Most Wanted and It List Awards 2022

SHAPING OUR INDUSTRY AND SOCIETY…

On a sultry September night in London, Tate Modern evolved from art gallery to party hotspot as 650 VIPs from the worlds of hair, fashion and the media arrived to celebrate the Grand Final of Creative HEAD’s Most Wanted & It List Awards 2022. The admission requirements? Bestin-class bold ideas and extrovert ‘big fits’, with finalists and guests showing out hard on the red carpet.

This was a night where hairdressing revealed its most exciting talents, from young creatives to industry paragons, as the Most Wanted & It List competitions reached their emotional climax. The 22 winners

who took home the trophies are the names shaping salon culture, supporting teams, launching exciting independent brands, pushing creative boundaries and putting their stamp on the session world. And what unites them all is a positive energy and a fierce commitment to the hairdressing craft. Find out more about them in this Grand Final souvenir supplement.

We’re so proud to have hosted this incredible hairdressing party – a night full of high-octane glamour, unique camaraderie and heaps of fun. Is there is a better industry to work in? We can’t think of one.

Reportage photography: Andy Lane and Sarah Seal Winner portraits: Harvey Williams-Fairley

“I’m so grateful to everybody at Creative HEAD; you guys really are making this industry such a better place”

ON DISPLAY

With examples of the work from all 115 finalists projected onto the walls of the Turbine Hall, could there have been a more fitting venue to showcase the contemporary artistic and creative endeavours of our brilliant industry than Tate Modern? That enormous, industrial blank canvas has been transformed by some of the biggest names in art over the years. But this was possibly its most daring installation yet – hundreds of extravagantly dressed, intimately tattooed, exquisitely perfumed hair artists, each one a masterpiece!

It was the perfect location for the #MWIT22 Grand Final, for everyone to break out the very finest their wardrobes had to offer and make an exhibition of themselves in the best way possible. The energy was flowing with full force as 650 guests enjoyed cocktails on the bridge overlooking the Hall, savoured plated taste sensations (chicken bon-bon, anyone?) and chatted, laughed, hugged and generally revelled in the gorgeousness of it all. And this was just the beginning, an amuse-bouche before the winners’ names were revealed. Let’s get stuck in…

“A massive thanks to the Creative HEAD team for an AMAZING evening. We’re delighted to be part of such a successful night that shines a light on our exciting industry”

“What a night! It was such a pleasure to be part of such a special moment for the industry, celebrating the brilliance of the professionals and teams that kept going even during the toughest times. And what a way to celebrate”

“Congratulations on a superb night – it was one of the best events I have been to. So great, everything was perfect”

“I haven’t been to Most Wanted since before the pandemic and I know exactly why I missed it so much. Your team is amazing. Your event is amazing. You are amazing”

“Congratulations to Catherine and her team for an incredible and memorable night for the industry”

“Thank you so much for this incredible event and for the continuous support for the industry, it was an amazing night”

“An incredible event –modern, relevant, inspiring. You nailed it”

The It List Grand Final kicked off with a worldexclusive fashion film from ghd. Scan to go behind-thescenes...

IF YOU KNEW SUZI…

Rattle-quick and whip-smart, star host Suzi Ruffell’s set was made from shades of pride and joy, filled with heart-warming and hilarious confessional tales about her working-class family. Providing an immensely likeable presiding spirit over the evening, Ruffell punctuated her energetic onstage delivery with impromptu interviews with audience members, delivering barrel-loads of laughs with a delicate and respectful touch. Bravo, Ms Ruffell!

Image: Jon Baker

GO GRAND GO LUXE

CELEBRATE GOOD HAIR DAYS LIKE NEVER BEFORE.

Introducing the ghd grand-luxe collection, featuring our best-selling professional products, brushed in opulent champagne gold tones and accompanied by exclusive accessories.

Available for a limited time only, to salons in the ghd Partnership Programme. For more information and to become a stockist, contact your ghd Business Development Manager or call 01924 423400.

