Hj's 2011 british hairdressing awards: winners announced!
It is the most hotly anticipated night in hairdressing and HJ's 2011 British Hairdressing Awards lived up to expectations. The event delivered a glittering mix of awards and entertainment and a smattering of celebrity. HJ's publisher and editor-in-chief Jayne Lewis-Orr welcomed more than 1,700 guests to the Great Room at London's prestigious Grosvenor House hotel, telling them: "Tonight is all about celebrating the very best of British hairdressing by recognising the creativity and skills of the individuals and teams who make the industry one of which we can all be proud. Tonight will honour those who inspire the hairdressing industry to constantly push the creative boundaries."
The irreverent Jonathan Ross returned as host, telling guests: "I'm like Wayne Rooney's hair - just when you think I'm gone I pop up again!"
Complementing the capacity crowd, Jonathan continued: "I do a lot of events, but they don't all match your levels of physical perfection."
Nor could many events live up to the levels of creativity and talent on display, as finalists in all 15 categories were honoured.
This year's event also took time to honour those industry luminaries who we lost during 2011, including the late great Joshua Galvin and the irreplaceable Terry Calvert.
Terry's widow, Lindsay and his two elder daughters Georgia and Harriette were presented with a special trophy in recognition of Terry's contribution to the hairdressing industry and to HJ's British Hairdressing Awards. Lyndsay's emotional acceptance speech received a standing ovation.
Also receiving rapturous applause was Sharon Peake, three times winner of North Western Hairdresser of the Year, who was entered into the Hall of Fame.
Breaking up the awards presentations was a performance by soul sensation Aloe Blacc, who had the crowd up on their feet dancing to his hit 'I Need a Dollar'.
With the regional and specialists winners announced, the audience was treated to a short model presentation by each of the nominees for British Hairdresser of the Year, offering an insight into their stunning collections.
With excitement mounting Jayne and Schwarzkopf Professional's managing director Colin Sillery announced the biggest winner of the night - HJ's British Hairdresser of the Year.
And the winner was Akin Konizi, international creative director of HOB salons, who took home hairdressing's ultimate accolade for the third time.
The winners in full were:
Regional Awards
- Wales and South Western Hairdresser of the Year: Ken Picton, Ken Picton
- Southern Hairdresser of the Year: Bruno Marc Giamettei, Marc Antoni
- Scottish Hairdresser of the Year: Suzie McGill, Rainbow Room International
- North Western Hairdresser of the Year: Marcello Moccia, Room 97 Creative Hairdressing
- Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year: Kevin Kahan, Kevin Kahan
- Midlands Hairdresser of the Year: Sean Tetlow, The Colour Room
- Eastern Hairdresser of the Year: Terri Kay, Mark Leeson Hair Body and Mind
- North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year: Julian Holland, Mark Hill
- London Hairdresser of the Year: Richard Mannah, Toni & Guy
Specialist Awards
- Afro Hairdresser of the Year: Junior Green, Junior Green Hair & Beauty
- Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year: Indira Schauwecker, Toni & Guy
- Men's Hairdresser of the Year: Jamie Stevens, Errol Douglas Salon
- Newcomer of the Year: Jasmine Redstone, Rush Hair
- Artistic Team of the Year: HOB Creative Team
- Schwarzkopf Professional Colour Technician of the Year: Christel Lundqvist, HOB Salons
- HJ's British Hairdresser of the Year: Akin Konizi, HOB Salons
