IT LIST 2024
ABOUT
Creative HEAD’s It List Awards
Launched in 2010, and exclusively sponsored by ghd, Creative HEAD’s It List awards catapult into the spotlight Britain and Ireland’s most exciting new hair talents. We’re talking the best young business-builders, style-makers, hard grafters, and game-changers – the names who’ve been setting the barbering, session styling and salon spheres on fire, and all aged 30 or under.
There are six categories to choose from, representing a wide spectrum of hairdressing disciplines – there’s even a title for professionals at the very start of their hairdressing career.
Entries are judged by experts working in hair, fashion, business, and the media – for example, leading names in salon and session, editors from the likes of 10 Magazine, marie claire and The Telegraph, and talent scouts from international agencies including Art + Commerce and The Wall Group. And you know what? Your work deserves it.
If you make it through judging, not only will you join hundreds of ultra-stylist guests at the Most Wanted and It List Grand Final in London, but you could also really get the chance to shine, winning an It List trophy, a generous gift from ghd and year in the Creative HEAD spotlight.
It’s free to enter the It List, and your career could sky-rocket as a result.
IT LIST 2024
KEY DATES
ENTRIES CLOSE
9pm, Monday 20 May
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
Friday 14 June
GRAND FINAL
Monday 2 September, London
IT LIST 2024
CATEGORIES
THE BUSINESS BUILDER
For the brains behind a brilliant business.
Sponsored by
Open to hair professionals aged 30 or under, who have launched a hair-related business serving clients, the industry, or both.
To enter, you must submit the following:
Part 1: Business profile – EITHER a PDF (up to 8 pages) OR a video (up to 5 minutes)
Have you built a business from scratch? Maybe you’ve opened a new salon, crafted an online education programme, or set up a hair accessories line. Whatever you’ve launched, provide information about why you created it, who it’s for and what makes your business unique. Share the highs and lows of your journey so far, and the learnings along the way that have shaped your business for the better. Include the name and location (if relevant), the date of launch, and imagery to illustrate.
Part 2: Endorsements – PDF (up to 4 pages)
Prove to the judges your business is booming! Provide financial reports, statistics, press coverage, client testimonials, etc, from the past 12 months, to corroborate its success.
Plus, supporting imagery and documents:
- An image of you
- At least three images illustrating your business
- A copy of your ID as proof of age
Your PDF must be A4, in either portrait or landscape format. Please combine all parts into one single file, making sure you do not exceed the page numbers stipulated. Feel free to add a front cover page to introduce your entry. Maximum file size 100MB. Please do not include any embedded video or hyperlinks.
If you are providing a video, it must be an MP4 file, in either portrait or landscape format. Smartphone footage is fine. Please do not exceed the maximum duration stipulated. Maximum file size 200MB.
If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry.
THE EDITORIAL STYLIST
For a stylist making waves on set.
Sponsored by
Open to hair professionals aged 30 or under, whether employed, self-employed or freelance.
To enter, you must submit the following:
Part 1: Your editorial CV – EITHER a PDF (up to 8 pages) OR a video (up to 5 minutes)Introduce yourself and tell the judges about your editorial career to date, from assisting positions through to jobs where you have been the team lead. Include details like the kind of projects you’ve undertaken, who you’ve worked for and collaborated with, key roles and responsibilities – and let the judges see what you’ve created! Include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.
Part 2: Case study – PDF (up to 4 pages)
Describe in detail a single editorial project you’ve worked on since March 2023 that you’re most proud of. Maybe you were involved at a live event like Fashion Week, got booked for a film, TV or music shoot, or shot for a leading magazine. Share details of how you got the job, the work you undertook and the impact this project has had on your career progression. Include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.
Plus, supporting imagery and documents:
- An image of you
- At least three images showcasing the work you’re most proud of
- A copy of your ID as proof of age
Your PDF must be A4, in either portrait or landscape format. Please combine all parts into one single file, making sure you do not exceed the page numbers stipulated. Feel free to add a front cover page to introduce your entry. Maximum file size 100MB. Please do not include any embedded video or hyperlinks.
If you are providing a video, it must be an MP4 file, in either portrait or landscape format. Smartphone footage is fine. Please do not exceed the maximum duration stipulated. Maximum file size 200MB.
If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry.
THE RISING STAR
For an impressive and fast-improving salon assistant.
