Kao Salon Division UK & Ireland has unveiled its National Winners for the Global Creative Awards 2025, celebrating some of the most exciting emerging and established talent in the industry.
The competition, which spotlights creativity, technical skill and innovation across colour and cutting, is a standout moment in the professional hair calendar, and this year’s UK & Ireland Gold winners will now go on to represent their nation at the international finals.
The annual competition champions talent across both Technical and Editorial categories, recognising the industry’s brightest stars at all levels — from emerging artists to seasoned professionals.
The KAO Salon Division UKI Global Creative Awards 2025 National Winners
New Talent Colorist of the Year
Celebrating colourists with less than five years’ experience in the industry:
GOLD: Anna Butchert, Roar Hair & Beauty
SILVER: Ruby Friend, Buzby & Blue Hairdressing
BRONZE: Rebekah Campanaro, Rocco & Co Hairdressing
Creative Colorist of the Year
Honouring visionary colour work from experienced stylists:
GOLD: Taz Daddi-Addoun, The Birdcage Hair Salon
SILVER: Stephanie Jones, Stephanie Jones Award-Winning Hair
BRONZE: Safy Burton, Say B’s
Creative Haircutter of the Year
Showcasing precision, shape and bold haircutting artistry:
GOLD: Emma Jones, New Wave Hair
SILVER: Osman Yakubogullari, SO Hairdressing
BRONZE: Jacob Scully, Scully Scully
The KAO Salon Division UKI Global Creative Awards - Editorial Awards
As well as the technical titles, the Editorial Award categories invites entrants to step outside the norm and deliver bold, editorially led looks designed to inspire on a global stage.
Men’s Hairstylist of the Year
Challenge: Show expertise in men’s styling, barbering and grooming by creating a cutting-edge men’s look.
Avant Garde Stylist of the Year
Challenge: Push the boundaries of conventional hairstyling and dare to inspire with a visionary look.
What Happens Next for the KAO Salon Division UKI Global Creative Awards 2025 National Winners?
All Gold National Winners will now progress to the international stage of the Global Creative Awards, where they’ll represent the UK & Ireland against top talent from around the world.
What do the KAO Salon Division UKI Global Creative Awards 2025 National Winners Win?
Winners receive more than just accolades, they’ll take home an international gold trophy, €2,500 cash prize, and benefit from global editorial coverage and social media exposure, further amplifying their presence on the international stage.
HJ is excited to be joining KAO Salon Division for the final in Milan in September.
