The winner of the #BHABursary26 has officially been revealed as Kayleigh Byrne, stylist at Tribe Clapham, marking a major milestone in her journey towards the 2026 British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional.
Commenting on her win Kayleigh told us: “Winning the BHA bursary has truly left me lost for words. For a long time, I didn’t believe I was good enough to showcase my own work. I lacked confidence and wasn’t sure how to take risks. Over the past year, I’ve learned how important it is to step outside my comfort zone and tell my own story. Entering competitions like this not only expands your knowledge of the hair industry, but also helps you discover who you are.”
Designed to champion emerging and regional creative talent, the #BHABursary26 offers funding, expert mentorship and high-profile industry exposure, providing a powerful platform for stylists preparing to compete at one of the most prestigious events in British hairdressing. Delivered in partnership with Schwarzkopf Professional, the #BHABursary26 continues its mission to remove barriers for rising professionals entering the Regional or Newcomer of the Year categories. This initiative not only supports creative excellence but actively invests in the future of competitive hairdressing.
Mark Moloney Managing Director of British Hairdressing Awards, explained: “Kayleigh’s journey is a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination that exists within the next generation of hairdressers. The #BHABursary was created to open doors for emerging talent, and Kayleigh embodies everything this initiative stands for - creativity, passion and perseverance. We’re incredibly proud to support her as she takes this exciting next step onto the British Hairdressing Awards stage.”
Mert Eren, General Manager for Henkel Consumer Brands Hair Professional UK & Ireland at Schwarzkopf Professional, added: “At Schwarzkopf Professional, we are committed to championing the future of hairdressing by nurturing new talent and providing meaningful opportunities for growth. Kayleigh’s story is a testament to the transformative power of our industry. We’re delighted to support her journey through the #BHABursary and look forward to seeing her creative vision come to life.”
A Programme Built for Success
At the heart of the #BHABursary26 is personalised mentorship from Schwarzkopf Global Ambassador, Nick Irwin.
As an internationally respected creative leader, Nick will guide the Kayleigh through the process of building a strong, cohesive and competition-ready collection. His mentorship begins with refining the creative direction, helping the stylist define a theme that is original, culturally relevant and aligned with current industry trends, while still showcasing their technical strengths and signature style.
The mentorship programme includes:
- Theme development and visual storytelling refinement
- Strategic model selection
- Hair design structure and styling direction
- Creative team assembly
- Shoot planning and execution
- Final image editing and selection
The ultimate aim is not simply to create beautiful hair, but to build a powerful visual narrative that stands out at judging and positions Kayleigh as a serious contender.
One-Day Pre-Shoot Inspiration Experience
To strengthen preparation ahead of the official shoot, Kayleigh will take part in a dedicated one-day pre-shoot inspiration session. This immersive experience allows creative concepts to be refined before shooting begins.
Financial Support to Remove Creative Barriers
The #BHABursary26 provides financial support to cover the cost of the Kayleigh's collection shoot for a Regional or Newcomer of the Year entry. By investing directly in production, the programme enables our winner to prioritise their creativity. Kayleigh will also receive extensive media visibility through HJI, including:
- Editorial coverage in HJ magazine
- Feature placement on hji.co.uk
- Promotion across HJ’s digital and social channels
As part of the prize, Kayleigh will also receive two tickets to attend the 2026 ceremony of the British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, a defining moment in the professional hairdressing calendar.
More than a prize, #BHABursary26 is a launchpad giving a rising stylist the creative confidence, professional guidance and industry visibility needed to compete at the highest level. Congratulations to our #BHABursary26 winner, Kayleigh - the road to the British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, begins now.
