The Judges
Ashleigh Hodges
Unapologetically female, Ashleigh Hodges is fighting the good fight in the world of hair. a highly vibrating colourist, she identifies with the issues of today and uses her platform to call out much-needed change.
Connecting the dots between hairdressing, sustainability and inclusiveness, Ashleigh’s talents in understanding cultural value are covetable by brands, the press and her peers. Head of Diversity at the Fellowship for British Hairdressing Ashleigh is committed to a future she believes in. An interdisciplinary creative, Ashleigh executes at a high level. Global Ambassador for Davines, international educator, business owner, session stylist, mentor, friend and salon stylist, sustainability is at the core of everything Ashleigh believes in. International campaigns, educational seminars, and photographic shoots, her hairdotcom business is the reflection of what a powerful female can achieve when doing things her way.
Ateh Jewel
Dr Ateh Jewel is a multi-award winning journalist, presenter and social commentator. Ateh has been in the industry for 20 years specialising in beauty, social commentary and campaigning for more diversity in the beauty industry.
Ateh has written for titles such as Vogue, Sunday Times Style & Financial Times, to name a few. Ateh was also awarded the CEW 2020 Achiever Award to honour her diversity work for the past 20 years in the beauty industry and appointed Ambassador of the British Beauty Council. Alongside her commercial work, Ateh also helps support and rocket fuel Black and Mixed heritage students in Higher Education working with Oxford University, UAL, Bristol and Solent University through the Dr. Ateh Jewel Education Foundation.
Brandon Messinger
Hailing from some of London's top salons and mentored by hairdressing royalty, Brandon brings passion and creativity to the table. With a keen eye and attention to detail, Brandon prides himself on his precision in execution and the quality of his craftsmanship.AWARDS Americas Live fashion best texture artist 2024 Tribute The One For Afro Winner 2022 Fellowship - F.A.M.E. Team 2020 7x British Hairdressing Award Finalist Wella Trend Vision Award - Grand Finalist 2017, 2018 & 2019 Wella Trend Vision Award - Creative Artist Silver Winner UK 2018 & 2019 Wella Generation Now Team - 2017 Alternative Hair Show Finalist -2017/2018 & 2019 Best Of The Best - Best International Collection Finalist 2019.
Charlie Cullen
Charlie Cullen is an award-winning celebrity men’s groomer and international educator. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Charlie has previously held roles at Toni & Guy as an International Artistic Director and Head of Men's Education. He has worked on international campaigns and collaborated with leading brands such as Apple, Fred Perry, Adidas, Church’s, and A-ColdWall. Charlie regularly works with talent in the film, television, and music industries and has led teams for numerous men's shows at London Fashion Week. He divides his career into three key areas: grooming, education, and salon work.
Charlotte Cliff
Charlotte is a content creator and nail artist with more than 158k Instagram followers. She has over 10 years of experience and found her passion by chance after the birth of her son. Her gorgeous creations are creative, intricate and true ART.
Clare Hansford
With over 18 years of experience, Clare’s journey began as an apprentice, and since then she has excelled at every level within the company. Her dedication to her craft is evident in her commitment to ensuring each client looks and feels their best. Beyond hair colour and cutting, Clare extends her expertise to fashion, skincare, and overall well-being, embodying a holistic approach to beauty. A firm believer in lifelong learning, Clare is also a trained makeup artist, having studied at the London College of Fashion. Her passion for fashion is palpable; whether she’s backstage at Fashion Week, imparting session skills to the Headmasters team, or collaborating on photo shoots and morning TV appearances, As the lead stylist for Headmasters’ main annual campaign and blow-dry collection, Clare continues to push boundaries and set trends, solidifying her position as a visionary in the industry.
Craig Purves
Craig knew at the age of 4 that hairdressing was his calling but he had no idea where it would take him! He’s been in the industry now for 37 years and in that time he went from classical training to the “cool Britannia” 90’s then onto 10 years at the helm of his own successful SoHo salon. 12 years on, he’s still behind the chair seeing clients as well as creating content for “The World of Craig”, his education based YouTube channel. You can also find him on the hair team responsible for everything from live music events, red carpets and film and television. Craig’s the first to admit he’s a bit of a nerd at heart so he also enjoys his freelance R&D work with a few global colour houses.
