2025 saw hairdressing creativity reach new heights, but many small businesses grappled with significant economic challenges. This duality defined the year, with industry professionals achieving personal bests while navigating a tough operational climate. Dean Lawton Taylor of Trinder Hair Studios celebrated winning the Eastern Region at the L’Oréal Colour Trophy and securing third place overall, alongside joining the L’Oréal Pro Edit team and winning a Fellowship Calligraphy Cut Scholarship. He noted social media’s role in fostering industry connection and inspiration.
Harry Andreou at Studio U highlighted a shift towards wellbeing and sustainability, emphasizing the human element of hairdressing. His personal journey included reopening Studio U in Winchester, winning Salon Stylist of the Year and Global Artist of the Year. Michelle Summers Davies described 2025 as bold and buzzing, despite rising costs. Her growth came from entering the British Hairdressing Awards, a defining moment she shared with family. She also spoke at a Matrix & Alan Howard event in Manchester, leading to a new Business Mastery course launch in 2026, and won Best Customer Experience.
David Corbett of David Corbett Hairdressing won Scottish Hairdresser of the Year for the second time. He identified the industry’s need for investment in modern apprenticeships and quality training as a key challenge for the future, echoing sentiments shared by Cos Sakkas at the British Hairdressing Awards. Helen Keegan and Georgie Greenslade from The Hair Movement found success through self-employment within supportive salon structures and pushing creative boundaries, respectively. For salon owners, the year underscores the need to balance creative ambition with astute business management, particularly in light of governmental support gaps and rising operational expenses.
