The winner’s secrets: british hairdressing awards 2022, sponsored by schwarzkopf professional

If you've ever wondered what the awards is really like and what it feels like to scoop a silver lady, read on... Some of the winners of the British Hairdressing Awards 2022, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional share their secrets below.  

Cos Sakkas, British Hairdresser of the Year

How did you feel when you won? I was shocked! This was my fifth nomination for British Hairdresser of the Year and to win it with my wife and team there was an amazing feeling. What was the night like? It’s all a bit of blur to be honest! It’s a long day for the British Nominees as we rehearse for our show during the day and work on our model’s hair during the evening, so we can’t really relax until after the Nominees show. It’s always a fun night though, the whole team was there and it’s also the perfect opportunity to see people you’ve not seen for a while. After winning British Hairdresser of the Year I got so many hugs and nice words, but I was in such shock! I didn’t get to bed until the next day so I’d say it was a pretty good night – well, the bits I can remember! How has the aftermath been? The response has been incredible, my phone didn’t stop pinging for at least a week with wishes from hairdressers and publications around the world. I’ve never known anything like it! I’ve been interviewed by journalists from the Netherlands to New Zealand, and it’s an honour to be able to use my voice for the industry. Share a fact from the shoot or the Awards night that people might not know... We shot my collection on the roof of the TONI&GUY Academy and it wasn’t until the end of the day when I saw my photographer Jack Eames sitting with his head between his legs that he told me he suffered from vertigo! I couldn’t believe he had worked all day without telling me. That's why we called the collection Vertigo. [caption id="attachment_95018" align="alignnone" width="700"] Cos Sakkas British Hairdresser of the Year 2022[/caption]

Viktoriya Vradii, International Collection of the Year

How did you feel when you won? For years, winning this competition has been my dream. I spent a lot of time creating this collection and I consider this victory well deserved. For me, this victory marks a new level in my professional life as a hairdresser and such recognition pushes me forward and gives me more self-confidence. What was the night like? I'm always very excited about awards and it was an incredible night. The awards look and feel like The Oscars. The night also gave me a wonderful opportunity to meet and network with outstanding British hairdressers and from around the world, as well as colleagues from the beauty industry. How has the aftermath been? I was very happy to hear my name as the winner in the International Collection of the Year category. For me, this is a new step in my career. This victory has given me more confidence in myself, as well as understanding that I am on the right path. I received a lot of congratulations and gifts and for this I want to thank everyone. The #BHA22 winners all gathered on January 23rd for the winners lunch in The Ivy London and we were able to meet again, talk, share ideas with each other which was lovely. Share a fact from the shoot or the Awards night that people might not know... My photographer Desmond Murray was booked in to complete my 2022 British Hairdressing Awards shoot,  but on February 24 the war in Ukraine began. I had to leave my home and on April 29th my family and I arrived in Edinburgh. On June 27th in London I shot two more looks with Desmond to complete my  collection. This whole situation taught me that I should never give up and I should always go for my dream despite the difficulties. [caption id="attachment_95019" align="alignnone" width="700"] Viktoriya Vradii, International Collection of the Year[/caption]

Emy Roccabella, Newcomer of the Year

How did you feel when you won? The night was unbelievably awesome; I still feel emotional and I get butterflies whenever I think about it. What was the night like? The award wasn't just about me winning for me, it also mattered to my family and salon team. When they called my name I felt a huge sense of joy and relief, like we'd all won. All I remember was lots of loud cheering and Danilo, my mentor and partner in crime whom I'm so grateful to, and team jumping on me in celebration! How has the aftermath been? Getting recognition for a creative inspiration that was in my head and  I made it come true felt like a brilliant validation. All of a sudden everything made sense; moving to London seven years ago completely by myself, learning a new language, experiencing many work environments always looking for a dynamic and creative climate to be able to convey my imagination. Someone asked me last week what I got out of the awards versus what it cost me to enter. There are so many positives to entering awards whether you win or not. The process forces you to reflect on your achievements, successes and the positives, which is something that we generally don’t make enough time for, as we are so focused on the present and future. Awards raise your profile, as you get to tell people about you and your business; your salon logo is used; people talk about you; and it can be an extremely valuable networking opportunity. Share a fact from the shoot or the Awards night that people might not know... Shooting doesn't necessarily means breaking the bank. You can shoot on a budget, what you want to make sure tough is to have the best photographer on your side and to go through a thorough scouting for new model faces both on the social media and on the street. [caption id="attachment_95034" align="alignnone" width="700"] Emy Roccabella, Newcomer of the Year[/caption]  