#ghdgrandluxe

LIGHT IT UP

The gifted youth of today are playing by their own rules, creating business empires and enviable client rosters that would be impressive for any artist, regardless of their age. Creative HEAD’s It List shines a light on these starlets, to help illuminate their own path to greatness.

Tate Modern was a fitting venue for these out-of-the-box thinkers, a venue known for platforming revolutionary innovators of the art world. When the doors swung open on Monday 5 September, it felt like the hair world was opening a new chapter.

Talent recognises talent, which is why we are thrilled that the It List’s long-standing partnership with styling titan ghd continues.

“There’s nothing more important to ghd than supporting and celebrating hairdressers, which is why we’re so proud to sponsor the It List,” says Antony Strianese, ghd’s managing director in the UK and Ireland. “As industry pioneers ourselves, we know that recognising and nurturing the next generation of disruptors is essential – and incredibly exciting.”

The It List Awards have helped to uncover stars like Christopher Appleton, Sophia HIlton, session stylist Leigh Keates, colouring and education extraordinaire Harriet Stokes, and many more who have gone on to achieve major success in the industry. What heights will our 2022 winners reach in the future? We can’t wait to find out.

Image: Jon Baker

THE EDITORIAL STYLIST

LAUREN BELL LONDON

“Artistic, eclectic, tenacious, and a little bit camp,” is how this freelance stylist describes herself. But Lauren Bell is so much more: passionate, romantic and already making waves in editorial circles, her most recent campaign was working the hair for Mayfair London –promoting the whole shopping district! She’s assisted at Dior, Balmain, and Mulberry, done advertising work for Puma, Michael Kors, and Juicy Couture, made the cover of Rollacoaster… Lauren truly is going places in the world of fashion.

Category finalists: Carlo Avena, London; Darcie Harvey, Reuben Wood Hairdressing, Manchester; Jordan Robertson, London; Josh Woodman, Eden Hair and Beauty, Hertfordshire

“I’m still pinching myself. I’m so full of gratitude for everyone and everything that has been and I’m excited to see what happens next”

For a young hair professional turning heads on set

Sponsored by

THE

For a young hair professional who has created a successful and resilient salon or barber shop business

“To be an entrepreneur is not about the things I can achieve in life, but how my ideas can flourish once the humans around me have the support they need to create the vision… Honestly, to win this award means I’m doing something right”

DANIELLE GARNER WILDFLOWER, DUBLIN

Founder, owner, educator, stylist, ambassador, coach and mentor, there are many strings to this entrepreneur’s bow. Danielle’s salon houses 19 creatives, all responsible for their own hours and free to take proper time with clients, and the space now operates at 98 percent capacity and has a six-month waiting list. She carries her core values of ‘technique + experience + connection’ to her growing Wild Bridal and Moon and Mai accessories businesses –it’s clear that the future is blooming marvellous for Danielle.

Category finalists: Charlotte O’Flanagan, Charlotte Paints Hair, Birmingham; Melissa Timperley, Melissa Timperley Salons, Manchester; Heffy Wheeler, Hx Hair, Staffordshire; Lydia Wolfe, Jack & The Wolfe, Hampshire

Sponsored

THE RISING STAR

GEORGIA FREEMAN Q CUT HAIR & BEAUTY, SURREY

Illness derailed Georgia’s lifelong dream to be a musical theatre performer, but she was unbowed and, after recovering, she found a passion for hair. At Q Cut, tutelage under Syd Hayes has led to fashion assisting opportunities (and a Creative HEAD cover shoot!) and seen her flourish in salon… oh, and she won ghd Stylemaster Gold at the Wella TrendVision Awards in 2021! She somehow finds time to build her refugee charity Hair For Miles and has a side line in vintage hair accessories, Free Flag. Nothing can hold her back now!

Category finalists: Kayleigh Byrne, Tribe, London; Chris Donohue, Billi Currie, London; Samuel Dowson, Josh Wood, London; Francesco Merico, Trevor Sorbie Covent Garden, London

“I had been working in the industry for only one month when I attended my first Most Wanted and It List Awards in 2019. When I saw The Rising Star category up on the screen, I made it a crazy goal of mine to be nominated. Three years later, to stand on that stage with the award in my hand still feels like a dream! I owe so much to Syd Hayes and Alicia Wallace as my mentors, to the rest of the Q Cut team for their support, to BaByliss PRO and ghd for the amazing opportunities, and of course to Creative HEAD for this insane honour. I’m literally pinching myself every day!”

