The HJ Stage was back and bigger than ever this year at Salon International 2023. From 1960s inspiration, Bantu knots, and braids to manipulating hair texture, razor cuts, and mohawks, here are just some of the amazing hair artistry we have seen displayed on the stage so far.
We were joined by Bruno Giamattei as our host for the HJ Stage on Saturday and Sunday, with Errol Douglas hosting on Monday. Below the world-leading stylists took to the stage to deliver cutting-edge education and inspiration.
Keep scrolling to see our gallery from the event...
Saturday 14 October
11.15 WHC China
12:45 Jack and the Wolfe
13:30 Blue Tit
14:15 HC Salon
15:00 Georgia Bell
15.45 Kirby Blythe
Day one round up: Day one kicked off with WHC China taking to the stage, who within 45 minutes, showcased a range of looks on 12 models. We saw the International Team manipulate their models’ hair into stunning shapes to create texture, volume, and added thickness.
We saw Jack and the Wolfe wow the crowd with a display of extreme grunge mohawks.
Next up, Blue Tit presented a range of salon friendly looks, plus stage and session work inspiration looks for shoots. Influenced by the 1960s, we saw a stunning round graduation with lots of texture, golden tones and bleach panels, razor cut live on stage to the audience. Plus, we saw Bantu knots, braids, and a look influenced by a shoot created for the British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional.
Sunday 15 October
10:30 Samantha Cusick
11:15 Lisa Farrall
12:00 Peter Mellon
12:45 Cos Sakkas
13:30 HOB
14:15 Patrick Cameron
15:00 Mark Leeson
15:45 Conor Doyle and Melvin Royce Lane
16:30 Tracey Ann Smith
17:15 HJ's Extensions Competition sponsored by Great Lengths - Winners Announced
Day two round up: First to take the HJ stage was Samantha Cusick, joined by Olaplex education director Collette McGee. Sam talked through chelating treatments that she credits with keeping colour clients hair in perfect condition, while demonstrating her client-friendly balayage technique.
Next, Lisa Farrall brought three models onto the stage to showcase a range of textured looks. Our favourite look included a model with canerows which Lisa used a crochet technique to add hair to. The palette of reds, mahoganies and coppers really popped on stage.
Later on, we saw the TONI&GUY British Hairdressing Award finalists, from Newcomer to Avant Garde, talk about the inspiration behind their collections. Global creative director Cos Sakkas presented one of the looks from his 2023 British Hairdesser of the Year nominee collection, and in celebration of their 60th anniversary, they also presented their brand new TONI&GUY collection.
In similar style, the HOB Creative Team celebrated their 40th anniversary with creative cuts and muted colours for the coming season. Akin Konizi, Jake Unger and Nestor Sanchez presented curved fringes, sharp linesd and strong outlines. Four-time British Hairdresser of the Year Akin believes it's creativity that will push the industry forward now.
Monday 16 October
10:30 Ken Picton
11:15 Danilo Giangreco
12:00 Melissa Timperley
12:45 Denman Stage Star Competition
13:50 Sheree Tomić & Zoë Rees
14:35 Desmond Murray
15:20 Sanrizz
Day three round up: First to open on the stage was Desmond Murray who demonstrated techniques for prepping hair for shoots or a stage show. This include dressing the hair using chopsticks and creating a 'halo' the famed Vidal Sassoon cut . The final collection was a display of grunge looks ready for the runway.
Meanwhile, Ken Picton Salon took to the stage showcasing three stunning looks, inspiring the audience to be more brave with hair pieces and colour looks. Ken added wefts and extensions to his model's hair as a way to enhance photography when putting together collections, adding that this is a great skill for when a models' hair isn't what you thought it was going to be.
Next up, Danilo Giangreco took to the stage with Emmy Roccabella and Enrica Russo, where we saw three hair creations inspired by their favourite looks from the latest fashion week season: “We’re going to recreate looks seen backstage at fashion week with a little bit of Danilo sauce added,” Danilo told the audience.
Enrica wowed the audience with her intricate and precision braiding, talking to the audience about pipe braids and how they help with structure. Emmy produced a stunning dishevelled look, and Danilo showcased wefted ponytails, telling the audience how he loves to manipulate and structure the hair in whatever way he can.
Sanrizz closed off the show with their latest collection, Main Character, influenced by the new generation of Londoners who have 'Main Character Energy' displayed through their dress sense, their hair and their attitude, commenting: "As hairdressers we get to elevate that." The team presented their models through close-up work, using the Sanrizz cutting system, Neogeometric.
Timings may change.