Steven Smart, Wales and South West Hairdresser of the Year

How did you feel when you won? Elated, relieved, accomplished. So many different emotions as the process and the awards night is an emotional rollercoaster!  Winning this time to earn Hall of Fame status feels like an incredible achievement and I really must thank everyone again who has supported me throughout the years to reach this amazing milestone. What was the night like? The awards night was a fantastic experience…it really is the best night and event in the hair industry calendar not to be missed. I was more nervous this year than ever before as the team and I had more nominations that we have ever had. The glamour, excitement and togetherness you feel really makes it special. How has the aftermath been? The aftermath has be astounding! Friends, family, clients as well as the industry are so pleased for me and the team. I have been on a massive high since! Share a fact from the shoot or the Awards night that people might not know... On the shoot I hired a good friend of mine who is a videographer to document the shoot and he was there all day shooting massive amounts. When he returned to his studio the next day he transferred all the footage to another hard drive. He then deleted the original drive only to discover that the new drive was corrupted so we lost every single bit of video he had captured! We were mortified! We definitely learned a hard lesson that day but it hasn’t affected our friendship, and call me foolish but I have booked him again for this year. Fingers crossed! [caption id="attachment_95020" align="alignnone" width="700"] Steven Smart, Wales and South West Hairdresser of the Year[/caption]

Ashley and Stephanie Gamble, Afro Hairdressers of the Year  

How did you feel when you won? It was the best feeling in the world to be crowned a British Hairdressing Awards winner. All the awards we have won are special but I have always dreamed of winning a silver lady! What was the night like? The night is always electric! You can feel the excitement the nerves in the room. To be around all your friends and finalists supporting each other is just so cool. How has the aftermath been? After winning the award the reaction from clients has been brilliant as all the clients and friends knew how much we wanted to win. Press and demand for us to educate and share our skill has been brilliant and we have lots of exciting projects we have been working on that we can’t wait to share. Share a fact from the shoot or the Awards night that people might not know... We allocated a lot of time and effort into finding local models that would love free hair for the year. Yes the girls didn't have the most experience, but if you invest in a good photographer like Richard Miles he will do the rest! [caption id="attachment_95021" align="alignnone" width="700"] Ashley and Stephanie Gamble, Afro Hairdressers of the Year[/caption]

Jordanna Cobella, London Hairdresser of the Year

How did you feel when you won? When I won, I couldn’t quite believe it. It took a few seconds to realise it was my name that was announced. My first instinct was to hug my mum who was sitting next to me! What was the night like? The night was electric! I can’t quite put it into words but each year, the atmosphere is exhilarating. How has the aftermath been? The aftermath has been fantastic, I’ve had some opportunities and partnerships come my way already. The clients and the team love seeing the award on display and it’s a lovely talking point with clients. Share a fact from the shoot or the Awards night that people might not know... Model hunting doesn’t need to be complicated – I scouted some of my models at Columbia Road Flower Market in East London or through the new faces department at model agencies. [caption id="attachment_95022" align="alignnone" width="700"] Jordanna Cobella, London Hairdresser of the Year[/caption]

Daniel Spiller, British Colour Technician of the Year

How did you feel when you won? Winning Schwarzkopf British Colour Technician of the Year has been a goal I have worked towards since winning Newcomer in 2010, so to finally be on that stage was incredible. As I consider the awards to be the pinnacle of the industry, I couldn’t be more proud. What was the night like? The night itself was incredible as always! I love this industry and to have all your colleagues and acquaintances spending an evening sharing experiences is fantastic. How has the aftermath been? As a result of winning this year ahead is going to be so busy, working alongside the Marc Antoni Art team sees us sharing our vision in the likes of South Africa, Milan Poland, Holland as well as working in the U.K. Share a fact from the shoot or the Awards night that people might not know... Sorry – what goes on tour, stays on tour! [caption id="attachment_95023" align="alignnone" width="700"] Daniel Spiller, British Colour Technician of the Year[/caption]  

