As 2025 draws to a close, hair industry leaders are outlining their professional aspirations for the coming year. Stylist Josh Woodman highlights mentorship and comprehensive kit building as key resolutions for those aiming for a career in show work.
Woodman, who began assisting at 18, stresses the value of learning diverse techniques and working with various hair types, from curls to pixies and blowdries. He advises aspiring show stylists to seek out inspirational figures for mentorship opportunities, noting the consistent availability of placements at London Fashion Week, particularly through platforms like @assisting_work.
He also points to the importance of a versatile kit, emphasizing brushes and combs in all shapes and sizes. Woodman specifically praises Denman brushes for their quality and price, detailing personal essentials like the Denman Style & Shine Brush and the battered but beloved Denman Large Cutting Comb acquired at 16. Investing in professional tools is presented as a crucial step for mastering show hairstyling, where cutting is often restricted.
Woodman's own experience includes significant work on programmes like The X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing, alongside bands such as The 1975, and participation in numerous Fashion Weeks. He advocates for embracing a wide range of opportunities to discover one's preferred area within the industry. The article frames these individual resolutions as a call to action for other professionals to consider similar career-advancing goals for 2026.
