Most Wanted and It List Awards 2023

…AND WE’RE HERE FOR IT

In early September, amid a late summer heatwave, more than 680 brilliant and beautiful people descended on London’s Tate Modern to celebrate Creative HEAD’s 2023 Most Wanted and It List Awards. A hairdressing showcase like no other, the Grand Final pays homage to an incredible gene pool that serves British and Irish hairdressing – the exceptional artists who are also transforming our high streets, tackling social issues, caring for our communities and creating hair masterpieces that delight people, increase confidence, and occasionally even spark a global trend.

And what a place to congregate – at the home of Britain’s finest collection of modern art, a breathtakingly appropriate space to salute a room full of talented, stylish, and joy-giving creatives.

From the exceptional finalists and the amazing judges who uncovered them, to the wonderful brand sponsors and every single guest who booked a ticket to support others or simply soak up the experience for themselves, This important event represents our industry at its thrilling, spine-tingly best. Hands down, it’s the most wonderful night in the hairdressing calendar. Let us show you…

Reportage photography: Andy Lane and Sarah Seal

Winner portraits: Jon Bradley

Cover photography: Lily Craigen

DINING OUT

Stepping into the sensational Turbine Hall, hundreds of happy guests in the fanciest of frocks, sipped on flutes of prosecco, swilled gin botanicals, and tucked into delectable canapés – all stunningly whipped up by the Tate Eats catering team. Later, with a special graphics sequence displaying photos of, and praise for, our 2023 contenders projected XXL onto the Turbine Hall walls, a delicious dinner was served, accompanied by carafes of wine and lashings of cool conversation. And we’d only just begun! There was so much more in store at this gathering of the most gorgeous…

BRING IT BACK – WATCH THE GRAND FINAL VIDEO!

“EXCEEDED ALL OUR EXPECTATIONS”

“WHAT UNBELIEVABLE MEMORIES YOU HAVE GIFTED US WITH”

“IT WAS SPECTACULAR”

“TREMENDOUS, JUST TREMENDOUS”

“WHAT A NIGHT. I’M STILL REVELLING IN IT”

NEW LIMITED EDITION CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

You’ve heard the tales of good hair days, now experience them for yourself with the first 2-in-1 hot air styler,* ghd duet style, in an exclusive festive gift set. Part of the NEW ghd dreamland collection, available in salon now. For more information and to become a stockist, contact your ghd Business Development Manager or email prohelp@ghdhair.com

#ghddreamland

“WE'RE IMMENSELY PROUD ONCE AGAIN TO SPONSOR THE IT LIST, CELEBRATING THE FUTURE TALENT OF THE INDUSTRY. SUPPORTING THESE RISING STARS IS AT THE HEART OF OUR MISSION AT GHD, AND ON BEHALF OF THE ENTIRE TEAM AT GHD I WANT TO EXTEND MY BIGGEST CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS WHO CONTINUE TO INSPIRE AND SHAPE OUR INDUSTRY” – LIZ GRIFFITHS, MANAGING DIRECTOR, GHD UK AND IRELAND

BRINGING IT

For the past 14 years, Creative HEAD’s It List Awards have provided a platform for emerging hair talent aged 30 and under. From the assistants keeping salons running smoothly to young bosses bringing it with their own businesses, and the session stylists making magic happen on the red carpet – these are the new names set to shape the future of British and Irish hairdressing.

With longstanding supporter and exclusive sponsor, ghd, by its side, the It List has grown to become the competition to enter – and win. And for the trophytakers, the sky’s the limit; as well as basking in their award-winning glory, our 2023 stars take home a prestigious It List trophy, a prize from ghd, publicity across the Creative HEAD brand and the opportunity to appear at our events.

Former It List winners have gone on to achieve major success – getting signed by agents, booked for big campaigns, taking on brand ambassadorships, smashing it in business, and beyond… We can’t wait to see what this year’s remarkable roster rustles up for us!

