They were this year’s triumphant, out of hundreds of entrants, the judges chose them, want to know why? Here’s the insight on our 2018 Most Wanted…
SUPREME TEAM
Lloyds Hair, Waterford
It’s an honour for us to be in a room with standard bearers and new people coming through. Our team have rallied around us and stuck by us – that’s what it means for us this year.
Having kept a hold of their title for the second year running, Lloyds Hair has proved once again its teamwork is still the pride of Ireland. With a tribe of over 50 under its roof, the luxury salon in Waterford is more like a family home, using Positivity Post It Notes and hand-delivered letters to keep this clan closer than ever.
EXCEPTIONAL STYLIST
Dylan Bradshaw, Dylan Bradshaw
I can’t believe it! It’s really important as an industry that we set standards and push ourselves. This is the best industry in the world – big up the Irish!
Three times winner of Exceptional Stylist, Dylan is officially a Most Wanted LEGEND after scooping the 2018 title! Dylan is utterly fearless – moving to the US at the age of 21 to work at Bumble & bumble, which paved the way into fashion and led to collaborations with top magazines and celebrity clientele. 2018 has seen the Dylan Bradshaw Academy partner with enterprise charity An Cosán, awarding scholarships to aspiring stylists in the community. Creativity in spades, dedication to his craft, an incredible Dublin salon and the Irish charm, it’s no wonder Mr. Bradshaw is a Most Wanted veteran.
BEST SALON TEAM
Blue Tit East Village, London
It’s amazing to pick up any award but Best Salon Team means a lot. Blue Tit is about teamwork, helping each other and looking out for each other.
At this London-based salon, each member of the team brings their own style and creativity to the table producing forward-thinking ideas that keep this achingly-cool salon ahead of the field. From monthly team challenges which include lots of role-play practice, to its round-robin approach seeing stylists pass skills onto each other, Blue Tit’s squad are constantly reaching new heights of creativity and success, it’s paid off!
BEST LOCAL SALON
Malcolm Murphy Hair, Leicester
We really didn’t expect to win! Thank you to the team – they’re all amazing. And Leicester’s an amazing place to be!
For this Leicester based team, it’s all about getting to know each other outside the salon that keeps this squad smiling. Whilst there’s plenty of away days to let them relax, the team aren’t afraid of hard work, having founded the local street festival, Westival, and a regeneration project of Hinckley Road where the salon is based, ensuring they are doing their bit to make sure the area is constantly improving. Add campaigns such as ‘Malcolm’s 10 Acts for Hope’ raising essential funds for charity Hope Against Cancer and you’ll begin to understand why they are such pillars of their community.
BEST NEW SALON
The Social, London
I actually proper didn’t expect this. We’ve built this business debt-free and it’s rolling! Thank you to all the freelancers who make it work
Founded by 2017 The It List, The It Guy Ky Wilson, East London salon concept The Social, offers a flexible, collaborative studio space that’s changing the game for the freelancer community. Having began with pop-up salons on the streets and in warehouses, the newly opened permanent location offers staff an on-trend working environment, whilst being able to take control of their time and opportunities.
BEST SALON EXPERIENCE
STIL, London
To my fabulous and gorgeous team, thank you for your passion and dedication – without these guys, the salon wouldn’t be where it is today
Offering Scandi inspired interiors in a bright and beautiful space, this Notting Hill salon is the ultimate in minimalist chic. A unique four-step service programme including massage therapy at the back bar and take-home colour refreshes, has paid dividends in customer retention. Expert advice on colours and trends helps clients achieve a truly bespoke look and ensures STIL provides a guest experience like no other.
MALE GROOMING SPECIALIST
Jody Taylor
Wow, wow, wow. You know what, to be recognised not just for a single picture, but for your work throughout the year – that’s just amazing.
An established name in men’s styling, who has used his scissor skills for some of the UK’s finest designers at London Fashion Week, Jody Taylor’s technical expertise have been called upon by the likes of Louis Vuitton and GQ magazine. Add to that educating at seminars across the UK and Europe on how to achieve contemporary male styling and his own Taylored London product range and it’s no surprise that the room erupted for this popular winner.
