20 November 2014
Hairdressers, barbers and beauty therapists have praised this year’s NHBF Britain’s Best competition as the “best yet”.
The industry flocked to the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon, Warwickshire on Sunday 16 November to see the industry’s top talent showcase their work across 11 hard-fought categories.
Barber Gary Pearce of Gary Pearce Men’s Hair in Huddersfield, whose trainee stylist Reef Healey won in the Male Fashion Look – On Trend (students and trainees) category, summed up the view among salon owners.
"It’s been very good. We’re delighted. It’s going to be a real buzz for the salon."
Reef added: “I’m over the moon. It’s going to mean a lot for the profile of the salon.”
Samantha Walker, a stylist at Eric Jon in Worcester and winner in the Glamorous Night on the Town (students and trainees) category, added: “I’m very proud. It’ll create a lot of buzz, especially among the juniors, who’ll see what you can do if you work hard.”
Giap Lee, of Toni&Guy in Islington, London, who won in the Fantasy Total Look category, said his inspiration for his winning work had been this year’s centenary of the First World War.
"I was inspired by the poppy. I am very proud to be British and very proud to have won. It’s really going to help my portfolio and it will also really help the salon."
Clark Butler, of Gareth Clark Hair for Men in Didcot and winner in the Male Fashion Look (On Trend) category, said it was “absolutely amazing” to have won on his debut in the competition.
“It’s just a massive boost; it’s great to get an award like this from the experts in your industry,” he said.
Attiq Azam, of Park Lane Hair Studios in Burnley, who won in the Blow Dry Consumer Fashion Style category, said: By coming to competitions you gain so much experience in styles and trends. This will definitely help my career; customers recognise you more for your awards.”
NHBF president Paul Curry thanked all the winners, runners-up, competitors and supporters for making the day such a roaring success.
My congratulations go out to all this year’s winners. The competition was intense and the skill and creativity on show from all the teams was truly breath-taking.
Britain’s Best has once again showcased the very best of British hairdressing, beauty and barbering talent.
I also wish to thank this year’s sponsors, Sleek, Revlon Professional, SalonGenius, Nanokeratin System and Coversure Insurance Services, for the ongoing support and commitment they have shown to th e NHBF and Britain’s Best.”
Click for a full list of winners.