Desmond Murray
Desmond Murray is an Award Winning hairdresser and photographer. Throughout his career, Desmond has constantly pushed himself to achieve new heights and as a result is now being recognized for his dedication, passion and creative work in both hairdressing and photography. Already housed securely in British Hairdressing Awards ‘Hall Of Fame’ in recognition of his award winning hair artistry, 2009 found Desmond accepting an additional award from the British Hairdressing Awards citing him Mens Hairdresser of the Year. This was followed by an international award from the A.I.P.P. which named Desmond Murrays Avant Garde Collection of the Year’. This being an accolade not only for his hairdressing skills but his dexterity as an award-winning photographer.
Dylan McConnachie
I’m Dylan McConnachie TV Star of E4s The Big Blow Out, GLOBAL Hairdresser of The Year and International Hairdresser of The Year Finalist 2024, 3X BHA Avant Garde Hairdresser of The Year, and hairstylist to the Stars of Made In Chelsea, Love Island and Married at First Sight. Air Touch Balayage Colour Expert and Men’s colour Expert Winner 2021 and 2022.
Ed Moss
Session stylist and Headmasters educator with over 20 years of experience, specialising in textured hair and colour techniques. I have worked in fashion shows, editorial shoots, high-profile campaigns and winning multi awards including being part of The F.A.M.E Team 2023 and winning Loreal Colour trophy Afro Award 2024.
Erica Liburd
Erica Liburd is a Cross Cultural Curl Specialist, Educator and Advocate for textured hair education in the UK with nearly 30 years of experience in the industry. Other than running a successful multi cultural salon, a core element of Erica’s business is the “Texture Unravelled“ Education and Campaign. Her passion and purpose has not only been recognised amongst her peers but by King Charles III who recognised her contribution to small businesses in November 2022 when invited to an evening reception with him at Buckingham Palace. She is now a member of The Princes Trust Cultural Awareness Network (CAN).
Gareth Williams
Gareth’s extensive career has seen him working with top beauty press, celebrities and influencers, earning him his reputation as the go-to colourist for lived in looks. Having worked in London’s Mayfair for more than a decade, Gareth also headed up the colour direction for one of the UK’s largest salon groups; a role which anchored his status within the industry. Gareth loves to create beautiful, bespoke colour and is constantly creating new techniques to educate and innovate. His career has seen him work all over the world, including India, Greece, Norway, Ireland and Sweden, working with iconic brands, on TV, the runway and shoots. You can now find him doing what he loves best, making Instagramable envious colour for his dedicated clientele.
Holly Rudge
With over 20 years in the industry Holly has worked in some of the best salons in London. She’s styled hair for celebrities on magazine shoots and TV shows and now holds a space at a freelance studio where you’ll find her booked up months in advance creating beautiful wearable hair. She’s been working on her Instagram profile over the last year and has gone from 1k to over 37k, filming hair transformations and content which appeals to her wide client base. Preferring to work with hair in its natural texture A good blow dry primer followed by a defining serum are kit essentials along with a medium round brush just in case!
Kenneth Soh
Kenneth Soh is a London-based makeup artist. Growing up in Asia, Kenneth studied art and fashion before relocating to London to focus on makeup. Since then, Soh’s dynamic experience coupled with his fusion of Asian and European influences has garnered him the attention of editors and major fashion brands alike, in addition to celebrity clientele such as Naomie Harris, Cara Delevigne, Kerry Washington, Winnie Harlow, Hayley Atwell, Phoebe Dynevor, and Naomi Ackie.Soh has contributed to international publications including Vogue (US, UK, Russia), ELLE (US,UK, Singapore), 10 Magazine, i-D, GQ, and Harper’s Bazaar in collaboration with notable photographers Liz Collins, Emma Tempest, David Slijper, Billie Scheepers, Jon Gorrigan, Matthew Eades, Paul Farrell, Paul Westlake, Simon Burstall, David Burton, James Meakin, and George Harvey.
Mellissa Brown
At age 16 Mellissa keenly pursued her childhood dream of becoming a hairdresser by applying – and being accepted – at the prestigious Vidal Sassoon in London. During her 10 years at Sassoon, learning and honing her craft, she progressed into teaching, and, working alongside Peter Grey, Jon Vial and Billy Currie, she steadily moved into the editorial side of hairdressing. In 2002 Mellissa was accepted into a small agency, and quickly established a presence working in the teen magazine market and newspaper supplements. Her clientele rapidly grew and her career flourished, and has since worked with esteemed photographers such as David Bailey, Mathew Shave and Eamon McAbe on glossy fashion magazines including Marie Claire and Elle. Mellissa branched out into celebrity male grooming, and to date her portfolio includes Take That, McFly, Busted, Niall Horan, Sam Smith and Gordon Ramsay. In 2012 she secured a role as personal hairdresser and groomer for the pop star and TV personality Olly Murs.
