We look forward to welcoming you back next year on 4–5 October 2026 at the Excel London.
HJ In Conversation With allowed us to interview a variety of incredible hairdressing names live at Salon International, and we covered everything from career highlights, business insights and favourite images.
Michael Van Clarke is one of London’s leading hairdressing experts, with nearly 50 years’ experience at the cutting edge. He has travelled the world looking after the most discerning clients, including nine Royal families, political leaders, models, rock stars and A-List film celebrities. He has worked with leading international designers for their catwalk shows, worked in photographic studios for the top magazines – getting his first eight-page Vogue spread at just 19
Akin Konizi, International Creative Director of HOB Salons & Academy, is a four-time British Hairdresser of the Year and globally respected educator. Renowned for his distinctive style and industry-defining influence, he has led HOB to become one of the UK’s leading salon groups while inspiring hairdressers worldwide through shows, seminars, and education. Akin has worked across nearly every continent, collaborated with brands like Wella and Dyson.
SAMANTHA CUSICK IS AN INDUSTRY POWERHOUSE. COMBINING UNFALTERING COLOUR SKILLS AND BUSINESS INTUITION, HER BALAYAGE AND COLOUR SPECIALIST SALONS IN CENTRAL LONDON ARE A FAVOURITE WITH PRESS, INFLUENCERS AND CELEBRITIES. HER ROLE AS A GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR LEADING HAIR BRANDS SHOWCASES SAMANTHA’S ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND AND ENGAGE BOTH HAIRDRESSERS AND CONSUMERS.
As twice winner of BHBA Business Director of the Year and Brand Advocate for Revlon Professional, Phil Smith’s career has been studded with success. He grew a global chain of Toni&Guy salon franchises in the 90s and went on to launch his own independent salon, Smith England in his hometown of Salisbury, which sees the Smith family collaborate under one roof. The salon has won multiple awards, including Hair Magazine Regional Salon of the Year 2024 & 2025, BHBA Salon Team of the Year 2025
A pioneer in hair transformations Jack Mead’s rise to global success is impressive. Jack trained and started his hair career in Cyprus, before moving to the UK to follow his ambition to be one of the leading hair professionals in the industry. Jack’s constant drive for perfection in what he creates has already brought him well deserved recognition and he continues to impress his fast growing and loyal audience with his skilful eye and innovative approach.
Louis Byrne is a celebrated session stylist, empowerment coach, and LGBTQIA+ advocate whose career spans luxury brands, editorial titles, and television’s most recognisable hair moments. His work has featured in Vogue, Numéro and Wonderland, alongside collaborations with L’Oréal Professionnel, Tom Ford Beauty and ITV. A pioneer of holistic hairdressing, Louis founded I Can, I Am, I Will – an empowerment programme to support creativity and wellbeing – now embraced everywhere from Soho House to schools.
Widely regarded as one of the most captivating and original hairstylists of our time, Angelo Seminara is a four-time British Hairdresser of the Year and three-time Grand Trophy AIPP winner. Renowned for his visionary collections, Angelo fuses artistry with precision, creating imagery and films that bring hair to life. His work has graced the runways of Chanel, Valentino, Alexander McQueen, and more, while his inventive tools, including the Imprinter and Master Brush collection
The HJ In Conversation With Stage is free to attend with entrance to the show.
Make sure to register your interest for Salon International by clicking the button above and be the first to know what's happening on our stages plus the 2026 line-up.
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