Tressly, the all-in-one business software for independent hairstylists, hosted the third Tress Gala on Monday 27 October 2025 at The Londoner Hotel, Soho.
Tress Gala is an event aimed at celebrating the UK's thriving Black hair styling industry. As well as providing a safe space to network and share ideas, there were also six awards given out this year ranging from Best Braider to the all-new Best Barber category. HJ is proud media sponsor of Tress Gala, with headline sponsor L'Oréal Professional Products and silver sponsor Myavana.
Hosted during Black History Month, Tress Gala champions excellence and community within the industry. Antoinette Ale, Tressly Co-founder and CEO, opened the event by announcing the launch of Tressly Studios coming late this year in South East London, a co-working space for black stylists and creatives in the industry.
Followed by Millie Kendall, Founder of British Beauty Council, who gave the keynote speech.
"The updated National Occupational Standards came in 2021 and made it law that Afro/Textured hair is taught as part of the core curriculum, not just as an add on optional course. But still, out-dated courses are being run and we need to get the government funding unlocked." After giving us an update on the British Beauty Council's efforts to make this happen, she revealed that Tressly founder Antoinette will be chairing the Hair Equity task force and an open letter will be published on social media later this week.
Then it was on to the awards themselves, but not without a quick introduction to the judging panel which comprised of Molecia Seasay, Dionne Smith, Venner James, Mary Adekoya, Shayna Marisa, Mark Maciver and Aminata Kamara.
The Tress Gala Award Winners 2025
Natural Hairstylist Award
Sponsored by Design Essentials,
Presented by Sharon Thompson, International Marketing Manager, Design Essentials
Winner: Theres @hair_so_sassy
Best Session Stylist Award
Sponsored by Tressly
Winner: Jaz Hope Lanyero @Abitofjaz
Best Wig Specialist
Sponsored by Superfood LX
Winner: @Praiseworth_Hair
Best Braider
Sponsored and presented by Dr Vanita Rattan Skincare
Winner: Aaliyah
Best Barber
Sponsored by Tressley, presented by Slidercuts, aka Mark Maciver
Winner: Shannon @Shanstyling
The Entrepreneur Award
Sponsored by Tones of Beauty
Winner: Andree Marie
See HJ's highlights Reel below...
