Entering the British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, is a defining moment for many hair professionals. Here, we asked Michael Young, one half of Hooker & Young, to share his insights and experiences.
Can you share a little about your early BHA experiences?
“Back in the day, we weren’t even entering together,” explains Michael. “Gary had already won his region three times before I started out on my own BHA journey.”
Entering any awards can be intimidating, however Michael notes that both he and Gary are naturally driven and competitive – not just in hairdressing, but in life – so the excitement of entering always outweighed the nerves. “Of course there’s pressure,” he adds, “but that buzz of putting your work out there and backing yourself is addictive.”
He continues, “Making it to the finals felt like the validation we were both chasing at that stage in our careers. Not in an ego way – more in a “we’re on the right path” kind of way.”
Offering a little advice, Michael says, “You’ve got to go into these things with a positive mindset. Commit to it properly, give it everything, and see what happens. If you’re going to enter, give it all you’ve got!”
How has your approach to planning and shooting collections for the BHAs changed?
“In the beginning, it was very ‘let’s book a shoot and see what happens’ energy. Lots of passion, maybe not as much structure,” he recalls.
“Now, we’re a lot more intentional. We’ll sit with an idea properly before we even think about booking a team. What’s the story? What’s the mood? What do we want the hair to say? We’ve also learned that less is more. Strong, confident hair. Clean images. Not overcomplicating it. And definitely no leaving it all to the last minute like we probably did back in the day,” he admits.
“Experience has taught us that preparation makes shoot day calmer – and most definitely better.”
You can check out Hooker & Young's British Hairdresser of The Year 2025 Nominee Collection here.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a first-time entrant?
“If we’re honest, self-doubt was probably the biggest one,” shares Michael. “You’re putting your work alongside people you’ve looked up to for years – that can mess with your head a bit. You start overthinking everything. Is it strong enough? Is it different enough? Are we ready?
“There’s also the learning curve of understanding what makes competition imagery different from everyday salon work. It’s about detail, polish and storytelling. And while it doesn’t need to cost the earth – it really doesn’t – having the right team around you makes a huge difference. A photographer who understands hair. Styling that complements rather than competes. People who get your vision. That support can elevate your work massively. For us, it was about figuring that out and building the right people around us. Once you’ve got that, everything feels a lot more achievable.”
How did entering and finalising at the BHAs change your career – confidence, creativity, business-wise?
“Finalising definitely shifts something,” Michael says. “Confidence-wise, it gives you that reassurance that you’re on the right track. It doesn’t suddenly remove doubt forever, but it quietens it a bit.
“Creatively, it makes you braver. You realise the work that feels slightly uncomfortable to create is usually the work that grows you the most.
“Business-wise, it elevates how people see you – clients, your team, the industry. It opens conversations and opportunities that maybe wouldn’t have happened otherwise. It’s not just a trophy moment; it has a knock-on effect.”
Has a particular collection or BHA moment stuck out from your journey?
“The first time we finalised and won as a couple will always be up there,” admits Michael. “Hearing our names called out together will never get old. But there are also collections that didn’t necessarily win that we’re proud of because they marked a turning point creatively. The ones where we stopped playing it safe and really leaned into our style – those feel just as important.”
Did you ever doubt whether you should enter in those early years? What would you say to someone experiencing the same?
“Honestly? No,” he admits. “For us, there was never really any doubt. We knew that entering would elevate us – creatively first and foremost. And when you raise your creative standards, your whole business rises with it. We’ve always believed that if you want to move to the next level, you have to put yourself in rooms and competitions that demand more from you. Entering forces you to sharpen your eye, refine your work and push past what feels comfortable.”
Michael continues, “If anything, we saw it as a stepping stone to where we wanted to be – not just in terms of awards, but in how we positioned ourselves creatively and commercially. If you’re serious about growth, you back yourself and go for it. No one ever regrets entering. You only regret not trying.”
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