Sponsored by
Open to hair professionals who are employed at a salon or barber shop and aged 30 or under, with testimonial from the owner or manager.
Entrants must have no more than three years’ experience on the floor and be educated to (or working towards) minimum NVQ Level 2 or equivalent.
To enter, you must submit the following:
Part 1: A personal introduction (from you) – EITHER a PDF (up to 8 pages) OR a video (up to 5 minutes)
Show the judges how far you’ve come on your hairdressing journey! Talk about things like training and mentorships, the skills you’ve mastered and the projects you’ve been part of, as well as what you love most about the job you’re doing now – and your future aspirations. Include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.
Part 2: A testimonial (from your boss or manager) – EITHER a PDF (up to 4 pages) OR a video (up to 3 minutes)
Introduce your assistant and sing their praises! Talk about their qualities, strengths and skills and highlight a single instance where their performance under your employment has been particularly impressive.
Plus, supporting imagery and documents:
- An image of you
- At least three images showcasing the work you’re most proud of
- A copy of your ID as proof of age
If you are providing a PDF it must be A4, in either portrait or landscape format. Please combine all parts into one single file, making sure you do not exceed the page numbers stipulated. Feel free to add a front cover page to introduce your entry. Maximum file size 100MB. Please do not include any embedded video or hyperlinks.
If you are providing a video, it must be an MP4 file, in either portrait or landscape format. Smartphone footage is fine. Make sure you do not exceed the maximum duration stipulated. Maximum file size 200MB. Video files must be separately supplied.
If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry.
THE SALON STYLIST
For stand-out skills behind the chair.
Sponsored by
Open to hair professionals who are employed full-time at a salon or barber shop and aged 30 or under.
It is not possible to enter this category if you are the business owner.
To enter, you must submit the following:
Part 1: Your salon CV – EITHER a PDF (up to 8 pages) OR a video (up to 5 minutes)
Introduce yourself and tell the judges about your career to date, your passions and influences and any specialisms that make you stand out – maybe you’re a whizz with a razor or you’re bossing it at balayage! Include details about your current employment, covering key roles and responsibilities, as well as the kind of clients you serve and your future ambitions. Include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.
Part 2: Case study – PDF (up to 4 pages)
Describe in detail one example of excelling in your position at work since March 2023. Maybe you came up with a campaign to attract new clients, transformed team morale with a clever mentoring initiative or developed a new service that’s boosted bookings. Talk about what you did, why you did it and the impact it had on the business and/or your own client column. Include supporting imagery, as relevant.
Plus, supporting imagery and documents:
- An image of you
- At least three images showcasing the work you’re most proud of
- A copy of your ID as proof of age
Your PDF must be A4, in either portrait or landscape format. Make sure you do not exceed the maximum page numbers stipulated. Feel free to add a front cover page to introduce your entry. Maximum file size 100MB. Please do not include any embedded video or hyperlinks.
If you are providing a video, it must be an MP4 file, in either portrait or landscape format. Smartphone footage is fine. Make sure you do not exceed the maximum duration stipulated. Maximum file size 200MB.
If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry.
THE VISIONARY
For head-turning creativity.
Sponsored by
Open to hair professionals aged 30 or under, whether employed, self-employed or freelance.
The team must work at a single location; it is not possible to enter as a team working across multiple sites.
To enter, you must submit the following:
Part 1: Personal statement – PDF (up to 4 pages)
Introduce yourself – tell the judges who you are, where you work and how far you’ve come in your career. Talk about the kind of work you create, your creative process and what drives and inspires your artistry. Include imagery to illustrate, as relevant.
Part 2: Showcase – EITHER an image edit (10 individual images) OR a video (up to 5 minutes)
Wow the judges with a showcase of your most visionary hair work. From client pictures to full collections, campaigns to passion projects, share a carefully curated edit that best represents your artistic flair.
Plus, supporting imagery and documents:
- An image of you
- At least three images that best represent your visionary skills
- A copy of your ID as proof of age
Your PDF must be A4, in either portrait or landscape format. Make sure you do not exceed the maximum page number stipulated. Feel free to add a front cover page to introduce your entry. Maximum file size 100MB. Please do not include any embedded video or hyperlinks.