Hooker and Young, Artistic Team of the Year

How did you feel when you won? Art Team is a special one to win. Although we love to celebrate everyone individually – this really is testament to how we work together collectively as a team. It’s  such a thrill to be on stage together, accepting an award as a team. We were all completely elated – it felt SO good! What was the night like? The night was incredible! Our team were up for quite a few awards – being on the balcony for finalist drinks was like a Hooker & Young party! It’s always such an amazing night, but this one felt extra special for us. How has the aftermath been? Winning Artistic Team of the Year is one that can be shared through out the entire team - everyone feels part of it in their own way, which is so lovely for us. We’ve had so many well wishes from the industry – it’s been amazing. Share a fact from the shoot or the Awards night that people might not know... After weeks of planning our award's outfits we all arrived looking very glamorous. The team picture taken on stage however tells a different story! In the excitement of winning both Paul & Jonathan forgot to put their jackets back on and furthermore had their evening shirts hanging out, resulting in them both looking like naughty school boys! Not quite the look they were going for... But it’s in the history books now! Well done boys. [caption id="attachment_95024" align="alignnone" width="700"] Hooker and Young, Artistic Team of the Year[/caption]  

Rebecca Jacques, Eastern Hairdresser of the Year

How did you feel when you won? It felt like a huge pat on the back of recognition from the best in British hairdressing. And the applause from the hundreds of people in the room after my acceptance speech was a beautiful moment. What was the night like? At 26 to be in that room representing the industry as a regional winner, was a phenomenal feeling. Add in seeing all of your hair friends, Katherine Ryan & Professor Green, and it really is The Oscar’s of the hair world. Share a fact from the shoot or the Awards night that people might not know... I had a few well-known hairdressers approach me on the night stating the “FOMO” image will be an iconic image to go down in British Hairdressing Awards history - so that was pretty cool. Oh, and I left the stage the wrong way…twice! [caption id="attachment_95025" align="alignnone" width="700"] Rebecca Jacques, Eastern Hairdresser of the Year[/caption]  

Jo Lomax, Trend Image of the Year

How did you feel when you won? I couldn’t believe it when I heard my name! It was my first time being nominated in the British hairdressing awards and winning it was a dream come true. I'm so grateful! What was the night like? It’s such an amazing atmosphere and experience to see so many talented people and of course us hairdressers love to party. How has the aftermath been? I have received so many messages congratulating me. Meeting all the other winners at the winners lunch in January 2023 was a great day. It still feels very surreal! Share a fact from the shoot or the Awards night that people might not know... I was lucky enough to have been given the opportunity to shoot my image by Steven Smart, however definitely do your research beforehand, because it can be done on a budget. [caption id="attachment_95026" align="alignnone" width="700"] Jo Lomax, Trend Image of the Year[/caption]  

Andrew Smith, Southern Hairdresser of the Year 

How did you feel when you won? Shocked would be the first thing that springs to mind! Of course I was absolutely ecstatic but I was completely not expecting to win as all the finalist's collections were beautiful in their own ways and completely different so I knew it would come down to the judges tastes – some would be drawn more to vibrant colours or some would love editorial or the ‘completely different’.

What was the night like? Oh the awards evening is always the best date of the year! I tell my clients it’s the Oscar’s of the hair world and it truly is. The minute you walk through the doors you're greeted with glam and glitz and the most wonderfully friendly atmosphere.

How has the aftermath been? I felt I could really enjoy this year as the last time I won a couple of months later Covid-19 struck and the world came to a halt. This time round we’ve been inundated with new clients in the salon and also requests from PR has been constant, it’s strange but this time I really do feel like I’ve achieved a dream. 

Share a fun fact from the shoot or the Awards night... I always go into every shoot with a plan as I think this is usually the very most important thing. This year I’ve been traveling all over Europe in an ambassador role, so my creative planning time was limited. During the shoot I worked more organically almost ‘more in the moment’ and although still working to my plan I let myself play more and the funny thing was, none of my finished looks looked like any of my original ideas but when I saw them all on the screen I instantly fell in love. 

[caption id="attachment_95173" align="alignnone" width="700"] Andrew Smith, Southern Hairdresser of the Year[/caption]