Carolina Herrera and Pepe Jeans. Even better, she tuned into the Grand Final from home with not just one but two perfect pooches in shot!

“I’m just so proud to be flying the flag for such a diverse, inclusive and creative industry. It never fails to humble me how we’re able to connect with people from all walks of life. At times to create beautiful imagery, and others to show people care and feel empowered. It’s this that gives me the greatest satisfaction and why I absolutely love what I do. I couldn’t have done this without my best friend by my side, Felicity Ingram, but also to my father, who even through adversity always taught us to believe in the power of our dreams and hard work. Thank you again to Creative HEAD, for everything you do and for putting our amazing industry on the map. I’m so honoured and grateful.”

Anna Cofone

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2020

CATEGORY SPONSOR

MEN’S HAIR SPECIALIST

FOR A SALON OR SESSION HAIRDRESSER DEMONSTRATING STAND-OUT WORK IN MEN’S HAIR

Jody Taylor

Now a two-time winner of the Men’s Hair Specialist award, Jody’s unique and forward-thinking approach to men’s hairdressing – fusing a strong technical approach with a passion for music, fashion and youth cultures – have made him one of the most sought-after talents in the industry. He works for brands such as Paul Smith, Zara, Louis Vuitton and Hackett; he’s a regular on photoshoots for GQ, Man About Town and D-Section;; and he looks after celebrity clients, including Jack White, Conor McGregor and Callum Turner, many of whom he regards as good friends.

“Has anyone got a hip flask? [It was a dry set at Printworks]. I’ve got cash in my pocket... Thank you to the Creative HEAD team; what they do with supporting individuals and the underdogs, anyone in hair who is on the creative side of things... and for putting this on. Massive thanks to BaByliss PRO for the support, and also to every one of my freelance friends, anyone put on their knees in the last year – it’s only going to get better for us all.”

Jody Taylor

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John Roads (together with partner Dawn XXXXX)

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2020

CATEGORY SPONSOR

BEST SALON EXPERIENCE FOR A SALON THAT DELIVERS TOP CUSTOMER SERVICE

Gatsby & Miller Amersham

Gatsby & Miller owner John Roads wanted to create a space that was “more than just a salon – the perfect place to eat, drink, work or relax”.

Seating and styling stations are kitted out with wifi and built-in phone chargers, while the 19-seater Café 67, complete with alcohol licence, serves food and drinks not just to clients but passers-by too. Meanwhile, ensuring that Gatsby & Miller pleases all the senses, cutting-edge scent machines improve emotional wellbeing during your visit.

“We’ve entered for a number of years, so this award really does mean so much, and we’d like to say thank you to our team, who deliver that salon experience every single day. We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank our industry. We truly believe that the past 12 months have really produced the most essential non-essential service, and hairdressing will finally be given its true worth.”

Dawn Montgomery and John Roads owners, Gatsby & Miller

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2020

CATEGORY SPONSOR

SESSION STYLIST FOR THE MOST EXCITING HAIRDRESSER WORKING IN FASHION

Anthony Turner

Winner of Session Stylist for the second year in a row, and the mastermind behind of one of the Grand Final’s most powerful shows, featuring performers from the Mønster Queen club night he frequented pre-lockdown, Anthony left nobody in any doubt why he is one of the most in-demand stylists on the session scene. Front covers for Vogue, i-D and Love… … major ad campaigns for Miu Miu, Prada, Burberry and Raf Simons... Collaborations with photographers including Craig McDean, Alasdair McLellan and Willy Vanderperre… And alongside his impeccable fashion credentials there’s his role as contributing beauty editor for Dazed magazine, plus his own fanzine, Mortal Remains,, featuring LGBTQIA+ creatives from all around the world. “Fashion created this illusion that it was this beautiful, glamorous world where everything goes when actually I don’t think it was,” Turner explains. “Things are getting better, though, and people are far more educated. There’s no room to get away with not being representative and I think that’s why we’re seeing such a big push for inclusivity right now.”

“I want to dedicate this whole thing to those guys at the back [the Mønster Queens performers], they are incredible. Claire Blake, Simon, all of the crew, thank you to everyone who helped put this on tonight, thank you.”

Anthony Turner

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2020

CATEGORY SPONSOR

HAIR ICON FOR THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL HAIRDRESSER OF 2020

Guido Palau

For decades, Guido has been creating some of the most provocative and dramatic hairstyles in fashion, making his mark by taking traditional styles and giving them a rebellious twist. His creative eye is sought-after by designers and editors alike and his collaborations with renowned photographers such as Steven Meisel and David Sims over the past 20 years have resulted in some of fashion’s most iconic images. His elevation of hairstyling into an artform has seen him design head treatments for the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art’s most-viewed fashion exhibition, Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, and produce two books. This is the first time Guido has taken the Hair Icon title, and he joined the show via live video link from his home in New York.

“It’s such a tremendous honour to receive this award and be nominated in such a distinguished group of artists. When I started in the ’80s I couldn’t have imagined that hairdressing would take me where it has, I feel so blessed. I’ve had the most incredible experiences. I’d be remiss not to say a special thank you to Sandy Hullett, who has been my right hand for the better part of 12 years, a magnificent support artistically and emotionally.”

Guido Palau

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Long before he was one of the most in-demand, daring and inventive hairstylists on the planet, Anthony Turner was a Goth, stepping into the magical world of gay all-nighters, where everyone could be anything they wanted to be until long into the next day… And then, for the Most Wanted & The It List Grand Final, he brought those night creatures to Printworks, inviting them to “wreak havoc” onstage with a performance that was fascinating, alluring, a little bit scary – and utterly compelling.

