Most Wanted and The It List Souvenir Guide2018

MW
IT
SOUVENIR
HEAD’S MOST WANTED AND
THE IT LIST AWARDS 2018, ALL WRAPPED UP!
18CREATIVE

A WHALE
OF A TIME
ON MONDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2018,
Creative HEAD staged the Most
Wanted and The It List Grand Final
in the jaw-dropping surroundings of the
Natural History Museum – and make
no bones about it, we had a monster night!
Stars from the salon and session worlds came
to celebrate the business-builders, style-makers,
hard grafters and game-changers in British and
Irish hairdressing. They gathered in the gorgeously
Instagrammable utopia that is Hintze Hall – all dark
and dramatic in our disco-decadent Neon Noir
theme, and the atmosphere was buzzing as we
handed out 20 awards, welcomed a new LEGEND
and belly-laughed at the razor-sharp humour of
host Katherine Ryan.
To everybody who partied with us – finalists,
sponsors, judges and winners – thank you for making
it a night to remember. We loved every minute of
being with you: 650 friends and colleagues
brought together by two incredible competitions.
LET’S RELIVE IT ALL NOW…
Reportage photography by Andy Lane

BEAUTIFUL
CREATURES
They came from all over the UK and Ireland... Creative HEAD’s Most Wanted and The It List awards
were awash with hair and fashion royalty, dressed to impress in glamorous gowns, fabulous frocks and
razor-sharp suits. But nobody got past security without the most coveted, sought-after accessory of 2018 –
the neon-pink MWIT18 invitation…
“I do love the Most Wanted
awards – and I think you guys
are unbelievably brilliant at
what you do”
Rob Czlapka, RCNQ

“It was a fantastic evening and I’m so proud
not only to have made it to the Grand Final,
but also to be a part of such an amazing
industry. Thank you for a wonderful time”
Jessica Neil, KH Hair

ROARSOME
PLEASURES!
What happens when you put a whole load of movers, shakers and party people into one room?
A really good time, that’s what! Our pre-awards gathering in the aptly named Fossil Way resembled
a well-worth-it throwback to the Cretaceous period – only with better cocktails. Drinks, anyone?

“Thank you for inviting me
to be a part of your fantastic
celebration of British and Irish
hairdressing. I love the Natural
History Museum, it is a brilliant
location; intimate, historic and
the atmosphere was perfect”
Andrew Cannon, Ruffians
KILLA
QUEENS
The It List sponsor ghd celebrated its new
‘Long Live The Queens’ campaign with
a fierce quartet of modern-day queens
who posed up a storm at the pre-awards
cocktail party. Celebrating confident,
ambitious people who transform their lives
with the new ghd platinum+ styler, the
models were styled with majestic aplomb
by ghd ambassador Luke Benson – from
bouncy, beautiful waves to high-fashion
knots and twists.

INCREDIBLE
EDIBLES
Dinner was served beneath a 25-metre long blue whale skeleton called Hope, aptly hung in the ‘diving
lunge’ feeding position… and so we dived in, too. Parmesan and truffle brioche soldiers, goat’s cheese and
honey profiteroles, roast chicken with herb butter, bubble and squeak and baby leeks… And for afters, a coconut
yoghurt cheesecake with mango sorbet and meringue kisses. We felt as stuffed as the exhibits surrounding us!

iakx_hair Such a wonderful evening, having
a whale of a time @creativeheadmag
#MWIT18 … Events like this make me
appreciate how amazing our industry is.
I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!
I can’t wait for next year!

“A massive thank you to the
Creative HEAD team for putting
together such an awesome event”
Clayde Baumann, D&J Ambrose

“We all had a wonderful night in such a
great venue, and just to get to the Grand Final
feels like a real achievement”
Paul Hawes, Review
gianniscumaci Wonderful night @creativeheadmag #MWIT18 Grand Final in
London. Another example of why this industry is the greatest to be involved in,
and should be top of the list for those thinking of a serious career choice!

YOU’RE
HAVING A
LAUGH…
Our host, Katherine Ryan is a comedian in
supreme command of her shtick. In her witty,
acerbic and highly personal set she delivered
plenty of astringent commentary on topics
ranging from Meghan Markle to the musical
Hamilton. But throughout the night she also
had spontaneous chats with members of the
audience: “Errol, can I ask you, do you wear
those sunglasses in bed?” These genius
moments of improvisation and audience
participation made us love her all the more –
a champion of female empowerment and biting
social commentator, par excellence.