If you are providing a video, it must be a MP4 file, in either portrait or landscape format. Smartphone footage is fine. Make sure you do not exceed the maximum duration stipulated. Maximum file size 200MB.
If you are providing an image edit, your pictures must be supplied as individual JPEG or PNG files, in either portrait or landscape format. They do not need to have been professionally photographed (smart phone photos are fine) or shot exclusively for the It List.
If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website, and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry.
THE ONE TO WATCH
For an outstanding hair talent demonstrating all-round excellence.
Sponsored by
Open to hair professionals aged 30 or under, whether employed, self-employed or freelance.
To enter, you must submit:
Your career story – EITHER a PDF (up to 12 pages) OR a video (up to 8 minutes)
Demonstrate to the judges why you’re blazing a trail in hairdressing! Talk about who you are, what you’re made of and where you’re headed, as well as the people, experiences and opportunities that have shaped you as an artist, plus your proudest moments to date. Pack in as much as you like and include imagery to illustrate, as relevant, but be sure to cover the following:
- Education, training and mentorships
- Strengths, specialisms and inspirations
- Roles at work – positions held and key responsibilities
- Session work – shoots, events, runway shows, TV and film projects, etc
- Awards, accolades and other achievements
- Press and publicity (about you!)
- Future goals and ambitions
Plus, supporting imagery and documents (JPEG or PNG), including:
- An image of you
- At least three images showcasing the work you’re most proud of
- A copy of your ID as proof of age
If you are providing a PDF it must be A4 size, in either portrait or landscape format. Make sure you do not exceed the maximum page number stipulated. Feel free to add a front cover page, to introduce your entry. Maximum file size 100MB. Please do not include any embedded video or hyperlinks.
If you are providing a video, it must be an MP4 file, in either portrait or landscape format. Smartphone footage is fine. Make sure you do not exceed the maximum duration stipulated. Maximum file size 200MB. Video files must be separately supplied.
If you finalise, the imagery you provide may be used to promote you within any print, website, and social media activity, and at the Grand Final. Please supply good quality, high resolution JPEG or PNG files. Usage rights must be secured ahead of entry.
IT LIST 2024
ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS
HOW TO ENTER
It List 2024 entry instructions
All It List entries are digital and will be reviewed by our judges on a tablet or laptop.
Here’s how to enter:
1. Read the terms of entry
You must read and agree to the It List 2024 terms of entry before preparing and submitting your entry(ies). If you have any questions about the terms, please call or email Laura on +44 (0)20 7324 7540 or laura@alfol.co.uk.
2. Choose your category(ies)
There are six It List categories open for entry. Each category description clearly states who is eligible, and any exclusions, so please check carefully before you make your selection(s). If in doubt, please call or email Laura on +44 (0)20 7324 7540 or laura@alfol.co.uk.
You may enter multiple categories.
3. Prepare your entry(ies)
Each category has a bespoke set of criteria (i.e., content required), which must be carefully followed. Your entry may be disqualified if you do not adhere to the criteria.
Each category also stipulates the formats accepted for your entry files (e.g., PDF, MP4), alongside quantities, durations, and sizes (e.g., up to 8 pages; max 200MB). Your entry may be disqualified if you do not adhere to these specifications.
4. Label your files
You must label each entry file with your name, plus the name of the category you are entering, followed by a number – denoting the amount of of files you are uploading.
Example: if you are entering The Editorial Stylist, with the PDF containing parts 1 and 2, and your supporting imagery and documents, you would label your files as follows:
John Smith-The Editorial Stylist-1.PDF (your entry)
John Smith-The Editorial Stylist-2.JPEG (image of you)
John Smith-The Editorial Stylist-3.JPEG (image of your work)
John Smith-The Editorial Stylist-4.JPEG (image of your work)
John Smith-The Editorial Stylist-5.JPEG (image of your work)
John Smith-The Editorial Stylist-6.JPEG (your photo ID)
Example: if you are entering The Rising Star, with a video for part 1, and a PDF for part 2, plus your supporting imagery and documents, you would label your files as follows:
John Smith-The Rising Star-1.MP4 (your entry)
John Smith-The Rising Star-2.PDF (your entry)
John Smith-The Rising Star-3.JPEG (image of you)
John Smith-The Rising Star-4.JPEG (image of your work)
John Smith-The Rising Star-5.JPEG (image of your work)
John Smith-The Rising Star-6.JPEG (image of your work)
John Smith-The Rising Star-7.JPEG (your photo ID)
5. Submitting your entry
When your files are complete, and you are ready to proceed, use the ‘ENTER’ button below to submit your entry.
