Concept Hair Learner of the Year 2026
Winners announced, and the Recognition Awards Deadline has been extended until 22nd April.
Telford College came alive as the Concept Hair Learner of the Year Final celebrated the next generation of hairdressing and barbering talent.
From over 3,000 entries, just 60 finalists made it to the stage, with Dom Lehane, Founder and Presenter of the renowned podcast How To Cut It, acted as guest compere, highlighting each finalist’s creativity and celebrating their achievements.
Overseeing the competition was the event’s official Judging Partner, VTCT Skills, made up of Head Judge Nicola Cole from VTCT Skills, Jason Hall on behalf of L’Oréal Professionnel, Adam Murphy on behalf of Alan Howard, Emma Dixon on behalf of Denman Professional, Patricia Davies from Design Essentials, Ken Bose from Kenchi Blades, James Parr from Wahl, and Ashleigh Hodges on behalf of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing.
Concept Hair Learner of the Year 2026 Winners
- Overall Concept Hair Learner of the Year 2026: Freya Hadfield – West Suffolk College
Category Winners
- Styling Level 1 – Catwalk Grunge: Luna Reed – East Durham College
- Styling Level 2 – Catwalk Grunge: Bebiana Teeixeira Dias Viuva – West Suffolk College
- Barbering Level 2 – Mod Cut: Kai Davies – Walsall College, Wisemore Campus
- Barbering Level 3 – Mod Cut: Kyle O’Donnell – North West Regional College
- Cutting – Icon Inspired: Ceri Thomas – Llandrillo Menai – Rhos on Sea
- Hair Up Level 2 – Art Deco: Ava Yard – East Durham College
- Hair Up Level 3 – Art Deco: Freya Hadfield – West Suffolk College
- Colouring – Colour Inspiration through the Seasons: Lewis McGowan – Trafford College
- Textured Hair – 80’s Streetstyle: Marieme Diaw – Pembrokeshire College
- Avant-Garde – Wonderland: Freya Cullen-Jones – Riverside College.
Deadline Extended
The deadline for the Concept Hair Recognition Awards 2026 has been extended to 22nd April, giving lecturers, teams, and colleges extra time to submit nominations and ensure their achievements are fully recognised.
The awards celebrate the individuals and teams who go above and beyond to support learners and drive excellence across hairdressing education. Whether it’s an inspiring lecturer, a dedicated team, or an unsung hero working behind the scenes, you’re encouraged to highlight your achievements.
Full details on eligibility, submission requirements, and judging criteria can be found here:
www.concepthairmag.co.uk/college-recognition-awards.
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