The close of 2025 brought significant achievements for key figures and businesses across the UK hair and beauty sector. Andrew Barton stepped into a prominent European Brand Ambassador role for NAK Hair, an Australian brand known for its vegan, cruelty-free products and sustainability efforts. Barton's four decades of industry experience, including multiple British Hairdresser of the Year awards, position him to expand the brand's reach and align with its commitment to luxury and vitality. The partnership highlights how established talent can drive international growth for niche brands.
Efi Davies achieved a major milestone, being named British Hairdresser of the Year at the 2025 British Hairdressing Awards. Her win, on her first nomination, also included her third Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year title, inducting her into the event's Hall of Fame. Davies' success, in collaboration with photographer David Mannah, make-up artist Lan Nguyen-Grealis, and stylist Borna Prikaski, underscores the importance of team effort and personal dedication in high-level creative competitions.
Phorest recognised a record number of salons globally for client experience through its Client Experience Awards (CEAs). These awards, based solely on verified client reviews collected via the Phorest system, saw businesses maintaining an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars over the entire year. Jardines Face & Body Clinic in Clondalkin notably maintained its five-star rating for a decade. This continued emphasis on genuine client feedback by platforms like Phorest highlights the growing importance of online reputation management for all salon owners.
Inverness salon KIKU celebrated its first successful year since opening in November 2024. Founders Paul Ralph and Hiro Kudo built the business on a philosophy of listening and steady development, prioritising authenticity over discounts. Their focus on building a skilled team and a calm client environment sets a precedent for new businesses seeking sustainable growth. KIKU's plans for a refit in early 2026 to enhance the client experience suggest that physical space refinement remains a key strategy for salons aiming to elevate their offering.
