Top hairdressers remember past hj's british hairdressing awards

Past winners and nominees from HJ's British Hairdressing Awards tell us about their most treasured memories from the prestigious event.

Gary Hooker and Michael Young

"The first year we were nominated for British Hairdresser of the Year was an incredible feeling.

"To be there, among our peers was something we had dreamt of and is our greatest memory, not just of HJ's British Hairdressing Awards, but of our career.

"Our other priceless memory has to be winning Schwarzkopf British Colour Technicians of the Year together in 2006. For so long we had wanted to be recognised by the industry as one - a joint partnership - and winning that amazing award cemented us as a creative unit."

 

Trevor Sorbie MBE

"Of the four times that I won British Hairdresser of the Year, there are two particularly special occasions which I often think of fondly.

"One was the first time I won in 1985, and the reason it was so special was that it was the inaugural British Hairdressing Awards ceremony, and I won three awards, including British Hairdresser of Year.

"Obviously to win three awards in one night was highly unexpected and a major highlight in my career. The second almost more important memory is my third time of winning British, when Vidal Sassoon and Raymond presented me with the award.

"To stand in the middle of the two greatest hairdressers who have ever lived in this country has to be one of the most monumental highlights in my career. I have a framed photo of me between them both in my house to this day."

Andrew Collinge

"I have many enduring memories of the British Hairdressing Awards. From the excitement and anticipation when entering The Grosvenor, a J Marriott Hotel, on the night to the delight or disappointment depending on the results.

"However, my fondest memory was when I won British Hairdresser of the Year in 1993. The goodwill I received on the night was incredible and something I will never forget."

Lisa Shepherd

"It was 2005, and I was seven months pregnant with my first baby. I was the most chilled-out at an awards I had ever been and I was just enjoying the atmosphere. My feet were swollen so I'd kicked off my heels and was just sitting back and relaxing.

"After all, being the first colourist to be nominated for this ultimate of awards and also being a first-time nominee I didn't think I would win it - I just imagined I'd be a happy finalist.

"So when my name was called out as British Hairdresser of the Year, I scrambled under the table to cram my feet back into my shoes before heading to the stage. Collecting my award was an unbelievable moment."

Sam Burnett

"Winning Newcomer of the Year in 2003 was an incredible moment and a memory that will stay with me always. I was so nervous as they were reading out the finalists' names and hearing my name being read out as the winner was amazing.

"I was also immensely proud of being part of the Artistic Team of the Year in 2004 and, again in 2010 with Rush Hair."