Mia Mozley

WINNER: The Rising Star

Mia didn’t begin her career as the confident creative she is now. In fact, nerves nearly took her away from the craft, but that’s part of her amazing story. After joining Alice and the Hair in Derby, she jumped into education and grasped every chance to gain skills in specialist areas, including texture and colour. Her confidence grew into opportunity, like assisting global educator and hairdressing entrepreneur, Ky Wilson. Billed by her employer as a ‘blonde transformation specialist’ and passionate about braiding and crafting vivid tones, Mia certainly has a bright future ahead at her new salon home,

Category finalists: Rebecca Hare, Brooks & Brooks; Yasemin Hassan, Woolf Kings X; Holly Matheson, ARKIVE by Adam Reed; Shay Ryder, Josh Wood

“14-YEAR-OLD ME IS SCREAMING RIGHT NOW – I’M SO PROUD OF MYSELF!”

Tuckwell & Co.

“INCREDIBLE ATTITUDE AND HAS SOMETHING SPECIAL” – 2023 JUDGE

Charles Rose

Crate Cheshire

WINNER: The Business Builder

Believing barber clients were missing out on luxury salon experiences, Charles opened his business, Crate Cheshire, in 2018, with the goal to stand out from the crowd. As well as delivering expert hairdressing services, he introduced a fully licenced bar and live music events and had soon fostered a creative space with a strong community feel. Five years on, Charles is the proud owner and director of three destination spaces offering short hair appointments for all genders, plus a product line and a home fragrance range. He also spearheaded a bespoke postal gifting service, extending the ‘Crate’ experience for clients.

Category finalists: Emma-Louise Cantwell and Christopher Laird, November Collective; Brooke Evans, BE Ironbridge; Exaucè Imbo, EXSTUDIO; Jack Mead, Jack & the Wolfe

“GREAT COMMITMENT TO HIS GOALS AND VISION” – 2023 JUDGE

Darcie Harvey Reuben Wood Hairdressing WINNER: The Editorial Stylist

A previous It List winner back in 2017, when she was only a few years into her hairdressing journey, Darcie has embraced her craft at every career stage, and she’s developed styling superpowers! When she’s not running a busy column at Reuben Wood Hairdressing in Manchester, Darcie can be found working on sets for fashion editorials, advertisements, and TV shows. Her work has been featured in major magazines, including Vogue, Dazed, HUF and Hunger, and she’s styled hair for a Grazia cover with England footballer, Chloe Kelly. She claims her approachability on set is part of her power, and it’s opened opportunities with Cosmopolitan, Juicy Couture, and Karen Harding x Samsung to boot!

Category finalists: Michaela Bodden; Ashley Cockrell; Rosie Jones; Josh Woodman, Eden Hair and Beauty

“A SELF-MOTIVATED GO-GETTER ACHIEVING INCREDIBLE CREDITS AND SHARING GREAT WORK” – 2023 JUDGE

Norman Boulton Not Another Salon WINNER: The Salon Stylist

Senior stylist and educator at Not Another Salon in London, Norman’s career behind the chair is skyrocketing! Earlier this year, he graduated as a L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Colour Specialist, earning him serious kudos as a colour technician, and he’s fully booked with clients from across the UK and beyond. He’s put real work into his Instagram profile, too, garnering more than 56,000 followers – it’s where a staggering 80 per cent of his new clients find him! So popular is his work, Norman’s even sold out a run of vivid colour education courses in the UK and US.

“I WROTE IN MY ENTRY ABOUT HAIRDRESSERS BEING HEALERS AND I REALLY BELIEVE THAT’S WHAT WE ARE. IT MEANS SO MUCH TO ME TO WIN THIS AWARD, I ACTUALLY CAN’T BELIEVE IT!

“IMPRESSIVE AND ON POINT” – 2023 JUDGE

Category finalists: Elle Foreman, Tribe Clapham; Maria McCormick, Paint & Powder; Francesco Merico, Trevor Sorbie; Emy Roccabella, Danilo Hair Boutique

Birte Klintworth Radio WINNER: The Visionary

Birte is an exceptionally busy hair professional, but she’s adept at juggling her responsibilities; seamlessly splitting her time between client appointments and team education at Radio in London, where she works, and providing training sessions for Davines. As part of Radio’s artistic team, she creates collections for the salon and manages editorial projects, too. Strongly influenced by the power and beauty of nature, authenticity and minimalism, hair is art to Birte: “I have a deep appreciation for hair from a broader perspective and treat it as a medium for artistic projects,” she says.