Sponsored by

For a young salon or barber shop assistant who is enthusiastic, hard-working and fast improving

THE SALON STYLIST

RYAN STEEDMAN ADAM REED LONDON, LONDON

A two-time It List finalist last year, Ryan is going places. He works closely with boss Adam Reed at high-end shoots and shows, but the Love Island stylist is keen to remain rooted in the salon, where he feels among family when with clients. Now artistic director at the East London destination, Ryan’s clients enjoy his fresh ideas and clear vision so much that many have been with him for nearly a decade.

Category finalists: Norman Boulton, Not Another Salon, London; Melissa Brough, Hx Hair, Staffordshire; SophieRose Goldsworthy, Goldsworthy’s Hairdressing, Swindon; Emily Worboys, The Strand, Chelmsford

“It feels insane to have won The Salon Stylist 2022 and to be the first ever winner is a very ‘pinch me’ moment. It feels perfect. Salon life and the salon environment is close to my heart and to have an award that shows I’m doing a good job puts the biggest smile on my face. I can’t wait to share it with my salon clients”

For a young hair professional demonstrating stand-out skills behind the chair

THE VISIONARY

QUENTIN TAILLEPIED STAG, EDINBURGH

“What you imagine, you create, and what you create, you become,” says senior stylist Quentin, a specialist in curly hair and short textured cuts. A true creative, he sees hair as a medium for expression, bringing a love of drawing, sculpture, and a passion for reinvention to bear on his work, especially through drag. Quentin sees his vision as like a “narrow path in the forest” leading to shining colours and blinding light.

Category finalists: Lauren Bell, London; Edoardo Colasanti, Trevor Sorbie Hampstead, London; Rebecca Jacques, Daniel Granger Hairdressing, Northampton; Linus Johansson, London

“Being rewarded in front of the industry’s biggest names feels unreal. And this massive win as a young creative means the world! I’m passionate about art and hair, the people who came together to help my vision flourish and come to life were all so special and talented, so thanks to them. I’m very proud and incredibly touched that the judges and Creative HEAD understood my vision, my art and my world”

Sponsored by

For a young hair professional pushing creative boundaries

THE ONE TO WATCH

For a young hair professional excelling in multiple disciplines and destined for greatness

DANIELLE GARNER WILDFLOWER, DUBLIN

This salon owner and business magnate’s strengths lie in human connections and empathy. Her open-heartedness and kindness (not to mention skill and tenacity) has seen Danielle’s businesses blossom and she’s gained slots assisting the likes of Duffy, Guido, and Sam McKnight at fashion weeks across the globe. She believes in taking sustainability seriously, to the extent of turning down lucrative offers from brands that don’t make the eco grade. Her success so far proves that whatever you put in, you will get back.

Category finalists: Lauren Bell, London; Linus Johansson, London; Christopher Laird, November Collective, Edinburgh; Annabel Payne, TONI&GUY, Salisbury

“Hairdressing has been my life since as far back as I can remember. I know this year is the first time that It Guy and It Girl combined, so the competition was super tough. But I genuinely believe we have something magic here, by nurturing the side of us that can be vulnerable and open to create beautiful hair for our clients or shows or shoots, whatever it is that day. I cannot believe I have won. Thank you so much”

Sponsored by

WORKS OF ART

From gilded glamour to tattooed torsos, Tate Modern played host to an exclusive one nightonly installation of individuality, captured for keeps by photographer Jon Baker

ASTRAL

DOUBLE DENIM DISPLAY

TO INFINITY, AND BEYOND

We created the Most Wanted Awards to showcase the incredible versatility and talent of our industry. From teamwork to trailblazers, sustainability to session styling, there is so much to celebrate and uplift. With 16 categories, including the new Education Expert title, guests from all over the UK and Ireland showed up – sparkling and glamorous as ever – to see who would take home the 2022 trophies.

