London’s independent salon bebop brought back its anti-corporate hair showcase after a year away, putting female and non-binary artists firmly in the spotlight
Bebop, the independent hair and nail salon on Holloway Road in north London, hosted the fourth edition of Hair Jam on 25 October, 2026, showcasing 12 female and non-binary hair artists from the UK and Europe in front of 150 people.
Hair Jam offers underground, independent talent a platform big brands and industry figureheads rarely offer, bringing like-minded people together in one room. First held in 2023 and followed by two editions in 2024, Hair Jam took a break in 2025 and returned this year.
Artists worked at stations around the salon while guests walked between them, watched them work and talked to them about their techniques and style in an immersive, "night-out" setting.
Pont Smith, Founder & Director of bebop, said: “It was amazing to see the underground talent from the London hairdressing scene and beyond showcasing their work. I’m obsessed with youth culture, and this night was full of it. There were so many incredible looks, and everyone was just having fun, which is what hairdressing should be about.
"The underground is where fashion and trends often start, usually as a reaction against the mainstream, so those living it should set the direction, not people who stopped living it years ago. We’re proud to be part of this community and to give a platform to artists who are too often overlooked. I’m really inspired and can’t wait for the next one.”
The Hair Jam 2026 Artists
@dolly.hairstylist
@neevachops
@ratbag_barnets
@isabellahair._
@sissi.cut
@abbytr0n
@talia.hurley
@the_rainbowraccoon
@hair_by_charlybaby
@renayroussouhair
@phoebefriend_hair
@aprilchristinataylor
What Happened at Hair Jam 2026?
Tarot readings from Tora Rose drew a queue all night, with music from Weasel and drinks and readings into the evening. Early arrivals took home goody bags from Maria Nila, and anyone who came dressed up for Halloween recieved a free drink.
The bebop team hosted in character as visiting aliens. Bleep (Kay Benesiunaite, Senior Stylist & Art Team) hosted the night and livestreamed the whole event on bebop's Instagram, @bebopldn. Glorp (Jordan Allen, Operations Manager) ran the bar, and Zorb (Pont Smith, Founder & Director) shot the photography.
Words From the bepop Organisers
Kay said: "Finding these artists was my favourite part of the whole thing. Many of them aren't on big stages or in magazines yet, but their work is out on the street and in the feed, and it's some of the most exciting hair around."
We wanted the lineup seen through the female gaze, with women and non-binary artists showing how they see hair, beauty, and style on their own terms instead of how it's usually packaged for them, continues Kay. "You could feel that in the room. Nobody was trying to win anything; they were just making work they love and sharing it."
“Turning our 2,600 sq ft salon into a venue for the night was a lot of work, but it’s my favourite kind," reveals Jordan.
"We wanted everyone who walked through the door to feel like they’d been invited round to a friend’s place, whether they were one of the artists, a regular or someone who’d just found us online. That warmth is how we are as a team every day at bebop, so it was amazing to see 150 people feel it at once. With people queuing before we’d even opened, it was fun and inspiring from start to finish, and I can’t wait to do it again.”
Hair Jam will return in 2027. Artists who would like to take part next year can register their interest here.
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