Excellence in Hair Education Celebrated at Concept Hair College Recognition Awards 2026
The Concept Hair College Recognition Awards 2026 brought together the very best in UK hairdressing and barbering education on 30th June at Brooksby Hall in Melton Mowbray, celebrating outstanding educators, colleges and teams for their contribution to developing the next generation of professionals.
Now in its second year, the awards continue to highlight the individuals and teams shaping excellence in hairdressing and barbering education across the UK, with entries received from colleges and training providers nationwide.
This year’s finalists represented the best of the sector, with nominations judged by an esteemed panel of industry experts: Barry Stephens (The Fellowship for British Hairdressing), Julie Winchester (Capital Hair & Beauty), Natalie Preston (L’Oréal Professional Products Division), Martyn Wady (Denman Professional) and Sadie Brockbank (National Hair & Beauty Federation, NHBF).
From inspirational lecturers and dedicated support staff to innovative college teams, the awards recognise the passion, innovation and commitment helping to raise standards across further education and inspire the next generation of hair professionals.
The 2026 award categories included Employer Engagement, College Unsung Hero, Services to the Industry, Lecturer of the Year and Team of the Year.
The ceremony was hosted by Zoe Tanner, Managing Director of Concept Hair, and Dom Lehane, founder of the award-winning How To Cut It podcast and SPOTD, who welcomed guests from across the UK to celebrate excellence in education and industry collaboration.
Concept Hair College Recognition Awards 2026 Winners Employer Engagement Award – Riverside College
Riverside College impressed judges with their structured progression pathways, including
employer endorsed pre-apprenticeship opportunities that bridge the gap between education and employment, giving learners valuable industry experience and clear routes into apprenticeships and careers.
College Unsung Hero Award – Jackie Holland, Coleg Cambria
Jackie was honoured for her wide-ranging support of learners, creating inclusive opportunities, developing practical resources and enabling meaningful, industry-relevant learning experiences. Her dedication, encouragement and commitment to helping every learner succeed has made a lasting impact on the student experience and the wider college community.
Services to the Industry Award – Julie Guzzo, Coleg Cambria
Julie was celebrated for her outstanding contribution to inclusive hairdressing education and her leadership in transforming the hair and beauty sector, driving positive change through inclusive practice, community engagement and a commitment to ethical, accessible specialist services that ensure every individual is welcomed, valued and supported.
Lecturer of the Year Award – Karen Baldwin, West Suffolk College
Karen impressed with her highly structured and innovative approach to teaching and assessment, combining industry-leading methodologies with continuous feedback and progression planning to ensure all learners are consistently challenged and supported.
Team of the Year Award – Trafford & Stockport College Group – Altrincham Campus Trafford & Stockport College Group – Altrincham Campus, stood out for their ability to combine collaboration, creativity and community impact, delivering a learning experience that extends far beyond the classroom. The team’s shared vision and innovative approach to curriculum delivery has created a highly supportive and dynamic environment where learners are consistently challenged, inspired and prepared for progression into the industry.
Speaking after the ceremony, Zoe Tanner, Managing Director of Concept Hair, said:
“Further education is where the future of our industry begins. Every finalist demonstrated the passion, innovation and commitment needed to inspire the next generation of hair professionals, and we are incredibly proud to recognise the people making such a lasting impact across the UK.”
The awards would not be possible without the valued support of Capital Hair & Beauty, Denman Professional, L’Oréal Professional Products Division, The Fellowship for British Hairdressing, the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) and SPOTD, whose commitment continues to champion excellence in education across the industry.
Special thanks are also extended to Brooksby Hall for hosting the event and to the judging panel for their time and expertise in supporting the awards.
As the awards continue to grow, the Concept Hair College Recognition Awards are becoming an important platform for celebrating the people driving excellence in hairdressing and barbering education. With another successful year complete, the industry now looks ahead to the 2027 awards.
View highlights and photos from the event here, and the roundup of the day on Instagram here.