A record-breaking number of entries had the competition burning hotter than ever. Legends were made, legacies were built upon, and new names were heralded as being the best of the best. The night had it all!

While the glory may have been placed on the heads of 16 newly crowned winners, thanks belong to the sponsors who support Creative HEAD in providing this platform for British and Irish hairdressing heroes.

AWARD FOR INNOVATION

PETER JOHNSON FOR ITZI TURBANS AND TOWELS

The mission behind ITZI is to reduce the cost of using a towel in the salon to as little as 2p per usage. How? By bringing back the turban! Coupled with its towel system, ITZI offers a cost-effective solution for salons when it comes to their laundry, vital for many as costs across the board continue to rise. There’s also the added benefit of upping the guest experience too, and the turbans are on offer to retail too.

Category finalists: Maddi Cook for The Inner Circle; Errol Douglas MBE for Errol Douglas Club; Danielle Kennedy for Collectively Accountable; Nashwhite for The Heist House

“I’m still trying to process what has happened… I’m definitely enjoying the moment and have received so many lovely messages of congratulations. To win this award after 50-plus years in hairdressing demonstrates what an incredible profession we are in, where discrimination in any form has no place and whatever your personal circumstances, we can all make a valued contribution to our industry… There is still a long way to go but I now have the invaluable recognition of the hair industry to add real momentum to my efforts”

Rewarding an original initiative that benefits hair professionals, salons and barber shop businesses and/or the industry at large

Sponsored by

BEST CLIENT EXPERIENCE

WILDFLOWER DUBLIN

Step into Wildflower and it feels like coming home, set away from the noise of the every day. Clients can choose a minimal, silent or relaxed treatment and during the consultation, a meditation is prescribed alongside a ceremonial cacao or herbal tea. The team’s Mindful Monday Rituals are held on Instagram Live now following client demand, and each client goes through two consultations before being booked in. There’s an incredible 90 per cent rebooking rate, and a six-month waiting list for new guests. And breathe…

Category finalists: Gatsby & Miller, Amersham; Matthew Curtis Hair, Stratford-upon-Avon; Radio London, London; YOKE The Salon, Plymouth

“We at Wildflower are on the pursuit of genuine happiness and I know it’s possible to share this love and positivity out to our clients by looking after ourselves and them holistically. Through open-hearted conversations, vulnerability and transparency, I think we have the power to keep the wonder of human connection in our industry and remember that we are only as good as our last client’s experience”

For a salon, workspace or barber shop delivering outstanding customer service

Sponsored by

BEST LOCAL SALON

For a salon or barber shop best serving its local community

BE IRONBRIDGE TELFORD

Brooke Evans’ salon has not only survived two floods and the pandemic, it has thrived. Priding itself as an eco-ethical space, it only chooses suppliers that share the vision, with refreshments sourced locally and even wine made in Britain. When floods returned to Telford, BE Ironbridge provided a refuge for displaced residents, later becoming the focal point for local businesses to support one another and begin rebuilding.

Category finalists:  Gatsby & Miller, Amersham; Nashwhite, Warwick; Wildflower, Dublin; YOKE The Salon, Plymouth

“Wow, I am super proud of us winning this award, which shows we are on the right track to success! Opening a salon has been one of the hardest journeys but with a mix of Millennial ideas and traditional ethics we are here, and I couldn’t be happier! Massive shout out to the hard work of our BE team!”

Sponsored by

BEST NEW SALON

The Heist House – a nod to its history as a bank in the ’70s – is a design-led destination that offers more than a hair experience. Founders Lee and Rob reclaimed and salvaged much of the interiors to respect the building’s legacy, the planet and their budget. The mission is to bring real value and connection to the high street. There’s a studio space for photography and events, plenty of co-working space, a gorgeous cafe, and a wellbeing hub with yoga and treatments on offer.

NASHWHITE WARWICK Category finalists: Boone & Last, London; Koop Studio, London; SHAG!, London; The Rubicon London, London

“The Most Wanted Awards have a special place in our hearts and especially the Best New Salon category. We have managed to finalise for this category for each shop we have ever opened over the years, and to walk away now finally with the trophy, and for our final destination, is overwhelming.”