Michael Gray
Michael is a leading International hairstylist with 18 years experience, working with some of the biggest hair and beauty brands on their campaign. He also styles for some of the UKs biggest TV shows and renowned for producing high quality social media & video platform content, and delivering International hair masterclasses and sell-out seminars. Work includes Pixie Lott, Sadie Frost, Lorraine, Loose Women and the Cannes Film Festival.
Mira Parmar
Mira Parmar is a freelance Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist based in London. Her work takes her to destinations around the world including New York, South Africa, India, Thailand and Dubai to name a few. She is a perfectionist and takes great pride in her work and has a renowned reputation with an impressive client list that spans the Beauty, Fashion, Advertising, Celebrity, Editorial, Film and Music industries. Having worked with such a diverse range of people gives Mira all the credentials that comes with being a talented, professional Make up Artist and Hair Stylist. Some of her clients include Joanna Lumley, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone, Sony, Panasonic, Vogue, LUX, Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, Cara Delevingne, Suki Waterhouse, Prima, Marie Claire and more.
Nathalie Eleni
Mira Parmar is a freelance Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist based in London. Her work takes her to destinations around the world including New York, South Africa, India, Thailand and Dubai to name a few. She is a perfectionist and takes great pride in her work and has a renowned reputation with an impressive client list that spans the Beauty, Fashion, Advertising, Celebrity, Editorial, Film and Music industries. Having worked with such a diverse range of people gives Mira all the credentials that comes with being a talented, professional Make up Artist and Hair Stylist. Some of her clients include Joanna Lumley, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone, Sony, Panasonic, Vogue, LUX, Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, Cara Delevingne, Suki Waterhouse, Prima, Marie Claire and more.
Nathalie Eleni
Nathalie Eleni isn't just a facialist and makeup artist - she's a magician of radiance. With over 20 years of experience, she's become renowned for her ability to transform skin, leaving clients with an unparalleled glow that camera lenses adore. Her secret is a combination of exceptional skin treatments and masterful makeup artistry. This unique approach has made her a sought-after professional, gracing the faces of high-profile clients before red carpets, photoshoots, and premieres. She is currently doing a residence at Omniya in Knightsbridge as well as being an expert judge at this years salon services awards. Nathalie's expertise extends beyond her touch. Her work has been featured in prestigious publications like American Vogue, The Hollywood Reporter, and Forbes, solidifying her position as a leading voice in the beauty industry. But Nathalie's true magic lies in her dedication to her clients. -this dedication has earned her a loyal following that spans over two decades.
Nicky Pope
Nicky Pope has been a journalist and event organiser in the hair industry for nearly 30 years. She’s UK Publisher for Tribu-te Magazine and owner of Colour World, Respect For Hair and HairClubLive. With a print magazine, websites, social media, podcasts and events in her portfolio of hair-related happenings, she has a broad vision and a keen passion for the UK hairdressing industry.
Pauline Briscoe
London born Pauline is one of the industry’s most renowned self-taught celebrity make-up artists, with a career spanning 20 years. Pauline's hugely successful career has seen her work appear in editorials such as Glamour, Sports Illustrated and Forbes. Her TV experience includes prime time shows such as X Factor, Love Island, The Voice and Strictly Come Dancing. Working with celebrity beauties such as Kelly Rowland, Serena Williams and Jennifer Hudson.
Rachel Valentine
Rachel has been in the hair industry for the last 12 years as a stylist, but also found a passion in education, providing her clients important advice for haircare and scalp health. Rachel is currently training as a trichologist and uses her content creation to share her knowledge with her 100k+ followers across her platforms.
Roxanne Campbell
Roxanne Campbell is a multi-award-winning manicurist and the accomplished owner of both Revarnish London, a mobile nail company, and her own nail care range, Roxanne Campbell Luxury Nail Lacquers. With extensive experience and expertise in the industry, she has created a brand that embodies her passion for luxury and exceptional nail care services. Roxanne has an impressive portfolio, having worked with high-profile clients such as Alicia Keys, Idris Elba, and Dua Lipa, and has collaborated with renowned fashion designers such as Emilia Wickstead, David Koma, and Self-Portrait. Notably, Roxanne was also a nail artist for the athletes during the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Tanahya Grace
Tanahya is a London-based hairdresser with 9 years of expertise. From DIY hair experiments to salon artistry, she specializes in bold contrasts and seamless blends. With a keen eye for client vision and a love for social media trends, Tanahya delivers unique looks with a lived in aesthetic. Recent favourites include playful pigeon and raccoon-inspired colours, revelling in their playful, “trashy” charm.