Category finalists: Edoardo Colasanti, Trevor Sorbie; Emy Roccabella, Danilo Hair Boutique; Roman Sys, Brooks & Brooks; Frazer Wallace, THE HAUS STUDIO

“FIVE-STAR” – 2023 JUDGE

Miles Twist Architect Hair WINNER: The One to Watch

Six years into his hairdressing career, and Miles has already racked up some awe-inspiring accomplishments, from assisting session stylists including mentor Adam Garland as well as Guido Palau and Eugene Souleiman, to travelling the globe showcasing original hair creations and leading international workshops for professional product brands. Not everyone is good at finding a balance, but Miles has mastered the dual professional life, which includes managing a “robust column” in his role as creative director at Architect Hair in Leeds alongside a busy schedule on the session circuit, juggling major editorial projects and high-profile runway shows.

Category finalists: Conor James Doyle, Conor James Education; Georgia Freeman, Q Cut; Sophie-Rose Goldsworthy, Goldsworthy’s Hairdressing; Christopher Laird, November Collective; Jack Mead, Jack & the Wolfe; Annabel Payne, TONI&GUY; Emy Roccabella, Danilo Hair Boutique; Roman Sys, Brooks & Brooks; Emma Vickery, Percy & Reed

“I AM GRATEFULINCREDIBLY TO HAVE WON THIS AWARD, AND I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT THE NEXT YEAR HAS IN STORE”

“GREAT PASSIONATE,SKILLS, TALENTED AND DRIVEN” – 2023 JUDGE

YOU OWN MWIT

LIGHTS, MUSIC, CAMERAS, ACTION! THE ATMOSPHERE AT THE MOST WANTED AND IT LIST GRAND FINAL IS UNDENIABLY ELECTRIC, BUT IT’S THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE IT TRULY SPECTACULAR. IT’S THE GATHERING OF FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND TEAM, RECONNECTING WITH FAMILIAR FACES AND MEETING UP WITH COLLEAGUES PAST AND PRESENT, WHO MAY JUST HAVE ALTERED THE COURSE OF YOUR CAREER.

SO, WHILE THIS YEAR’S GUESTS CLINKED COCKTAIL GLASSES, DELIGHTED AT DINNER AND WHOOPED THEIR WAY THROUGH THE AWARD CEREMONIES, WE TURNED THE CAMERA ON THEM TO CAPTURE THE MAGIC OF MWIT

Photography: Lily Craigen

Toasting a great night with Katie Hale and David McNeil

We tip our hat to you too, Tom Chapman

Lauren Bell giving bags of glamour

THEY RUN THIS TOWN

Creative HEADliners, Annie May Byrne Noonan, Amanda Nottage and Catherine Handcock

Sophie Duker, award-winning stand-up comedian, star of Channel 4’s Taskmaster and professional audience wrangler

Shake your tail feather, Lan Nguyen-Grealis

Always on point, Dexter Dapper Johnson

Clink-clink, Kathryn Dartnell

I JUST WANT YOUR EXTRA TIME AND YOUR KISS

the love

Daniel Massarella and Sarah Black, Amirah Ara and Adrianna Seagrave, and Georgia Freeman – all sharing

Millie Braham and Gabriella Coralini spotting all the talent

Top table bants from Craig Glawer Parvin, Charlie Blyth Lafferty and Peter Mellon

BE STILL OUR BEATING HEARTS…

Ellie Sear and Mary Milner from Massarella + Jones, fresh from the stage

Giving great smoulder.