Sponsored by

For a new or revamped salon, workspace or barber shop with a unique sense of style

BEST SALON TEAM

BILLI CURRIE LONDON

There is truly an embarrassment of brand ambassador riches at this salon, with international talent from Brazil, Poland, France, Romania, Japan, South Africa, Vietnam and Ireland. Six new team members joined during the various lockdowns, so online training sessions were delivered for assistants alongside team mentoring Zooms to ensure everyone was looked after. Annual teambuilding days and appraisals set out plans to ensure goals are achieved, and everyone is trained together once a month to encourage open and honest sharing.

Category finalists: Goldsworthy’s, Swindon; TINT, Leeds; Wildflower, Dublin; YOKE The Salon, Plymouth

“We are super-proud to have won Best Salon Team. This is a fantastic achievement for our wonderful, motivated, dedicated, and inspirational team – it’s the icing on the cake! Thank you to the sponsors, judges and to Creative HEAD for this super-sassy recognition.”

For a salon, workspace or barber shop delivering teamwork at its best

Sponsored by

BUSINESS THINKER

For the owner or director of a salon, workspace or barber shop demonstrating a remarkable approach to business

“I am blown away, honoured and humbled to have won this award three times. Most Wanted and the It List Awards provide an amazing platform for celebrating the trailblazers of our industry. Thank you, Creative HEAD magazine for continuing to inspire us all with this event”

MARK WOOLLEY ELECTRIC

A previous double winner, Mark was a triple threat this year and scooped Legendary status winning for the third time. Electric has multiple energy sources – salons, education, products, monthly creative Sessions, and artists working at London Fashion Week. The £1m Electric Space members club and co-working hub has hit profitability in its first year (and a Reading offshoot Current Works has just opened), while Falmer Court is home to its head office, a products lab, a farm for its ingredients, a studio and even a source of natural water for manufacturing. An electrifying winner!

Category finalists: Katy Grimshaw, Spectrum One, Rossendale; Joe Hemmings, Bloggs Salons, Bristol; Colin McAndrew, Medusa, Edinburgh and Musselburgh; Nuala Morey, Nuala Morey, Bristol

Sponsored by

COLOUR EXPERT

GRACE DALGLEISH LONDON

‘Every paint is different’ is the foundation of Grace’s innovative colour work because, as she says, every individual is different. The bespoke approach has seen her develop a Colour to Camera workshop that she’s taken on the road, as well as an evolution of balayage – The Panel Paint – a single teachable technique that offers multiple results. This year has also seen her assist on a unique shoot for Hunger and collaborate on education with L’Oréal Professionnel Paris. Her points of difference are what helped her scoop this year’s award.

Category finalists: Jordanna Cobella, Cobella, London; Daniel Couch, Russell Eaton, Leeds; James Earnshaw, Manchester; Veronica Wysocka, Josh Wood, London

“It’s still sinking in! I absolutely love what I do and to be recognised by some of the best in the industry is a real ‘pinch me’ moment. I’m very excited for the year ahead.”

For a hair colourist demonstrating exceptional technical skill and vision

Sponsored by

CREATIVE TALENT

MARLON HAWKINS BROOKS & BROOKS, LONDON

The first ever artistic director of Brooks & Brooks, Marlon is a creative mind who loves nothing more than to create something beautiful. Finding inspiration in music or on the streets of his native London as he searches for the perfect model, he can produce immersive stage experiences and breath-taking shoots. His work on the 65th L’Oréal Colour Trophy, Borderless, was nothing short of visionary, combining contemporary digital art with the feeling of a flowing, lucid dream.

Category finalists: Grace Dalgleish, Billi Currie, London; Daniele De Angelis, TONI&GUY Shoreditch, London; Richard Phillipart, The Boutique Atelier, Ellesmere Port; Cos Sakkas, TONI&GUY, London

“To win Most Wanted Creative Talent is a dream come true. I am so passionate and driven by creativity and using this opportunity to showcase my thought process over the past year to my peers, and to be recognised for it, is amazing. This year for me has had its ups and downs, but one thing I know is that hairdressing has never let me down and putting my entry together reminded me why I love my job and creativity so much!”