CREATIVE TALENT
Zoë Irwin, Taylor Taylor London
I’m so shocked. This means so much to me. I wanted to bring in a new education system to teach young kids about trends – to teach them about the ‘90s or skateboarding, the references they need. I did it my way and I’m so grateful
A former Most Wanted Hair Icon, Zoë never stops pushing herself, from being creative colour director at Taylor Taylor London to working as the ghd UK brand ambassador, and Wella Professionals UK colour trend expert. Spurred on by her desire to inspire and guide young stylists, her online Influence Project educating industry up-and-comers on emerging trends is a personal passion project and has got people buzzing!
BUSINESS THINKER & COLOUR EXPERT
Sophia Hilton, Not Another Salon
My real ambition is to rebuild colourist confidence in this awful Instagram era that’s upon us – and I promise everyone in this room that I will continue to do that; from the big stylist to the small, everyone deserves to be heard.
No stranger to a multiple Most Wanted win, Sophia Hilton proved once again that she’s helping to shape the industry by scooping Business Thinker AND Colour Expert. Known for her unique and pioneering approach to business, Sophia Hilton has built far more than a salon. Having firmly established Not Another Salon’s massive social following, as well as introducing genderless pricing and up-front costs, which have completely changed salon conventions for good. On the colour front, she has become something of a poster girl for exposing the harsh realties of when hair colouring goes wrong. From producing sell-out training courses, to speaking in front of the world’s top colourists at the L’Oréal Colour Congress, she’s once again demonstrated both her straightforward attitude, as well as her undeniable skill.
HAIR TREND
Kevin Kahan, Kevin Kahan
I am completely overwhelmed because to be around so much great talent in this category – to receive this award is just so truly inspiring.
Recognised for being the best on-trend image of the year, Kevin’s creation was heralded by judges as fashion-forward and wearable, with a contemporary yet timeless feel. Having created a look that truly captures the essence of the year with its almost tomboy-ish aesthetic, Kevin stood out from overwhelming competition, leaving a long-lasting impression.
AWARD FOR INNOVATION
Stewart Roberts for Haircuts4Homeless
This has been a personal journey as much for me as for the people whose hair I’m cutting. It’s made me fall back in love with hairdressing. There’s something so pure about doing something for someone else for no reward. They have lives you can’t imagine. This is the beginning…
Having brought together a community of skilled hairdressers who give free haircuts to homeless people in 45 locations across the UK and Ireland, veteran hairdresser Stewart has founded a ground-breaking initiative to help people feel less lonely and forgotten. Haircuts4Homeless face the issue head on, empowering others to change their situations.
SESSION STYLIST
Syd Hayes
I’m very shocked to be honest because there are some legends in the room I’m hugely inspired by. Big up to my team, I couldn’t do it without my guys – they are an inspiration.
Holding on to his Most Wanted title from 2017 and ranked among fashion’s most exciting talents, Syd has worked with the likes of Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Miu Miu, Valentino, Versace, Missoni and Givenchy, not to mention titles including Vogue, Love and Allure, along with respected photographers including Juergen Teller and David Sims. In 2018 he even launched unique hair accessory #SydPin, which broke the internet thanks to an endorsement by one Victoria Beckham.
HAIR ICON
Eugene Souleiman
I don’t really work in the industry and haven’t for many years, but it’s lovely to be back in the fold and to be appreciated. This means the world to me.
A previous winner in 2013, Eugene’s infamous avant-garde styling has become hugely influential and his unique approach to hair continues to set him apart from the rest. “People should have fun with hair”, he insists, doing away with all conventions and traditions entirely. With his innovative spirit, it’s little wonder brands such as Prada, Maison Margiela and Stella McCartney are clamouring to work with him and that you, the industry chose him as your Hair Icon.
LEGEND
JASHAIRGroup – Best Local Salon 2012, 2015, 2017
We are absolutely thrilled and truly delighted to become a Most Wanted LEGEND. This year has been a difficult one for Salisbury, but if you’re out and about please visit the city. We really do get involved in our community and we won’t be stopping doing what we love. This award is for Salisbury!
A third win last year crowned this local institution a Most Wanted LEGEND. This is a business that over 27 years has grown from a single salon to a three-strong group and in the process become an absolute star in its local area. From forging partnerships with local businesses that benefit everyone, to helping to create Salisbury Fashion Week, the team at JASHAIRGroup have absolutely mastered their market. They are a local salon that delivers on every level for their community and they thoroughly deserved to be recognised.
