In what seems like a fleeting time, we are coming to the end of 2025. As we welcome the new year, all attention is on what 2026 must bring. For HJI’s Season of Giving, we have decided to take a look at some of the hair industry leaders’ New Year’s resolutions.
Josh Woodman, Denman Creative and Session Stylist
“So, I got into working backstage for shows when I was only 18. I just started assisting on any photoshoot or Fashion Week show that would have me. I was a pin passer but I was learning techniques that nobody else in my salon knew. Have a goal to learn from as many hairdressers as you can. I would say anyone looking to get into show work should look at who inspires them and shoot them a message to ask if they can assist. If not there's always opportunities at LFW so keep your eyes on @assisting_work as there there's always opportunities there!
I'm super lucky to be a part of James Earnshaw's team so I currently get to travel the world doing shows for Wella. I've been very fortunate in my career to have worked on shows like the X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, Strictly Come Dancing. I've worked with bands such as the 1975 and Bastille and done almost every Fashion Week going. I think seeking out diverse opportunities is really important, so that you can see which area of hair you really enjoy.
To master show work I would say, learn as much as you can when it comes to styling, as most of the time you are not allowed to cut models hair without clearing it with the agency first.The skill is making the best hair possible with what you have to work with and learning all hair types and textures. Learn everything from curly textured hair to pixies to a big bouncy blowdry that lasts all day.
Invest in your kit and make sure that you have the most versatile kit you possibly can. I have brushes and combs ln every shape and size. In my opinion Denman have the best quality brushes for the best price point. Everyone has personal favourites that they never go on a job without, for example I have a Denman Style & Shine Brush which is golddust, a tiny ponytail brush that I was gifted in China, my Denman Vent Brush, my first ever lucky comb I got when I was 16 which is a Denman Large Cutting Comb, which is so battered but I still love it, and the Denman Head Hugger's in each size which come absolutely everywhere with me. I could do a full kit breakdown, but it would be quite the essay!
Show work is an incredible experience, make it a New Year’s Resolution for your career and you won’t regret it”
Nilofer Aydinli, Director at Enki Towels
“Sustainability and encouraging salon efficiency is at the core of Enki and we hope to gain more customers in the UK and continue with our global expansion plans”
Tracey Ann Smith, Creative Director at MOOD and Coloraqua:
Personally, my New Year's resolutions are to:
1. Try meditation
2. To get my Padel rating up to a 2.5
3. To try and give myself more grace - I'm very hard on myself!
From a business/career perspective, my resolutions are:
1. To scale up on Creative Director Opportunities with MOOD and Coloraqua. I hope to do more
industry shows, brand collaborations and guest artist appearances.
2. Produce a signature creative collection for MOOD this year to submit for PR and industry
publications.
3. Build community & industry impact by supporting events and charity initiatives and continuing to champion young stylists through mentorship.
Safy Burton, Safy B’s in Aylesbury
“I don’t normally make personal resolutions, but as a salon going into 2026 we’re really focused on working together to hit our targets bigger and better than ever - more growth, more wins, and doing it as a team.”
Brian Leo McCallum, Owner of ROAR Salons
“Next year, I’d like to be more present on social media and share a bit more of what we get up to at ROAR Hair & Beauty. I’m also really excited to focus on ROAR:Ed, a new education project for ROAR that I’m really passionate about. And who knows - 2026 might even be the year for another salon!”
