Light in the dark: the hair industry's 2020 highlights

There's no doubt 2020 will go down in history as one of the most challenging years for the hair industry ever, but that doesn’t mean there weren't some true highlights amidst the chaos. Not only testing the wellbeing of our businesses but our mental health also, the COVID-19 pandemic has made the recent turn of the decade a particularly challenging one. But we made it. At Hairdressers Journal, we believe it's more important than ever to find the good within the bad of any situation, so we asked some of the industry’s biggest names about the moments in 2020 which, against all odds, put a smile on their face. These are some of the biggest hair highlights of 2020:

Mark Leeson, global artistic ambassador for Revlon / owner of Mark Leeson Salons

“When I first started thinking about this, I felt that I would have to dig rather deeply in order to name a hair highlight in 2020. It didn’t take long, however, for many things to come to mind– one of the best is the glorious camaraderie we have with fellow salon owners up and down the country. We have always been ‘in touch’, however it’s been truly honourable to get to create true friendships.” “Hair Highlights? Well that’s got to be the spirit of HJ. In ensuring that the show does go on the road, the entire British Hairdressing Awards journey has not only kept the British Hairdressing Industry at large on an even keel,  but has the ability to involve everyone with the actual event available to view globally.”  

Lauren Grieve, director of ROC Communications

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCVL6iCstz8/ “Opening my own agency! This year has been something extremely out of the ordinary and one none of us could have ever imagined. Being given an opportunity to take a chance and leap into the unknown has certainly been my highlight, along with the wonderful clients who have joined since ROC launched in August 2020.”  

Peter Burkill, ambassador for SACHAJUAN and AlterEgo

“The highlight of my year was probably when I went back into the salon after lockdown and clients were so appreciative of us as an industry. They realised how much they love their hairdresser and they were all so much more open to trying different hairstyles. They all wanted their own look that they could show off and that was so much fun to work with. “Hairdressing was one of the most talked about industries throughout lockdown and you could really feel that love and appreciation. I had clients reaching out to me, asking if I’m okay and that really made us feel valued as an industry. When we got to see all those lovely clients again, it was such a great feeling.”  

Darrel Starkey, Taylors Hair Studio

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHqZ_ZxpHwV/ “Without a doubt, it has to be finalising for the British Hairdressing Awards for the very first time. During such an unbelievable year, with this global pandemic closing down our industry for a matter of months, this could not have come at a better time. The happiness and emotion that came with this news was overpowering. It’s definitely been my highlight of 2020.”  

Brian ‘Leo’ Mccallum, owner of Roar Hair and Beauty

“My team always inspires me and this year they have made me especially proud. Courtney, a member of our ROAR Pride, has secured her spot in the Goldwell Color Creative Team for the second year running. As a team we are so proud of her and it’s definitely a highlight.” “Also, our young talent hitting the salon floor with a bang and making it work in all this uncertainty is an incredible highlight. If young stylists can make it work in 2020 there is no holding them back. I think we’re all looking forward to a better and brighter 2021.”  

Dylan Brittain, international artistic director at Rainbow Room International and owner of Rainbow Room International’s George Square Salon

“2020 has been a difficult year for all of us but there are two highlights of the year for me. After opening the George Square salon 20 years ago we had our first ever refurbishment, which myself and salon owner and director, Yasmine, worked together on with a local Glasgow company. We wanted to create our vision and reflect who we are and the journey we’ve been on these last 20 years.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CIOncSrnMbE/ “The second highlight of this year was definitely winning Scottish Hairdresser of the Year at the British Hairdressing Awards. I couldn’t believe it when they shouted out my name on the night – I’m still over the moon! It definitely was a great way to end a tough year.”  

Brian MacMillian, salon director for F&M Hairdressing

“Honestly, reaching the end of it! 2020 has been an incredibly hard year for every business and every industry especially hairdressing, having now endured two full scale lockdowns, which none of us could’ve ever imagined. However, apart from surviving this year, it has to be the love and support that we have felt and received from our clients throughout this – they have been absolutely incredible, so patient and when the salon reopened the atmosphere was electric.”  

Ijan Davies Emrus, European design team member for JOICO

“My highlight of 2020 has been connecting with hairdressers from all over the world during the lockdown periods. With education going 100% digital throughout lockdown, I was able to connect with so many different artists from so many different walks of lives – it was amazing. This included our fantastic team mate Paul Watts, who has been doing instagram live and youtube videos – it’s been incredible to watch and be a part of.”  

James Alfie Parr, celebrity session stylist

“In terms of my hairdressing career, one massive highlight was entering the L'Oreal Colour Trophy Men’s Image category and reaching the grand final. It was a real goal of mine and an amazing achievement.”  https://www.instagram.com/p/CFjZIy9FZwg/   “Another positive was the launch of our Brotherhood salon in Leamington Spa, Although it came at a difficult time right at the beginning of lockdown, we pulled through and we are still here after a difficult couple of months. It’s been a real tough year and I share a virtual hug to all of my fellow colleagues and friends who have made it through the pandemic.”  

Paul Watts, European design team member for JOICO

“With 2020 being a year no one could’ve expected, my highlight has to be launching the Joifull Concept – it was so fun, challenging and incredible to be a part of. This was at the very start of the year and continued throughout 2020. I taught many education sessions showing my fellow stylists how to create volume in hair using colour and educating them in new techniques – it was fantastic.”  

Karen Thomson, owner of KAM Hair and Body Spa

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHiXHRUAwht/ “One of my highlights of 2020 was definitely my Creative Director, Tori Ellis, finalising for the Newcomer of the Year category at the British Hairdressing Awards. One of the most important things for me is seeing my team grow and I, along with the rest of the team, were bursting with pride when we heard the news that Tori had finalised this year. Our team have all worked so hard and have continued to stay positive and motivated throughout the year and I couldn’t be prouder.”  

Mark McCarthy, owner of MARKDAVID Salon

https://www.instagram.com/p/CE6tZ_8j75i/ “It’s been a crazy year but at MARKDAVID, we’ve had some really fantastic news and things happening behind the scenes too. This is only our first year of being open and we have finalised for two industry awards and one local awards, as well as recently expanding– having added more space to the back of the salon to offer clients a further unique space where they can come to escape in a gorgeous setting. We can’t wait to reveal the new area to our clients. The interiors, like our main salon area, are very unique and inspiring– a space to inspire not only my staff but also client’s and have them feeling indulged the way they deserve.”