The HJ Stage once again proved to be a huge draw for the #Salon24 crowd. Hosted by Bruno Giamattei, it shone a light on not only the well-established hairdressing salons and groups, but also the independent stylists that are at the top of their game.
The stage presented a mix of commercial, editorial, and creative looks that push the boundaries of hairdressing and show what is so great about our industry. From curated catwalks to more pared-back, intimate tutorials, the HJ Stage delivered on all fronts.
Take a look at the timetable below and keep scrolling to see round ups of what the HJ team saw each day...
Saturday 12 October
10:30 – 11:10 Sara Mann
11:15 – 11:55 WHC China
12:00 – 12:40 Marie Nieuwoudt
12:45 – 13:25 Ky Wilson
13:30 – 14:10 Guy Kleinhaus
14:15 – 14:55 Blue Tit
15:00 – 15:40 Sheree Tomić and Zoe Rees
15:45 – 16:25 Tracey Ann Smith
WHC China
WHC China were in London once again to showcase their love for UK fashion and styling. Their talented team presented catwalk-worthy looks and prepped three platnium blonde crops as part of their packed presentation.
Marie Nieuwoudt
Marie was joined by the CLOUD NINE team who showcased a signature blowout technique using the CLOUD NINE Pro hairdryer. They emphasised the importance of quiet hair tools for efficient, comfortable styling. India, known for her colour work, demonstrated how to maintain the integrity of vivid hair using low heat settings, proving that high heat isn't necessary for curls. Marie highlighted the natural, luxurious styling philosophy of the CLOUD NINE family, focusing on enhancing hair's natural beauty without causing damage.
Ky Wilson
Ky presented a 60s, Brigitte Bardot-inspired, voluminous ponytail. He shared how to achieve voluminous, straight hair using techniques such as padding with a wide toothcomb, backcombing and straightening irons from BaByliss PRO. Ky's method created a fuller appearance without the hair looking flat. Ky repeated the process to ensure even distribution of volume throughout the hair.
Guy Kleinhaus
Guy Kleinhaus made his HJ Stage debut on Saturday and demonstrated a long, mullet cut. He prepped the hair with oil and sprayed down with water, making sure it wasn't too wet so that he could see the bend of the hair and how it's going "kick". Creating a head hugging shape also removed bulk from the cut and added texture.
Tracey Ann Smith
Tracey Ann Smith and Poppy Devine-Smith demonstrated their intricate scissor and razor skills with two K-Pop inspired bobs. Tracey described her technique for cutting as being valuing emotion and feeling over technicality.
Sunday 13 October
10:30 – 11:10 Leonie Tobierre and Holly Grindley
11:15 – 11:55 Michelle Sultan and Syd Hayes
12:00 – 12:40 Casey Coleman
12:45 – 13:25 Cos Sakkas, TONI&GUY
13:30 – 14:10 Hooker & Young
14:15 – 14:55 Smith England
15:00 – 15:40 HOB
15:45 – 16:25 Brooks & Brooks
16:30 – 17:10 Peter Mellon
17:15 – 17:55 HJ’s Extensions Competition, sponsored by Great Lengths, presentation
Michelle Sultan and Syd Hayes
Syd Hayes created a 60s inspired beehive, an update on the style he did at the Bora Asku show this year at LFW. Meanwhile, Michelle diffused the hair of her model that had multiple curl types. Starting with wet hair, the aim was to encourage her model's natural texture to come back.
Casey Coleman
Casey presented three Avant Garde models - razor cutting a wig, creating a stunning sculptural head piece, and perfecting a slick wet look with slicked down fringe.
Cos Sakkas, Toni&Guy
A cacophony of styles took a retrospective tour through the Toni&Guy archives. Darja Laett and Sam Eliot created dark and gothic looks and an orange punk look, whilst Matteo De Vita and Annabel Payne, both BHA Newcomer finalists showcase softer editorial styles.
Hooker & Young
Inspired by Parisian courtesans and John Galliano, the team created Frenchified updos and glamorous curls.
Smith England
The team which included Rhea O Brien, Jess Sheppard, Mia Bartlett and Victoria Mae, compered by George Smith, presented three models with a braided mohican, chopstick curls and plaited updo respectively.
Monday 14 October
10:30 – 11:10 Adriano D'Astolto, Birte Klintworth, Manifesto
11:15 – 11:55 Tim Scott-Wright
12:00 – 12:40 Alan Edwards
12:45 – 13:25 Katie Mulcahy
13:30 – 14:10 Adam Reed, Sam Bickle, Andrew Plester, Luke Logan, Janet Barone
14:15 – 14:55 Goldsworthys
15:00 – 15:40 Concept Hair Best of the Best Student Competition
15:45 – 16:25 Ashley Gamble
Adriano D'Astolto, Birte Klintworth, Manifesto
The team focused on the creative process and importance of imperfection and their approach to session styling. They also discussed the nature of editorial styling and the new course at Manifesto that focuses on this aspect of the industry. The audience witnessed current styling techniques favoured at Manifesto including using a dry texturising spray to achieve a grungy look - the aesthetic that was presented on stage.
Tim Scott-Wright
Tim Scott-Wright presented a stunning atomic, Clueless-inspired 50s housewife look. Tim used a seamless blend of biscuit and ice colours from the Schwarzkopf, Blondme range and discussed his journey to winning Midlands Hairdresser of the Year.
Alan Edwards
Alan highlighted the versatlity of fringes and talked us through strong, two-tiered cuts, commenting how haircuts can be tailored to individual clients and preferences. He showcased a bob with mixed layers and demonstrated the importance of adapting haircuts and colours for clients of all ages.
*Timetable subject to change