For the creative director or senior stylist of a salon or barber shop demonstrating stand-out skill and commercial awareness

Sponsored by

EDUCATION EXPERT

LEE STAFFORD EDUCATION FOUNDATION LONDON

Hairdressing legend Lee has spent the past few years trying to fix a persistent problem –college graduates are rarely salon-ready. It’s his ‘Omelette Analogy’: if hair was cookery then students are being taught hundreds of different ways to make a not very good omelette – and the answer is to have one Michelin Star way to do it. So he created The Big 10, a kitemark for hair that trainers from his non-profit foundation take to colleges nationwide. Lee’s truly cooked up something award-worthy.

Category finalists: Allilon Education, London; Humankind Hair, London; Sophia Hilton and Not Another Academy, London; Westrow House Academy, Leeds

“I left school dyslexic with no qualifications, yet I thrived because I found an industry that I was passionate about, and where I loved the education. For me now, it’s about sending the elevator back down for the next generation and wining this award will help my team massively to do that”

For an individual or team delivering exceptional education for the hairdressing industry

Sponsored by

HAIR TREND

RICK ROBERTS RICK ROBERTS, BEVERLEY

Rick’s sharply angled, ultra-short style (pictured left) is this season’s hottest hair trend and reminiscent of the fierce ’80s look worn by iconic singer Grace Jones. A hybrid haircut that’s a cross between a high top fade and a Mohawk, this geometric style has a sculptural feel that’s guaranteed to turn heads.

Category finalists: James Earnshaw, Manchester; James Parr, Nashwhite, Warwick; Caroline Sanderson, Ego Hair Design, Inverness; Tracey DevineSmith, French & Ivi, Belper

“What an honour to win and pick up this accolade at the amazing Most Wanted Awards. To win an award like this just means you are on the right path of success.”

For the best on-trend image of the year

Sponsored by

INDEPENDENT STYLIST

ANNA COFONE LONDON

Independent Stylist winner in 2020 and 2021, Anna has an impeccable pedigree in the freelance session world. She’s recently been working with none other than Claudia Schiffer and taken on the role of editorial ambassador for Kao, a position where she can further deepen her educational roots. Her latest passion project is HAIR&CARE, workshops designed to give practical skills to visually impaired people equipping them with the tools to boost their self-care through a variety of charities. As a three-time winner, Anna has reached Legendary status this year.

Category finalists: Luke Benson, Hertfordshire; Laura Chadwick, Cambridgeshire; Lisa Farrall, London; Chris Foster, Hertfordshire

”I honestly didn’t expect to win again this year, I was just so grateful to be a finalist – and among such incredible talent, so I’m truly humbled and grateful. For me, this award represents hope and the effect that passion has in our work, so it just feels right to dedicate this to anyone out there who is feeling afraid to dream big. Believe in yourself, spend time mastering your craft, be kind to people and just show up, every day! Thank you, Creative HEAD and all the judges, I am so, so proud”

For a freelance hair professional busy building ‘brand me’

Sponsored by

MEN’S HAIR SPECIALIST

JODY TAYLOR ESSEX

Being a lead stylist at Fashion Week is a little like being a musical conductor, says Jody; directing the players, keeping up the tempo and, above all keeping everyone calm and focused. It’s this precision, style and focus that has guided Jody in the past year, leading him to create Leftside – an agency that builds a bridge from the barber shop to the fashion world, and he’s already bagged some powerful clients. Winning for a third time this year means he joins the ranks of the Most Wanted Legend alumni.

Category finalists: Pete Cranfield, Merseyside; Charlie Cullen, Kent; Chris Foster, Hertfordshire; George Smith, TONI&GUY, Salisbury

“This year has been amazing. I’ve got a little baby, and that’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. But also, my work has taken a different direction, and I have a team that’s so supportive – this is really for all of us.”

