Hairdressers Competition Information
Much of my work is created for the purpose of entering hairdressing competitions. I thought it would be useful to create a resource with information to help hairdressers find competitions, understand the entry requirements and, hopefully, find the right competition for their work.
There are some fantastic opportunities for hairdressers, colourists, barbers and salon teams to showcase their creativity, whether you’re looking to build your portfolio, gain industry recognition or take your work to the next level.
I’ve put together some of the key UK hairdressing competitions and awards below, along with important dates, entry information and links to the official websites.
I’ll do my best to keep this page updated, but competition dates and entry requirements can change, so please always check the official competition website before entering.
If you’re entering a photographic hair competition and need images for your collection, I can help with the planning, photography and creative direction to make sure your work looks its absolute best.
Quick-View Calendar
| Competition | Current status |
|---|---|
| Wella TrendVision Award | Final – 14 September 2026 |
| WorldSkills UK Hairdressing | National Finals – week commencing 16 November 2026 |
| HJ British Hairdressing Awards | Final – 23 November 2026 |
| Salon Awards UK | Celebrations – 14–15 November 2026 |
| British Hairdressing Business Awards | 2027 entries OPEN – deadline 14 August 2026 |
| L’Oréal Colour Trophy | 2026 competition complete – watch for 2027 |
| FHA Freelance Awards | 2026 competition complete – watch for 2027 |
| IBI Awards | 2026 entries closed – watch for next competition |
| The HAIR Awards | 2026 competition complete – watch for 2027 |
| Concept Hair Learner of the Year | 2026 competition complete – watch for next competition |
L’Oréal Colour Trophy UK & Ireland
About:
The L’Oréal Colour Trophy continues to be one of the most prestigious competitions in the industry, showcasing incredible talent across the UK and Ireland. Since 1954, it has grown from a single event into multiple regional heats and a packed grand final.
Categories:
L’Oréal Colour Trophy Award
Men’s Image Award
Afro Award
Star Award
College Award
Key Dates 2025:
Entries open: 3 February 2025
Entries close: 3 April 2025
Finalists announced: 6 May 2025
Ireland Final: 9 June 2025
UK Grand Final: 30 June 2025
Website: lorealcolourtrophy.com
FHA Freelance Awards
About:
Open to every self-employed hairdresser in the UK. If you create a beautiful piece of work, simply photograph it and enter. Categories include Colourist of the Year, Ladies Stylist, Bridal, Party & Prom Stylist, and Creative Stylist.
Deadline: 2025 dates TBC (check official site)
Website: thefha.org.uk/fha-awards
Kao Salon Division Global Experience & Goldwell Global Creative Awards
About:
An international platform to showcase colour, cutting, styling, and editorial collections. Includes both technical and editorial categories such as Creative Colourist, Creative Haircutter, Men’s Hairstylist, Avant Garde, Salon Team, and Editorial Colourist.
Deadline: 2025 TBC (previously July)
Website: globalcreativeawards.com
Wella Professionals TrendVision & Xposure Award
About:
Submit your work on Instagram using the official category hashtags. Categories cover colour, styling, editorial, men’s hair and a student “Xposure” division.
Deadline: 2025 TBC
Website: Wella TrendVision
NHBF Business Awards
About:
Recognises excellence across the hair industry, including Photographic Image of the Year.
Website: nhbf.co.uk
British Hairdressing Business Awards
About:
17 categories celebrating achievement from assistants to directors.
Ceremony: 7 July 2025 – Royal Lancaster London
Website: hji.co.uk
HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards (sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional)
About:
One of the most iconic competitions in the industry, celebrating the best creative hairdressing talent.
Key Dates 2025:
Entries close: 27 June 2025 (5pm)
Ceremony: 24 November 2025 – JW Grosvenor House Hotel, London
Website: hji.co.uk
International Hairdressing Awards (IHA) / HairCon 2025
About:
The IHAs join forces with HairCon for 2025. The international ceremony takes place alongside the new UK industry exhibition.
Key Dates:
Awards Ceremony: 21 June 2025
HairCon Exhibition: 22–23 June 2025 – O₂ Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
Website: ihawards.com
WorldSkills UK – Hairdressing Competition
About:
Aimed at students and apprentices, WorldSkills offers the chance to compete on a national stage.
Key Date: National Finals – week of 24 November 2025 (Wales)
Website: worldskillsuk.org
Concept Hair Learner of the Year
About:
Showcasing student talent in cutting, styling and barbering.
Grand Final: 20 March 2025
Website: concepthairmag.co.uk
Digital Hair Awards 2025
About:
A fully digital competition where stylists showcase creativity via smartphone video and Instagram.
Eligibility: Work created on or after 1 September 2024
Website: esteticamagazine.com
The Hair Awards 2025 (Hair Magazine)
Key Dates:
Entries opened: 7 October 2024
Hot List closes: 16 December 2024 – Finalists: 27 Jan 2025 – Winners: 14 Mar 2025
The Cut closes: 23 December 2024 – Finalists: 14 Feb 2025 – Winners: 24 Mar 2025
Website: hairmagazine.co.uk
The Salon Awards 2025
About:
Celebrates salons regionally, with ceremonies across the UK.
Ceremony Dates 2025:
1 November – Manchester
8 November – London (South East)
9 November – London (South/Southwest, Wales, Scotland)
Website: salonawards.co.uk
Modern Barber Awards
About:
The only awards dedicated to barbering, celebrating creativity and business success.
Categories include: Best Team, Best Training, Best Shop Interior, Best Apprentice, Best Photographic Entry and more.
Ceremony: 2025 TBC
Website: modernbarber.co.uk
International Beauty Industry Awards (IBI Awards)
About:
The IBI Awards are a truly global online competition that celebrates outstanding talent across the beauty industry, including hair. Open to professional and freelance hairdressers worldwide, the awards provide a platform to showcase creativity to an international audience. With no live shows or travel required, entries are submitted online and judged by an independent panel of respected industry experts.
Categories:
The hair categories cover a wide range of disciplines including:
– Hair Colour
– Cutting & Styling
– Editorial & Avant Garde
– Fantasy & Creative
– Barbering & Men’s Hair
Deadline: 2025 entry window TBC (usually late summer/autumn)
Website: https://www.beautyawards.com/hair-competition/