Anton Jones and Claire Martin

It’s a giggle a minute with Emma-Jayne Ross and Alison McRitchie

ghd’s Rheanna Wood, Sarah Dixon, Rosie Myles, Nicole Croly, Grant Williams with stage-storming models Sofie, Idunn, Natasha, Caitlin, Fetoma and Jana

Smiles all round from Monica Lizunaite, Amy Cohen and Helena Antonia Silva

MADE YOU LOOK

EX-ceptional attire from Exaucé Imbo, delivering on the dress code

A last glance from Robyn Cummins and Hannah Jafferji

HEAD ONLINE TO SEE MORE FROM THE SHOOT

I AM GIANT

MOST WANTED LEGEND TITLES GO TO INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE WON A CATEGORY THREE TIMES, DEMONSTRATING THEIR SUPREME GREATNESS. THIS YEAR, FOUR INCREDIBLE TALENTS TOOK THE TROPHIES HOME – LET'S MEET THEM

LEGEND

Anna Cofone

Independent Stylist winner 2020, 2021, 2022

Called upon by names from Lana Del Rey to Claudia Schiffer, publications including Vogue, Dazed, and Wallpaper*, as well as brands such as Isabel Marant, Gucci, NET-A-PORTER, and Sephora, Anna’s wide-reaching artistry is nothing short of sublime. But that’s not all, her heart is as big as her talent – she recently launched HAIR&CARE, dedicated to empowering visually impaired individuals. An industry gem, and now a Most Wanted Legend.

LEGEND

Jody Taylor

Men’s Hair Specialist winner 2018, 2020, 2022

Jody is a revolutionary talent in the men’s market, responsible for creating styles that become cult. He has an eye for the effortlessly cool, which has attracted brands such as JORDANLUCA, Vetements and Matches Fashion, titles from Interview to Man About Town, and high-profile names including Emma D’Arcy, Jack O’Connell and Callum Turner. Fuelling the fire of other barbers and men’s hair stylists, he also set up Leftside Creative, a talent agency to give these artists a platform to reach their full potential in the fashion world. Proof that nice guys finish first, not last.

Eugene Souleiman

2013, 2018, 2022

An artist in no need of introduction, Eugene’s limitless creativity has inspired generations of hair professionals, and every one of his creations is an art form, pushing the boundaries of sculpture, texture, and colour. In demand by the world’s most visionary names, including Jean Paul Gaultier, Maison Margiela, Yohji Yamamoto, and Off-White, and gracing cover after cover, and campaign after campaign with his unique aesthetic, Eugene is innovation personified.

Mark Woolley

2016, 2019, 2022

Mark’s business brain is always a beat ahead. His brand, Electric, is supercharged by three salons, a London members club, education, products, and events, all bringing together creatives across the industry and beyond. Meanwhile, the Falmer Court head office is a product lab, a farm for ingredients, a studio, and a source of water for manufacturing! A true forward-thinker, Mark understands how to keep things current, and that’s what makes him a Business Thinker Legend.

Hair Icon winner

Business Thinker winner

Rafael Pavarotti for Vogue Italia

ALL OF THE STARS

For more than two decades, Creative HEAD’s Most Wanted Awards have celebrated the remarkable efforts and achievements of the entire professional hair community across the UK and Ireland, bestowing trophies to the finest and most awe-inspiring talents. We’re talking the exceptional educators, creatively curious, beautiful spaces, terrific teams, eco warriors, business brains, texture teasers, and the downright iconic.

In 2023, supported by a superb line-up of hairdressing and business brands – our Most Wanted sponsors – and in a record-breaking year for entries, another 16 of the brightest stars on the hairdressing scene were crowned. This outstanding lot deserves all the hero worship we can throw at them – it’s the skills, the new ideas and the passion they bring to everything they do, that’s so impressive and exciting.

So, bravo to the very best!

Naomi Brooks For The Hair Sanctuary Training Group

WINNER: Award for Innovation

The Hair Sanctuary provides knowledge and skills around textured haircare for children in foster care, working in partnership with local councils and foster homes. “When children are placed with foster carers from different ethnic backgrounds, they struggle to care for their hair, and carers struggle to advise and support them due to lack of experience,” Naomi explains. The company’s aim is to ensure that Black and mixed heritage children in care feel accepted, encouraged, and proud of their identity.