For a hair artist demonstrating stand-out work in men’s hair

Sponsored by

SUSTAINABILITY HERO

KEITH MELLEN AND ANNE VECK ANNE VECK OXFORD, OXFORD

Our first winners in this category when it launched last year, Anne and Keith haven’t rested on their green laurels, refreshing their free Salon Re:Source toolkit with new ideas and practical solutions. In their salon, CO2 emissions have been slashed by more than 50 per cent since 2013. Water use has been reduced by 65 per cent, salon stationery is being phased out and you’ll find no single-use cups or bottles. Team members are Eco Hair & Beauty certified, with all travelling to work by foot, bike or public transport.

Category finalists:

Lisa Phillips, Ora Hair, Banstead; Stephen Buller and Anita Rice, Buller and Rice, London; Anil Salhan, BLACC + BLOND, Birmingham; Kaye Sotomi, Chop Chop London, London

“We really didn’t expect to win for a second time, the other finalists looked so strong. But we did and we are absolutely thrilled. But the real heroes are Creative HEAD and Kao for taking the lead and giving hairdressing and sustainability the spotlight it demands.

Hairdressers are caring people, and it feels so right to celebrate how our industry cares for the planet and future generations.”

For a hairdressing business owner helping to change the way we live – for the better

Sponsored by

TEXTURE EXPERT

LISA FARRALL WIG LONDON, LONDON

Lisa is on a mission to get stylists to embrace all hair types and be capable and confident with textured hair. There are no boundaries for the reigning Most Wanted Texture Expert, who is working hard at WIG to give hairdressers the skills to be themselves. It’s a goal she’s taking to the airwaves, starring as a judge on E4’s The Big Blow Out, and she won’t quit the hustle until the industry is texture neutral.

Category finalists: Anna Cofone, London; Errol Douglas MBE, Errol Douglas, London; Chris Foster, Hertfordshire; Tariq Howes, Avenue Male Grooming, Cardiff

“I feel so honoured to be the Texture Expert for the second year in a row! To be nominated by industry experts I respect is overwhelming and fills me with gratitude. It just goes to show hard work and being unapologetically, authentically yourself really pays off. Never give up!”

For a hair artist demonstrating stand-out work in textured hair

Sponsored by

SESSION STYLIST

BY NOMINATION ONLY

BJORN KRISCHKER

Not only is Bjorn’s work eye-catching, head-turning, and utterly breathtaking, but it’s highly sought-after, too – editorials in magazines include Elle UK and US, GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair and Vogue, and projects with brands from Nike to Chanel, are ensuring this fashion favourite gets booked on the daily. Bjorn’s worked with photographers including Alasdair McLellan, Ben Weller, Emma Tempest and Mert & Marcus, and his A-list clientele lists the likes of Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Will Poulter, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Lorde and Usher. He’s also one of the most likeable guys you could hope to meet.

Category finalists:  Cyndia Harvey; Luke Hersheson; Charlotte Mensah; Anthony Turner

“To win this award, being recognised by industry experts and fellow colleagues, fills me with love and pride. It’s overwhelming to feel seen in such an incredible crowd of talented artists and to have an impact on others who love fashion and creativity as much as I do”

Due to work commitments at the Venice Film Festival, Bjorn was unable to collect his award in person

For the most exciting hair professional working in fashion

Sponsored by

Due to a last-minute work request, Eugene was unable to collect his award in person

Wow, I really had no idea this would happen, and I can’t believe my luck. What an honour. It’s wonderful for me to get this award and feel the support from the industry that I love. I’ve always been passionate about hair, and to have the respect from so many talented people did surprise me. I’m so happy and proud to play a part our industry”

EUGENE SOULEIMAN

Eugene doesn’t just create hairstyles; he creates the worlds in which they live. Now a Fashion Week stalwart, he’s come a long way from the Job Centre placement in hairdressing after quitting art school. Known for using diverse materials to create other-worldly finishes to capture a feeling, Eugene has collaborated with some of the most innovative fashion and creative names around including Alexander McQueen, Yohji Yamomoto, Steven Meisel and Tim Walker.

