Entering HJ's British Hairdressing Awards for the first time can be a daunting task – from the planning stages to who'll be on your team, not to mention finding the budget... So, where do you even start?
We spoke to Elle Foreman, Salon Manager at Tribe, who entered HJ' British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional for the first time in 2024.
Elle entered the Newcomer category, which requires a collection of six images (rather than the eight required for other categories). The Newcomer category is for those under 27 years old - you can read more of the T&Cs here.
There's a new rule update: For 2025, we are extending the time in which images can have been photographed from one year to two in recognition of the economic uncertainty the industry is facing. Photos can have been shot from 1 July 2023 - 27 June 2025. If you have images that have not been entered into the British Hairdressing Awards before (you can have used them in social/marketing/print) then what are you waiting for? Don't forget: the deadline for this year's #BHA25 is at 5pm on Friday 27 June at 5pm.
What's the first step to make when entering the British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional?
Yes you’ve got to find funding, but really you've got to understand the 'why' part of your entry. Of course, the competition element is there, but I think you also need a reason to push yourself other than wanting to win. I wanted to do it to put trust in my own judgement and style.
What's the hardest part?
For me it was getting over that sense of Imposter Syndrome. I really wanted to identify what my own taste was. It's definitely an exercise in believing in yourself. I found it a challenge at first to trust my own instincts.
What was the next step after figuring out you wanted to enter? How did you build a team?
The team are so important. Because I'd done work with the FAME team and L'Oréal's ID Artist programme, it opened the door to lots of people and connections. Both stylists I used I met from those teams, as well as make-up artists from different projects. Everyone on those teams was there for emotional support too and just a What'sApp away, if I ever needed it.
Did you ask for help?
I’m all for jumping into something you’ve not done before, but reaching out to people who have done it before is invaluable. No one has ever said 'no' when I've asked for help. Ask for guidance, even things like struggling with payments for models or what rate is normal. I just reached out by DM-ing people on Instagram or in-person at events and everyone was happy to share their experience.
Do you believe in the saying 'fail to prepare, prepare to fail'?
I had a lot of preparation, if you’re not prepared it can hinder the shoot day massively. You need everyone to be on the same page. My photographer was Lee Malone, a fashion photographer and partner of someone in the salon. He knew our vision. You want to be in a position where you can allow someone to run with an idea, but trust that they’re going to keep to your vision. I'm very lucky that my salon did budget for the shoot. We have a certain amount of money we put aside for creative projects.
What's the best thing about creating a collection?
Finalising with a collection that you can keep for ever. It's great for PR and to help promote yourself with your work. Having your name up alongside amazing people in the room really elevates your career and gives a massive confidence boost. It was my dream to have my name up there alongside industry legends.
How can you save money on a shoot?
Well one of my friends shot her British Hairdressing Awards collection herself and finalised with it. She used three models, one of which was her assistant. Next year I am going to shoot with an ex-FAME team member who is also creating a collection - and we'll both shoot all on one day. We will need to be strict with timings and have two set ups for each collection. I think it's likely we will be able to use some of the same models by thinking about it strategically, so by adding hair pieces or taking the model from long to short on the day or using colour. I'm sure it's going to be a long day, but by sharing the shoot space and photographer we should save some money.
What's the most surprising thing you learnt from your first BHA collection?
How much work goes into creating one image. It takes a full army to get that one perfect shot. And there's always an element of unpredictability to a shoot. We had a model turn up who had completely different hair to what was in her headshot!
Any final parting words of wisdom?
You need before and after photos and videos for your looks, so build those into your shoot day schedule or even the day before. Shoot on a plain wall and write a checklist of what you need to shoot and film.
Feeling inspired to enter this year's British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional? Take a look at the categories here.
