2025 – what a year it’s been
While creativity has been at its best, business has been under attack with lack of support for small businesses from Government forcing the industry to change the way it works. But it wasn’t all doom and gloom – some hairdressers reflect on the best of the past 12 months.
Dean Lawton Taylor, Trinder Hair Studios, St Albans
Hairdressing in 2025 has been more than I could have imagined it would ever be when I first started to dip my toe in industry. The feeling of achieving the goals and dreams I had set for myself has been amazing, while keeping those goals and dreams evolving for the year ahead. My highlights were winning the Eastern Region at L’Oréal Colour Trophy and then taking third place overall, that has been a goal of mine and taking the win felt incredible. Secondly winning a place on the L’Oréal Pro Edit team was a dream, I had the most amazing time as a part of ID Artist and Pro Edit is the next level. Also being one of the winners for the Fellowship Calligraphy Cut Scholarship, I’m so looking forward to the year ahead. I love the inclusive nature we all have now and I think social media as a whole has really stepped up a gear this year. It’s great to be able to see and connect with so many incredible stylists which keeps the industry more connected and inspired.
Harry Andreou at Studio U, Winchester
Hairdressing in 2025 felt more human than ever! Creative and ambitious, but also honest about the highs and lows that come with caring for people all day. There’s a shift toward wellbeing, sustainability, community. A feeling that we’re not just doing hair, we’re helping people feel worthy and seen. Coming back to hairdressing after walking away in 2020 has been the hardest and best decision I’ve ever made. I spent years feeling like I’d lost my place - and then slowly, piece by piece, found my way back. Opening Studio U in Winchester has been a turning point for me. Not just creating a salon, but rebuilding myself from the ground up. Winning Salon Stylist of the Year and Global Artist of the Year felt like someone whispering “you’re exactly where you’re meant to be” but it’s the everyday moments that have meant the most. Seeing a guest look in the mirror and feel like themselves again. Watching my team grow.Those moments are the real reward.
Michelle Summers Davies, Michelle Davies hair, Goodwick, Pembrokshire
2025 has been bold, busy, and buzzing with creativity. The industry is booming, though rising costs and pressures keep us on our toes. Still, the passion, resilience, and innovation across hairdressing this year have been unmatched. We’ve taken the highs with the lows and kept moving forward, stronger and wiser. For me, entering and shooting for the British Hairdressing Awards pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me the most growth spurt of the year. Having my two best friends and daughter on set made it even more special. Walking on stage as a finalist is always a defining moment, win or not, it’s something to be proud of and a reminder of how far
In 2025 I spoke at a key account event for Matrix & Alan Howard in Manchester, sharing business insights that have since led to the launch of a new Business Mastery course in 2026, something I’m incredibly proud of. I also won many awards including Best Customer Experience which meant a lot to use as we genuinely focus on caring for every single person who walks through our doors, so being recognised for how we make clients feel in the chair was incredibly rewarding.
David Corbett, David Corbett Hairdressing, Bothwell, Glasgow
2025 started with my daughter emigrating to New Zealand to continue to career as a doctor, and watching her develop and grow has been a beautiful privilege. It ended with me winning Scottish Hairdresser of the Year for the second time. I love our industry and what it offers, and I thought Cos Sakkas summed it up perfectly when he spoke at the British Hairdressing Awards - this industry needs young people and we need quality facilities/educators/salons to continue to invest in modern apprenticeships, which I see as the biggest challenge facing the industry over the next few years.”
Helen Keegan, The Hair Movement, Sidcup
“I returned to The Hair Movement salon this year which has been one of my major highlights and I’m happier than ever. Becoming self employed as a co-worker in a successful salon with all the brand, educational and marketing support while having a great work life balance and freedom when needed was the best move I made. 2025 has allowed me to feel free and feed my creativity, whilst being appreciated not just for our craft but the peace and experience we give our guests.”
Georgie Greenslade, The Hair Movement, Sidcup
“I really pushed myself this year, stepping outside of my comfort zone. I took to the stage for the first time at Salon International showcasing my work which was amazing! This year I realised the massive opportunities our industry offers when looking at things differently. There is one way to work, run a salon or evolve in hairdressing.”
