An Evening With Jonathan Ross
It is the most hotly anticipated night in hairdressing and the 2011 British Hairdressing Awards certainly lived up to expectations. As a guest of the awards, and previous winner of North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year, Susan Hall from Reds in East Herrington gives us the rundown on a glittering mix of awards and entertainment with a smattering of celebrity.
Hairdressing Journal's publisher and editor-in-chief Jayne Lewis-Orr welcomed more than 1,700 guests to the Great Room at London's prestigious Grosvenor House hotel, explaining: "Tonight is all about celebrating the very best of British hairdressing by recognising the creativity and skills of the individuals and teams who make the industry one of which we can all be proud. Tonight will honour those who inspire the hairdressing industry to constantly push the creative boundaries."
The irreverent Jonathan Ross returned as host, telling guests: "I'm like Wayne Rooney's hair - just when you think I'm gone I pop up again!"
Complementing the capacity crowd, Jonathan continued: "I do a lot of events, but they don't all match your levels of physical perfection."
Nor could many events live up to the levels of creativity and talent on display, as finalists in all 15 categories were honoured.
Breaking up the awards presentations was a performance by soul sensation Aloe Blacc, who had the crowd up on their feet dancing to his hit 'I Need a Dollar'. With the regional and specialists winners announced, the audience was treated to a short model presentation by each of the nominees for British Hairdresser of the Year, offering an insight into their stunning collections.
Crimping remains a session styling favourite, whether used to add volume all over or simply to add textural interest to an updo. Many salons used crimping through the lengths of the hair to create a modern updo, while others crimped all over and brushed out slightly to create a fantastic mass of wild texture.
Inspired by catwalk hair from the likes of Yves Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen, some of the best hair designs were heavily-embellished, made possible by the unusual use of accessories! Clips proved to be a firm favourite, with some examples producing waves in the models hair by creating a line of golden grips, while others placed aluminium clips all over the scalp- perhaps more Paris than Pallion!
Supersized quiffs were as popular as ever, but with some subtle tweaking can also be a flattering, real-life friendly style. Drawing the cheekbones back and focussing attention to the eyes, a smaller version still makes a statement without looking like you've walked straight from a fashion shoot!
As well as the amazing avant garde, many award winners sported surprisingly wearable styles. Romantic curls are set to be a new year smash, with texture and flyaway strands enhancing tight ringlets for a touchable finish.
However, even if cutting-edge styles influence the fashions of months to come, it is still important to ensure that you feel comfortable with a look that suits your personality. Give my team a ring on 0191 511 0288, or just pop in for a chat- our full consultation process means that you're guaranteed to look and feel like a true fashionista this festive season.