Category finalists: Louis Byrne for I Can I Am and I Will; Tom Chapman for The Power of Pop-ups; Maddi Cook for Boss Your Profits; Ruth Lundstrom for The Freelance Suite

“UNIQUE, BESPOKE AND SPECIAL”

– 2023 JUDGE

Massarella + Jones

Leamington Spa WINNER: Best New Salon

The brainchild of owners Jordan Massarella and Ben Jones, Massarella + Jones first opened its doors in Warwick in the midst of lockdown but just 16 months later, with clients flocking through the doors and a growing team, the duo began expansion plans and in December 2022, they relocated to a bigger Leamington Spa location. In a nod to its period surroundings, the interior sports Regency-inspired details but with a contemporary twist. Eclectic, homely, cosy and comfortable with a flair of fun, the touches throughout the salon have been carefully curated to make those that enter feel welcomed and leave inspired.

Category finalists: Buller and Rice, London; douce, Cambridge; Haug London Haus, London; House of Bad Apple, Birmingham

“IT SOUNDS REALLY CLICHÉ, BUT WE WEREN’T EXPECTING THIS AT ALL. EVERY SINGLE SALON IN THE CATEGORY WITH US WAS SERIOUSLY AMAZING. WE WANT TO THANK OUR ENTIRE TEAM, WE LOVE YOU”

“LOVED EVERYTHING” – 2023 JUDGE

Linton & Mac Aberdeen WINNER: Best Client Experience

Launched in 2015 by Jenn Linton and Joanna MacDonald, Linton & Mac prides itself on offering an “uplifting, contemporary and vibrant” salon experience. Complimentary prosecco, cocktails of the season; all can be enjoyed by customers and each appointment includes added time for a consultation, which gives stylists the opportunity to give clients styling tips for home and targeted advice based on their hair and lifestyle. When can we go?

Category finalists: Edward James London, London; Samantha Cusick London, London; STIL, London; YOKE, Plymouth

“REALLY GREAT ENERGY”

– 2023 JUDGE

Lee Nash-Jones and Rob White Nashwhite

WINNER: Business Thinker

“WE’RE SO EXCITED”

Lee Nash-Jones and Rob White started their brand Nashwhite in 2010. Fast-forward 13 years and they have two destination spaces in Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon, 30 employees and a turnover in the millions. Their largest location, the Heist House, opened in 2021 as the “ultimate community destination”, it’s a place where stylists, clients, freelancers, and locals mix. A synergy of hair, coffee, yoga, events, photography, work, and hair education, it’s the community that creates the space, and the fresh concept has boosted business profits, too.

Category finalists: Pedro Inchecko and Johnny Othona, Ena Salon; Colin McAndrew, Nuala Morey, Nuala Morey; Nicholas Nicola, Allertons

“SO IMPRESSED BY THEIR VALUES AND VISION” – 2023 JUDGE

The Head Gardener Inverness

WINNER: Best Local Salon

At this hot spot in the Scottish Highlands, you’ll find promises on the wall for clients including messages of kindness, patience, and compassion. The Head Gardener has a decade-long relationship with the Highland Hospice, which the salon supports through fundraising and in-patient hair services. There is also a VIP room with a private entrance for vulnerable and anxious clients and an annual charity fashion show has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to date. This salon truly gives back to the community.

Category finalists: Buller and Rice, London; The Hair Base, Gorleston; McGills Hairdressing, Edinburgh; Medusa, Edinburgh

“TOUCHED MY HEART TO THE POINT I CRIED”

– 2023 JUDGE

Grace DalgleishWINNER: Colour Expert

Grace doesn’t play by the rules with colour, instead favouring hue combinations that clash and stand out from the crowd. “I believe that we shouldn’t be limited to just a tint brush,” she says, which is how her Process Paint technique began. From London Fashion Week to editorial work, Grace always strives to create something new and dynamic.

Category finalists: Jordanna Cobella, Cobella; Daniel Couch, Russell Eaton; Harriet Stokes; Lydia Wolfe, Jack & the Wolfe

“IT’S AN ABSOLUTE HONOUR TO WIN THIS AWARD FOR A SECOND YEAR IN A ROW! I’M SUPER PROUD OF THE PEOPLE I’VE BEEN COLLABORATING WITH, AND IT HAS REALLY PUSHED ME.”