This will take you to a form, which you must complete, and where you will upload your files.
You must wait until ALL files have uploaded before clicking the ‘Submit’ button. It is not possible to add or amend files once your entry has been submitted.
Once you have submitted your entry, you will receive an automated confirmation email from Creative HEAD. Please check your junk mail in case it goes in there! If you do not receive this email, please email laura@alfol.co.uk.
Entries must be submitted no later than 9pm on Monday 20 May 2024.
If you have any questions about the entry process, or are experiencing problems uploading your entry, please call or email Laura on +44 (0)20 7324 7540 or laura@alfol.co.uk.
TERMS OF ENTRY
It List 2024 terms of entry
You must read these terms before preparing and submitting your entry. By submitting your entry, you are agreeing to these terms. If you have any questions, please call or email Laura on +44 (0)20 7324 7540 or laura@alfol.co.uk.
- The It List is open to the owners and employees of salons, barber shops and other workspaces providing hair services, as well as self-employed and freelance hair professionals, aged 30 or under and based in the UK and Ireland.
- Some categories state additional entry stipulations, please refer to individual category criteria for full guidance.
- Duos may enter The Business Builder, providing they jointly own or co-direct the business.
- For The Rising Star, entrants must have no more than three years’ experience on the floor and be educated to (or working towards) minimum NVQ Level, 2 or equivalent.
- It is not possible to enter The Salon Stylist if you are the business owner.
- The details provided on the It List entry form must be the entrant’s own, and not those of a third party, such as a PR representative.
- Only digital entries will be accepted. Entry files must be submitted in accordance with the competition entry instructions. Embedded videos and hyperlinks are not accepted within PDF files.
- It is the responsibility of the entrant to ensure all entry files submitted (including supporting image files) are cleared for publication in all Alfol Ltd print and digital products, including, but not limited to, all editions of Creative HEAD magazine and any supplements, at creativeheadmag.com, on Creative HEAD social media, in It List live event materials (print and screen), and in any post-event publicity and future competition materials.
- Proof of age is required (entrants must be aged 30 or under at the competition closing date) and will be trusted as supplied.
- Entries must be submitted no later than 9pm on Monday 20 May 2024.
- Panels of expert judges will assess It List entries on tablets or laptops.
- There will be a maximum of five finalists in each category, except in the case of The One to Watch.
- The judges’ decision is final.
- A full list of It List finalists will be revealed online on Friday 14 June 2024. Finalists will be notified via email the same day.
- Finalists will be invited to attend the Most Wanted and It List Grand Final in London on Monday 2 September 2024, and offered one complimentary ticket (even if they finalise in more than one category). In circumstances where a duo has been allowed to enter and finalises, one member of the duo may take the allocated ticket. Exceptions to this rule are at the discretion of Alfol Ltd. Grand Final travel/accommodation expenses cannot be reimbursed.
- Finalists consent to being photographed and filmed at the Grand Final, and this content may be used later. They also permit Alfol Ltd to use their name, voice and photograph/recording in/on all Alfol Ltd print and digital products, including, but not limited to, all editions of Creative HEAD magazine and any supplements, at creativeheadmag.com, on Creative HEAD social media, in It List live event materials (print and screen), and in any post-event publicity and future competition materials.
- It List winners’ prizes must be accepted as offered. There is no cash alternative.
- No employee of Alfol Ltd, nor their families, may enter the It List.
- No employee of ghd, nor their families, may enter the It List.
- If an entry does not comply with the category criteria it will be disqualified.
- Entries may not be withdrawn, unless under exceptional circumstances. Verification may be required. To discuss, please email Laura on laura@alfol.co.uk.
- By entering the It List, you agree to the It List 2024 terms of entry and for your details to be added to Creative HEAD’s email database, so we can update you with news, events, and special offers. You may unsubscribe to our emails at any point.
FAQ
It List 2024 frequently asked questions
Hopefully, these common It List queries will address yours. If not, feel free to email laura@alfol.co.uk
Who can enter the It List?