Category finalists: Sally Brooks; Errol Douglas MBE; Robert Eaton; Gary Gill; Sophia Hilton; Zoë Irwin; Guido Palau; Adam Reed; Angelo Seminara

BY NOMINATION ONLY

For the most inspirational hair professional of 2022

HAIR

Sponsored by

Win the same Most Wanted category three times and a Legend trophy is yours! Congratulations to… LEGENDS HAVE IT

SYD HAYES SESSION STYLIST WINNER 2017, 2018 AND 2021

Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Versace, Vogue, i-D, Self Service, Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, Kristen McMenamy, Juergen Teller, Willy Vanderperre, David Sims… Syd Hayes is in demand by the biggest names around the world and ranks among fashion’s most exciting talents. A genuine joy to work with (we’ve had the pleasure) and in possession of a superwatt creative style, it’s no surprise to see him become a Session Stylist Legend!

SOPHIA HILTON BUSINESS THINKER WINNER 2017, 2018 AND 2021

She’s challenged the traditional salon set-up, shared her skills with hairdressers around the globe, crafted courses accessible to all, skyrocketed on social media and helped others to do the same – Sophia Hilton is one epic entrepreneur, growing the Not Another brand to dizzying heights.

POWER PLAY

It’s the second act of our exclusive exhibition of prized prints by photographer Jon Baker

GREEN SCREEN DREAM

PILLARS OF

PERFORMANCE

We’re bringing our Works of Art shoot to life online – scan the QR code to view the album

Our winners had been crowned, so we went looking for the dance floor! Back on the bridge, drinks were flowing once again, smoke machines were billowing and hips were bouncing. It’s astonishing what can be achieved in six-inch heels holding a glass of fizz in each hand… or a spiced pear spritzer, if that was your preference. Shapes were thrown to 50 Cent, Shakira and even some cheeky Backstreet Boys. Do we really have to wait 12 months to do this again?

Snapped by the staffers

ART WITH HEART

Big thanks to those who helped bring the MWIT22 love story to life…

Our 16 wonderful Most Wanted sponsors: ALFAPARF Milano Professional, BaByliss PRO, Bumble and bumble, Colourstart, Electric, Fresha, JOICO, Kao Salon Division, Kérastase, L’Oréal Professionnel Paris, Matrix, Phorest Salon Software, Redken, Timely, Treatwell and Wella Professionals – for your generosity and belief; the almighty ghd, awesome It List sponsor of 12 years, and its hair team Janine Jennings, Christopher Laird, Grant Williams and Rheanna Wood for bringing it in a fashion film exclusive; our expert judges and nominators – for your precious time carefully spent pawing through pages and pages of digital entries; the brilliantly talented and beyond lovely Suzi Ruffell, our star host for the night – we are your biggest fans; Bree, Carmen, Nathan and the Tate Modern team, for supporting us all along the way (and applying flex when we needed it most); Becky, Olly and all the team at Event Concept, and Ollie, Chris, Dan and the Clockwise Film crew, for bringing to life our vision and delivering an unforgettable show of which we couldn’t be more proud; Rocket, for filling our mouths with delicious and picturesque food and beverages; Midton Acrylics for 18 shiny Most Wanted trophies and six amazing new It List ones; FE Burman, for a ticket and programme we’ll treasure, and Aaron Lambert – tasked to create the front cover image, and of whom we are in awe; Andy, Harvey, Jon and Sarah – our four fantastic, fastmoving, around-the-clock photographers – five stars all round; Adam Reed, Robert Eaton, Ben White and Tricia Woolston – the glam squad behind Creative HEAD’s Catherine Handcock, Deborah Murtha and Amanda Nottage – who shone on stage; all the team at Creative HEAD, for coming together like never before for this year’s Grand Final (and everything that came before, and after) – everyone is awesome; hundreds and hundreds of guests, all bringing big smiles, positive vibes and epically stylish outfits to the party – we LOVED hosting you; our Most Wanted & It List finalists – your work and achievements are outstanding, thank you for coming on the MWIT22 journey with us; and finally, our flawless and fabulous stars of 2022 – you embraced MWIT and you DID MWIT. Congratulations to you all.