“INSPIRED” – 2023 JUDGE

Image: Cut by Nick Irwin for Schwarzkopf Professional Essential Looks

Photography by Aris Akritidis for INFRINGE magazine

Photography by Aris Akritidis for INFRINGE magazine

Ena Salon London WINNER: Best Salon Team

Ena Salon was opened in 2009 by Johnny Othona and Pedro Inchecko. Last year, they introduced a Kindness campaign to change salon culture and improve wellbeing. It included life-coaching for the leadership team, teaching them how to lead their teams with passion and purpose, in-house nutritionists, financial advice, and much more. Ena also offers ways for the team to connect and grow physically via activities such as hiking and wild swimming.

Category finalists: Architect Hair, Leeds; Bloggs Salons, Bristol; Fry + Dean, London; Samantha Cusick London, London

“EVERY TEAM MEMBER IS CONSIDERED AND NURTURED” – 2023 JUDGE

Anne Veck

WINNER: Hair Trend

If Elvira from Scarface embraced pretty pastels, this is the look she’d rock. Both iconic and forward-facing, it’s a finish you can predict will be all over clients’ Pinterest boards. The blend, the bevel-edged bottom, the beauty – Anne nailed it.

Category finalists: Grace Dalgleish; Adam Garland; Rudi Rizzo, Sanrizz; Darrel Starkey, Taylor’s Hair Studio

“I DIDN’T EXPECT THIS. I’M REALLY HAPPY AND REALLY PROUD”

“PERFECT”

– 2023 JUDGE

Grace Dalgleish

Billi Currie

WINNER: Creative Talent

An editorial colourist, global educator, and creative director at Billi Currie, Grace’s mission is two-pronged: to help hairdressers open their minds to colour, and to tailor services to her clients. This has already been a huge year for Grace, who worked on the Schwarzkopf Professional Essential Looks campaign and was named ambassador for yuv. Now, she has two Most Wanted wins to add to a major list of accomplishments!

“SUPER-FRESH WORK”

–

2023 JUDGE

Category finalists: Bartek Cass, Smiths Soho; Efi Davies, TONI&GUY Academy; Danilo Giangreco, Danilo Hair Boutique; Richard Phillipart, The Boutique Atelier

Photography by Aris Akritidis for INFRINGE

Photography by Aris Akritidis for INFRINGE magazine

Conor James Doyle

WINNER: Education Expert

Dunlavin-based Conor is on a mission to fix education for neurodiverse hairdressers. “I have found 55 per cent of our industry is diagnosed with, or can relate to, neurodiversity,” he says. He’s lectured at schools and industry events to talk about awareness, coping mechanisms and provides fun, alternative approaches to education so every stylist can learn, no matter what.

Category finalists: Chris Foster; Sarah-Louise Keane, SLK Education; Laura Leigh Kerr, Rainbow Room Academy; Harriet Stokes

Conor James Education

“I WAS MEANT TO COME TO LAST YEAR’S AWARDS, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUE TO MENTAL HEALTH, WHICH IS SOMETHING I’VE TAKEN INTO MY EDUCATION, I BELIEVE EDUCATION IS A FUNDAMENTAL PART OF WHAT WE DO. MY JOURNEY IS ABOUT MAKING IT BETTER AND MORE ACCESSIBLE”

“ENERGISING”

– 2023 JUDGE

Chris Foster WINNER: Independent Stylist

Chris has collaborated with Vogue, Fendi, Gucci, Adidas, Christian Dior… the list goes on. He has a plethora of celebrity clients on his books, he’s a pro on the show circuit, and he’s made in-roads in movies, most notably Hollywood blockbuster, Suicide Squad Big jobs aside, Chris’s story is, in his own words, one of “transformation” – a journey that took him from East London rookie to top celebrity stylist.