BRIGHT
YOUNG
THINGS
Ambitious. Gifted. Ready to rule. Every year
Creative HEAD’s The It List, presented in
an exclusive partnership with ghd, puts six new
stars into the industry spotlight – and this year
was no exception. Prepare to meet the incredible
individuals making their mark in the hairdressing
history books…
Reportage photography by
Andy Lane and Hikaru Funnell
Winner portraits by Harvey Williams-Fairley

THE RISING STAR
“The It List gives people a
goal, and it’s given me a goal
for the past two years.
It’s amazing to win!”
JORDAN MASSARELLA
NASHWHITE
The judges loved Jordan’s seemingly limitless imagination and discipline
(honed by his background in classical dance). “He has the ability to engage
with his audience and the capacity to leave an impression,” said one.
Mr Massarella certainly lived up to that at the Grand Final!

THE FASHIONISTA
“I’m really not used to giving
speeches, but I would like to
thank Josh Wood for all the
opportunities, and the Josh
Wood Colour team for all
their support”
MADS-SUNE LUND CHRISTENSEN
JOSH WOOD COLOUR
As Josh Wood’s first assistant, Mads-Sune has had a mad year – painting
up a storm backstage at Versace, Miu Miu and Prada. The judges particularly
loved his work on the petrol-blue bowl cuts and crimson flashes at the Marc
Jacobs A/W18 show – the looks went viral in seconds on social media!

THE ENTREPRENEUR
“This award may be for an
individual, but you can’t do
this on your own. So, big up
to my family! I’ve created a
salon on wheels – and
I’m loving life”
PHIL BENTON
DOUCE
A refurbished Airstream might not be a traditional salon setting, but it’s
given Phil the creative freedom to pitch up wherever he likes. His pop-up
salon concept, douce, has seen him style at festivals and weddings and he
makes regular appearances on London’s Liverpool Street. As our new
It List Entrepreneur, there’s certainly no stopping him now!

THE VISIONARY
“I’m speechless! Sally and Jamie
Brooks, thank you for all your
support and encouragement
– this is for you”
GRACE DALGLEISH
BROOKS & BROOKS
The It List’s youngest winner this year at just 23, Grace already shows so
much promise. Her passion for colour and streetcast models ensure that
personality and originality radiate from her work. Grace starts every creative
process with a feeling, capturing light bulb moments and translating her
dreams into reality.

THE IT GUY
“It just feels amazing to be
up here winning an award
in front of the people who I
admire so much. It’s surreal.
Thank you to everyone
who has helped me”
PADDY MCDOUGALL
RAINBOW ROOM INTERNATIONAL
He’s finally nailed it! After a couple of near misses, Paddy McDougall took
the title of The It Guy 2018, with judges impressed by the way he splits his
time between the salon and his passion for session work, assisting Duffy at
shows including Marni, Dsquared and Topshop Unique, and on campaigns
for Louis Vuitton. “Paddy is one of those rare talents that comes along in
this industry once in a blue moon,” says his mentor, session stylist Nick Irwin.

THE IT GIRL
“I don’t know what to say – I’m blown
away! I need to ring my mum!”
GRACE DALGLEISH
BROOKS & BROOKS
To win the title of The Visionary or The It Girl is no mean feat, but Grace
Dalgleish was on fire and did the double! The youngest member of the
Brooks & Brooks art team and already an educator for L’Oréal Professionnel
after just three years as a stylist, she has impressed with her maturity and
creative eye. A stint on the Salon Smart stage, overseas tours and some
impressive shoot work mark this lady as one to watch.

REIGN
SUPREME THIS
CHRISTMAS

#longlivethequeens #ghdglacialblue

UPTOWN
BEAT
Straight after crowning our six new The It List hair stars, beatboxer Mr Fox paid tribute
in his own inimitable style. Using just his vocal chords to produce great beats and specially
penned shout-outs, Mr Fox’s magnificent mouth-music had the audience on its feet.
Check out the lyrics, guys!
Jordan Massarella – he’s doing it, moving up – hashtag fresh, shining like a star,
Mads-Sune – Scandi-style, killing it backstage – put your hands in the air and forget about your age,
Phil Benton – he’s everywhere, see him there – I’m calling up your name, Mr Freedom-fighter,
Top boy Paddy – he’s on it, he owns it, and nobody can top it,
Amazing Grace – she’s all that, twice a superstar – never looking back, you can see she’s going far…

Session luminary Neil Moodie

Gathered in an awe-inspiring space
on the most stylish and important
date in the hairdressing calendar,
our MWIT18 guests truly owned
Grand Final night. Some of the most
talented, creative and remarkable
people it’s possible to meet,
together they provided a wonderful
snapshot of British and Irish
hairdressing in 2018 – a melting
pot of salon professionals, session
stylists, artists, photographers,
make-up artists, fashion designers,
journalists and educators working
in beauty and fashion. We turn
the spotlight on just a few of the
fabulous names and faces…
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JON BAKER