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o

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Cynth Icorn

Charity Kase

Calvin Obey

Topanga Love

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Rodent

Max the Tribrid

Aarron O’Conner

Venus Raven

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Inside the mind of Anthony Turner…

Tell us about Mønster Queen and the queens themselves.

I’ve always been attracted to the alternative and have such a huge respect for drag in its many, many forms. It’s an area of sub-culture that has influenced me throughout my entire career – anyone who lives their life outside of the constructs of what is socially acceptable is nothing less than a hero in my eyes! So, obviously I have a lot of friends who are wonderfully alternative in all of their beautiful individual ways and I really wanted to present them to a wider audience. Mønster Queen is the club night that pre-Covid, they would all gather at, but I just thought that it would be enlightening to bring them out of the dark and onto the Creative HEAD stage.

Any unusual moments when planning the show? Like, letting them know swinging a lamb’s heart on a chain onstage was perhaps not possible?

And as if they weren’t fabulous enough already, each queen got a customised Anthony Turner head piece to wear!

Each of the looks was honed to suit each character, and to be honest, I let my friends have quite a bit of say about their head piece. It was a collaborative effort and a fun one at that! It was such a change for me to do something slightly camp and fun and to create hair that didn’t take itself too seriously. I mean, I made a witch hat out of hair… If that’s not completely wonderfully silly I don’t know what is! l Watch Anthony Turner’s Mønster Queens show in full at creativeheadmag.com/events

The lamb’s heart being swung around on a chain is definitely the best story… When these people are within the safety of the walls at Mønster Queen anything is possible, but for the Most Wanted & The It List Awards I did have to slam on the brakes a few times. There were times that I’d cackle with delight thinking, ‘can you imagine if we actually did this?’

The reaction! I live for it, ha-ha!

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Buff David/Clockwise Film 076-081_A Turner Shoot Pages_GW8.indd 6

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CELEBRATING THE MOST EXCITING TALENTS IN UK AND IRISH HAIRDRESSING

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CREATIVEHEADMAG.COM CREATIVEHEADMAG.COM/MOSTWANTED CREATIVEHEADMAG.COM/THEITLIST CREATIVEHEADMAG.COM #MWIT21 @creativeheadmag

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SUPER-EASY, SUPER-SLICK – AND YOU CAN BE SUPER-CREATIVE!

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NEW

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DIFFERENT

BECAUSE EVERYTHING CHANGED DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS, OUR 2021 MOST WANTED AND THE IT LIST COMPETITIONS HAVE BEEN UPDATED AND REFRESHED, READY TO EMBRACE A NEW ERA FOR OUR INDUSTRY CREATIVEHEADMAG.COM CREATIVEHEADMAG.COM/MOSTWANTED CREATIVEHEADMAG.COM/THEITLIST CREATIVEHEADMAG.COM #MWIT21 @creativeheadmag

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THANK YOU NOTE So many talented, hard-working and ever-so patient people helped to make this MWIT Grand Final happen… Huge thanks go to: Our Most Wanted sponsors – ALFAPARF Milano, American Crew, BaByliss PRO, JOICO, Kérastase, L’Oréal Professionnel Paris, Paul Mitchell, Phorest Salon Software, Redken, TIGI, Timely, Treatwell and Wella Professionals – whose partnerships mean that we can make this event happen every year, come what may; our exclusive and long-standing It List sponsor, ghd – joining us in our quest to see the awesome under-30s stand up, be heard and get noticed; our 2020 judges and nominators, who work at the highest level in fashion, beauty, business and the media and give freely of their time to put trophies into the hands of the worthy; Russell Kane – in his element, and to whom we bow down for his energy, wit and unparalleled facial expressions; Anthony Turner, his choreographer Anders and his extravagantly styled Mønster Queens – taking a walk on the dark side to deliver an epic performance celebrating freedom and self-expression; ghd ambassadors Zoë Irwin, Adam Reed and Charlotte Mensah, choreographer Gaz and the full ghd creative squad for styling up a jaw-dropping runway show marking ghd’s 20th anniversary, and closing The It List 2020; Fisher Productions and Clockwise Film for the hours and hours of Zoom meetings, sticking with us through change after change, and for bringing ALL the creativity and vision to fruition; The Recipe – for serving up quality nosh to all our cast and crew; photographers Jon Baker, Andy Lane and Sarah Seal for snapping spectacularly; Ben White and Cat Parnell for heavenly hair and make-up; our comrades at Printworks London and Gallowglass Health & Safety and the Covid testing team – you helped make this happen, safely and securely, and in ways we’ll never forget; the thousands of wonderful people across the globe showing their support by tuning in to watch; every single one of our 105 Most Wanted and The It List finalists – whether joining live on-set or via video-link from afar, you are exceptional and you waited so long for this night… we salute you; Creative HEAD hosts Catherine Handcock and Amanda Nottage – the camera LOVES you both (and so do we) – but extra respect this year for triumphing over adversity; Team Creative HEAD in totality, for EVERYTHING (it’s been a year…); and finally, our stars of 2020 – finally crowned and forever awesome in our eyes.

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ARE YOU READY?

2021 COMPETITIONS OPEN FOR ENTRY DEADLINE: MONDAY 14 JUNE CREATIVEHEADMAG.COM/MOSTWANTED CREATIVEHEADMAG.COM/THEITLIST

2021

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