“I’M SO EXCITED TO WIN THIS AWARD BECAUSE… I’M A BARBER! THIS MEANS SO MUCH TO ME”

“INCREDIBLE COMMITMENT TO THE INDUSTRY”

– 2023 JUDGE

Category finalists: Louis Byrne; Laura Chadwick; Lisa Farrall; Adam Garland

Adam Reed WINNER: Session Stylist

CREATIVE”

He may have brought a new product range to market and a new salon to town, but Adam’s still found the time to uphold his session styling credentials. Editorial credits include ELLE, i-D, InStyle, Nylon, Sunday Times Style and Vogue, and he’s worked for big brands such as Agent Provocateur, Boodles, Diptyque, Erdem and Harvey Nichols. Add to the wow- factor collaborations with iconic photographers David Bailey, Nick Knight and Annie Leibovitz, and an A-list clientele listing the likes of Diane Kruger, Madonna, and Sarah Jessica Parker, and you have a first-class session styling stalwart.

Category finalists: Luke Hersheson; Eugene Souleiman; Rio Sreedharan; Anthony Turner

"AT SCHOOL, I WAS TOLD I WOULD NEVER DO ANYTHING WITH MY HANDS, AND THAT BEING CREATIVE WASN’T ‘A CAREER’. CREATIVITY IS WHAT REALLY DRIVES ME AND MAKES ME THE HAIRDRESSER I AM; IT MAKES ME SO PROUD. THIS IS FOR EVERY DESIGNER, STYLIST AND MAKE-UP ARTIST WHO TOOK A CHANCE ON ME AND GAVE ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET

“SUPER-TALENTED, HARDWORKING, AND CREATOR OF ICONIC STYLES” – 2023 NOMINATOR

Chris Foster

WINNER: Men’s Hair Specialist

From Hackney to Harrods, Chris has experienced many different hair environments throughout his career. Despite plentiful accolades, including working with top designers on shoots and runway shows, education and mentorship remain his personal pillars. “I believe in sharing my knowledge and experience with the next generation, fostering their growth and encouraging their journeys,” he says.

“SO INSPIRING” – 2023 JUDGE

Category finalists: Charlie Cullen; Tariq Howes, Avenue Male Grooming; Dexter Dapper Johnson, TONI&GUY; Rino Riccio, Manifesto

Lorraine Naughton OB-1 Hair

WINNER: Sustainability Hero

OB-1 Hair in Maynooth has deep-dived into its recycling this year, establishing individual bins for hair, PPE, plastic, metal, and colour. As a result, it has smashed its goal of sending zero waste to landfill. A €2 green fee across all salon services funds its sustainability journey and makes clients aware of green goals. Even hair waste is reused – being made into booms to clean up oil spills. Five green stars!

Category finalists: Stephen Buller and Anita Rice, Buller and Rice; Nicole Hewitt, The Salon Of Chi; Lois Mant, Muse Hairdressing; Laraine Rose, Twelve Hair Design

“I AM BEYOND PROUD TO WIN THIS AWARD, AND ESPECIALLY AS A FIRST-TIME ENTRANT. I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT THE FUTURE BRINGS”

“EFFECTING A HUGE AMOUNT OF CHANGE” – 2023 JUDGE

Lisa Farrall

WINNER: Texture Expert

Lisa is on a hair equality mission, with the aim of seeing all salons and stylists educated in all hair textures. She’s passionate about teaching others how to work with every hair type through her brand WIG London, taking training into colleges and hair businesses all over the world. In addition to education, Lisa is in demand by some of the globe’s biggest names, having styled the likes of Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, and Harry Styles, is a regular on film sets and you may have even spotted her in front of the camera as a judge on E4’s series, The Big Blow Out

“IT’S BEEN SUCH A JOURNEY, JUST TO BE ABLE TO USE MY PLATFORM TO EDUCATE OTHERS TO PUT HAIR EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY AT THE FOREFRONT OF EVERYTHING WE DO. BUT IT’S IMPORTANT THAT WE DON’T TAKE SPACE, WE CREATE SAFE SPACES, SO THANK YOU TO CREATIVE HEAD FOR CREATING SUCH AN AUTHENTIC SPACE.”

