4 mins
NEWS
MEET THE FINALISTS FOR THE SNAP! AWARDS 2024
The 2024 finalists for Salon International and Hairdressers Journal International’s SNAP! Awards have been announced. The competition allows all hairdressers and barbers of any skill level, anywhere in the world to submit an image snapped on their phone.
The top 10 images in each of the six categories will be displayed in a gallery at Salon International from 12-14 October at ExCeL London, and the winners of each category will be announced live at Salon International on Monday 14 October on the HJ Academy stage at 12.30pm.
HERTFORDSHIRE STUDENT WINS NATIONAL BARBERING COMPETITION
A 17-year-old barbering student from a leading Hertfordshire furthereducation provider has been named Learner Barber of The Year by the Men’s Hairdressing Federation.
North Hertfordshire College’s level two student, Nathan Armstrong, completed an editorial haircut and style of his own choice. A representative of the competition reported that they were “completely overwhelmed by both the number and standard of this year’s applications”.
Nathan commented: “This was my very first experience of editorial work. I had a great day over in London and it was such an eye-opener for me. I met some great people from the industry.”
MURDOCK LONDON MAKES THE SWITCH TO SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING
Murdock London’s innovative product blends are just part of the picture when it comes to delivering on customer promise. The brand has recently committed to moving six of its most popular formulas to jars made of up to 100% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic. PCR plastic carries a lower carbon footprint than virgin material as recycling plastic requires less energy.
“We are so proud of this transition to PCR jars,” says Graham Clarke, CEO of Murdock London. “It’s been a long-term project that has revealed the incredible environmental benefits of choosing PCR.”
SKILLS ENGLAND: NEW NATIONAL BODY TO OVERHAUL ‘FRAGMENTED’ SKILLS SYSTEM
Richard Pennycook, a Department for Education non-executive director and former Co-operative Group Chief, has been appointed as interim chair of Skills England. Richard will lead the establishment while the government works to appoint a permanent board, chair, and CEO in the coming months.
A Skills England bill, to be introduced in Parliament this year, will initially transfer ‘relevant’ functions from IfATE to the Secretary of State for Education during the setup phase of Skills England.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his support for the new body, stating that Skills England will “kickstart economic growth, by opening up new opportunities for young people and enabling British businesses to recruit more home-grown talent.”
WORLD AFRO DAY CAMPAIGN URGES MPS TO UPDATE EQUALITY ACT
Singers Mel B and Beverley Knight are among leading voices urging parliament to make the UK the first western country to introduce a law to end Afro hair discrimination and to make to Afro hair a protected characteristic. Held annually on 15 September, World Afro Day is a global day for the celebration and liberation for Afro hair, and this year the campaign has seen open letters being written to MPs, urging them to vote for the recognition and prevention of Afro hair discrimination by updating the Equality Act 2010.
HABIA ANNOUNCES ANNOUNCES MATAKKI SCISSORS CO-FOUNDER AS NEW AMBASSADOR
The Hair and Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA) have announced Emma Curd, Director and Co-owner at Matakki scissors, as their ambassador with a focus on standards. Emma’s role will see her supporting Habia across the hair and beauty industry alongside other experts, to develop national occupational standards which are incremental to professional qualification. “Habia focus on standards, Education, Excellence, and careers. We are delighted to welcome Emma as an ambassador, with a focus on standards. Her experience and professional status in addition to the Matakki brand values, alongside their focus on industry standards and practices, align with those of Habia perfectly,” says Joan Scott, CEO of HABIA.
WAHL PROFESSIONAL UNVEILS ‘MAKE IT WITH WAHL’ PLATFORM
Wahl Professional is committed to continuing its evolution with the announcement of ‘Make it with Wahl’, a platform set to empower the next generation of future makers.
The ‘Make it with Wahl’ campaign is the beginning of a broader platform to showcase the passion and connection shared between industry professionals and Wahl, and underscores that with a Wahl tool, anything becomes achievable. The brand is committed to equipping professionals with the tools to accomplish remarkable feats, shape culture, change lives, and foster meaningful careers – and invites all industry professionals to embark on this transformative journey.
THE BRITISH HAIRDRESSING AWARDS 2024 FINALISTS ARE HERE!
The finalists for HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards 2024, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, have officially been announced. The first round of judging for this year’s awards took place on Monday 22 July at Epsom Downs Racecourse, where the industry reunited to choose their favourite work across 17 specialist and regional categories. Once again, the Men’s Hairdresser of the Year category displayed a superb level of skill and creativity, leaving the judges with a tricky task. Congratulations to all the finalists on this fantastic achievement – head to modernbarber.co.uk to see the full list.
According to a new study by Mira Showers, Devon and Cornwall have 70% less calcium in their water supply than the average across England, making it the best place to live for combined skin and hair health and the best place for hair health, individually.