The It List is open to the owners and employees of salons, barber shops and other workspaces providing hair services, as well as self-employed and freelance hair professionals, aged 30 or under and based in the UK and Ireland.
Are there any age limits or other entry restrictions?
Yes! You can only enter the competition if you are aged 30 or under on the closing date of Monday 20 May 2024. Photo evidence is required.
Some categories state additional entry stipulations, please refer to individual category criteria for full guidance.
Does it cost anything to enter?
Zero – only your time.
What is required for entry?
Every category has its own set of criteria, which sets out exactly what you need to provide for the judges, and the format in which you need to supply it.
What’s the competition closing date?
Entries must be submitted by 9pm on Monday 20 May 2024.
Can I enter more than one category?
Yes, you can enter as many categories as you wish.
I would love to enter but how do I know I am up to standard?
Please feel free to call Laura on +44 (0)20 7324 7540 for an informal chat and guidance.
Can another person enter on my behalf?
No, this is not possible.
I work in the UK or Ireland, but I live abroad. Can I enter?
Unfortunately, no. You must be based in the UK and Ireland to enter.
Does the imagery included in my entry have to be created especially for the It List?
No, so long as it’s your work you can enter it!
The work I want to feature in my entry has been published elsewhere, can I still include it?
Yes, you can.
How do I submit my entry?
Full guidance for preparing and submitting your entry can be found in our entry instructions.
My entry wont upload/submit?
Please call or email Laura on +44 (0)20 7324 7540 or laura@alfol.co.uk for guidance.
I have submitted my entry and want to make changes before the closing date, is this possible?
It is not possible to access your entry once it has been submitted, so make sure you are happy before submitting. In exceptional circumstance we may be able to help, please email laura@alfol.co.uk.
Am I allowed to withdraw my entry after entering?
Entries may not be withdrawn, unless under exceptional circumstances. Verification maybe required. To discuss, please email laura@alfol.co.uk
I won’t be around for the Grand Final, what happens if I finalise?
That would be a great shame, however, we understand not everybody can make the date. In this case, we would invite you to nominate somebody to accept the award on your behalf, should your name be announced as the winner, on the night. This person may attend in your place.
I have finalised in more than one category – how many tickets will I receive?
You will receive one complimentary ticket no matter how many times you finalise. In circumstances where a duo has been allowed to enter and finalises, you will need to nominate one person to take the allocated ticket.
IT LIST 2024
PAST WINNERS
2023
The Business Builder Charles Rose, Crate Cheshire
The Editorial Stylist Darcie Harvey, Reuben Wood Hairdressing
The Salon Stylist Norman Boulton, Not Another Salon
The Rising Star Mia Mozley
The Visionary Birte Klintworth, Radio
The One to Watch Miles Twist, Architect Hair
2022
The Editorial Stylist Lauren Bell, London
The Entrepreneur Danielle Garner, Wildflower, Dublin
The Salon Stylist Ryan Steedman, Adam Reed London, London
The Rising Star Georgia Freeman, Q Cut Hair & Beauty, Surrey
The Visionary Quentin Taillepied, Stag, Edinburgh
The One to Watch Danielle Garner, Wildflower, Dublin
2021
The Editorial Stylist Ellie Bond, Essex
The Entrepreneur Brooke Evans, BE Ironbridge, Telford
The Rising Star Millie Bloy CODE Hair Consultants, Lowestoft
The Visionary Giuseppe Stelitano, Trevor Sorbie, London
The It Girl Harriet Stokes, Humankind Hair, London
The It Guy Giuseppe Stelitano, Trevor Sorbie, London
2020
The Editorial Stylist Aidan Darcy, Dublin
The Entrepreneur Ricky Walters, Salon64, London
The Rising Star Annabel Payne, Toni&Guy, Salisbury
The Visionary Marlon Hawkins, Brooks & Brooks, London
The It Girl Leah Hayden Cassidy, Unit 8 by HAYDEN, London
The It Guy Tom Gilling, Adam Reed London, London
2019
The Entrepreneur Jennifer Linton, Linton & Mac
The Fashionista Tom Gilling
The Rising Star Callum McDonald, Ruffians
The Visionary Amelia Evans, Hare & Bone
The It Girl Sarah Black, Linton & Mac
The It Guy Jamie Benny, Hare & Bone
IT LIST 2024
EXCLUSIVELY SPONSORED BY GHD