“INDUSTRY SHAKING” – 2023 JUDGE

Category finalists: Vivi Dague, Stanley Watts Greenwich; Rianna Henry; Tariq Howes, Avenue Male Grooming; Claire Martin

Duffy WINNER: Hair Icon

Duffy got his grounding in hair with a three- year apprenticeship at Vidal Sassoon – a start most budding stylists can only dream of. Thereafter, he was taken under the wing of stylist icon Eugene Souleiman, who showed him the work that can be achieved outside the salon doors, work that now includes countless international fashion week team leads and cover shoots, most recently for Vogue Italia and Dazed. Youth and subcultures inform Duffy’s acclaimed work, his muses are diverse. We’re thrilled to reward this fine artist with Most Wanted’s top trophy.

Category finalists: Sally Brooks; Errol Douglas MBE; Gary Gill; Cyndia Harvey; Syd Hayes; Sophia Hilton; Cos Sakkas; Anthony Turner

“TIMELESS ART THAT WILL INFLUENCE GENERATIONS TO COME” – 2023 JUDGE

Image: Mark Jacobs A/W22, image courtesy of Marc Jacobs

Image: Rick Owens A/W23, photographed by Mathieu Rainaud

Image: i-D Spring 2023, photographed by David Sims

MORE THE MERRIER

It may have been a wrap on the Most Wanted and It List Awards trophy-giving, but the Grand Final merriment continued up on the Turbine Hall Bridge, where funloving guests quaffed late-night Negronis and threw colourful shapes listening to MWIT-hot tunes.

A wonderful way to celebrate new stars, living Legends and the industry we all champion and adore. Let’s party!

BRING IT BACK – WATCH THE GRAND FINAL VIDEO!

ALL THE FEELS

AN EVENT OF THIS MAGNITUDE RELIES

UPON HUGE AMOUNTS OF TIME, EFFORT, INVESTMENT, CREATIVITY, PATIENCE, LOVE AND SUPPORT – NOT TO MENTION SHEER HARD GRAFT. THERE ARE SO MANY AWESOME PEOPLE WE’D LIKE TO THANK…

Our magnificent Most Wanted sponsors: ALFAPARF Milano Professional, Allilon Education, Avlon, BaByliss PRO, Great Lengths, JOICO, L’Oréal Professionnel Paris, Olaplex, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Vagaro, Wella Professionals, and yuv – we couldn’t do any of this fabulousness without you; the brilliant and electrifying ghd, for everything you do for the love of the It List – including delivering double the dazzle at the top of this year’s show; the spectacular Sophie Duker – our thoroughly “modern comedian” – funny, cool and our new comedy crush; the Tate Modern – special shoutouts to Bree and Nathan – you were a joy to work with and treated the event like one of your own; Tate Eats, for putting on a sensational and ’Gram-worthy culinary experience for our guests; Richard, Chris, Claire and all the team at White Light for bringing MWIT and smashing our expectations; Antony and Sandy – up front and backstage, you held us – and it – all together; the outstanding Clockwise Film crew – big up “Mr Belfast” – for grade-A video content, camera angles, on-site sizzles and all the giggles; our quartet of quite brilliant photographers –Jon Bradley, Lily Craigen, Andy Lane, and Sarah Seal; Midton Acrylics for 24 gleaming trophies; FE Burman for stand-out tickets and programmes; the Creative HEAD threesome out front – Catherine Handcock, Annie May Byrne Noonan and Amanda Nottage, all lighting up the stage; Christel Barron-Hough and Ryan Humpage (Stil) and Samantha Cusick (Stā Studios) for ensuring our hosts’ tresses were top-notch; Tricia Woolston, our trusted HMUA with heart as well as talent; the most dreamy in-house team – this year, togetherness RULED –and it showed; our 2023 judges and nominators – dozens and dozens of powerful people, giving up their time to uncover our stars; all of our gorgeous guests, coming together with us to celebrate such an important occasion; and finally, every single Most Wanted and It List finalist – trophy or no trophy, we hope your MWIT experience was as special to you as you are to us.

Photo: Jenya Steanson for White Light