Get The Gloss managing director
Gemma Bellman wins our heart

Not Another Salon’s always stylish Joel Hyland

Looking sharp, Darren

ghd’s dream team styled it up

Long may you reign, Creative HEAD editor Amanda Nottage

Fashion designer Harry Evans

DNA artspace duo Angelo Vallillo and Dale Herne

Creative HEAD Ireland editor Anna Samson

Best man Paddy McDougall

Fantastic beats, Mr Fox

So into you, Portia Shaw

We believe it, Catherine Handcock –
Creative HEAD publisher

Our girl, Katherine Ryan

BFFs Nick Irwin and Eugene Souleiman

Harriet Muldoon, Larry King

Linton & Mac’s colour wonder, Sarah Black

Made up she made it, mega MUA Lan Nguyen-Grealis

Bad Apple’s Jack Baker

2018
SWEET DREAMS
ARE MADE OF THIS
The talent on the following pages knows no bounds.
They’re the brilliant teams, bold innovators, creative leaders
and sharp business-builders who collectively make our industry
the envy of the world. We are proud that Most Wanted celebrates
the most accomplished names in British and Irish hairdressing,
and grateful to our sponsors for making it all happen.
Meet our 2018 winners…
Reportage photography by Andy Lane and Hikaru Funnell
Winner portraits by Harvey Williams-Fairley

SUPREME TEAM
EXCLUSIVELY FOR SALONS IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
“It’s an honour for us to be
in a room with the standard
bearers and new people
coming through. Our team
have rallied round and
stuck by us – that’s what it
means for us this year”
SPONSORED BY
LLOYDS HAIR
WATERFORD
Keeping hold of the title for the second year running, Lloyds Hair has proved
its teamwork is still the pride of Ireland. Despite a tribe of more than 50 staff
members, the luxury salon group in Waterford feels more like a family, using
Positivity Post-It Notes and hand-delivered letters to keep this clan closer
than ever. Congratulations Lloyds Hair team, you reign supreme!

EXCEPTIONAL STYLIST
EXCLUSIVELY FOR HAIRDRESSERS IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
“I can’t believe it! It’s really
important as an industry that
we set standards and push
ourselves. This is the best
industry in the world –
big up the Irish!”
SPONSORED BY
DYLAN BRADSHAW
DYLAN BRADSHAW SALON
Three times an Exceptional Stylist, Dylan is now a Most Wanted LEGEND after
scooping the 2018 title! Alongside copious session and celebrity work, this year
has seen the Dylan Bradshaw Academy partner with charity An Cosán to award
scholarships to aspiring stylists. Creativity, dedication, an incredible Dublin salon
and the Irish charm: it’s no wonder Dylan is a winner.

BEST SALON TEAM
“It’s amazing to pick up any award, but
Best Salon Team means a lot.
Blue Tit is about teamwork, helping
and looking out for each other”
SPONSORED BY
BLUE TIT EAST VILLAGE
LONDON
Each member of the Blue Tit team brings their own style and creativity to the
table, producing forward-thinking ideas that keep this achingly-cool salon
ahead of the field. From monthly team challenges that include lots of roleplay
practice to a round-robin approach that sees stylists pass no skills to
each other, Blue Tit’s squad is constantly reaching new heights of creativity
and success, and it’s paid off!

BEST LOCAL SALON
“We really didn’t expect to win! Thank you
to the team – they’re all amazing. And
Leicester’s an amazing place to be!”
SPONSORED BY
MALCOLM MURPHY HAIR
LEICESTER
While there are plenty of away days for this Leicester salon team, they’re not
afraid of hard work – they helped found local street festival, Westival, and are
involved in a regeneration project of Hinckley Road where the salon is based.
Add campaigns such as ‘Malcolm’s 10 Acts for Hope’, which raises essential
funds for the charity Hope Against Cancer, and you’ll begin to understand
why the salon is such a pillar of the community.

BEST NEW SALON
“I actually didn’t
expect this. We’ve built
this business debt-free
and it’s rolling! Thank
you to all the freelancers
who make it work”
SPONSORED BY
THE SOCIAL
LONDON
Founded by 2017 It List It Guy Ky Wilson, East London salon concept
The Social offers a flexible, collaborative studio space that’s changing the
game for the freelancer community. Having begun with pop-up salons on
the street and in warehouses, Ky’s newly opened permanent location offers
staff an on-trend working environment that allows them to take control of
their time and opportunities.

BEST SALON EXPERIENCE
“To my fabulous and
gorgeous team, thank
you for your passion and
dedication – without you
the salon wouldn’t be
where it is today”
SPONSORED BY
STIL
LONDON
With its Scandi-inspired interiors in a bright and beautiful space, Christel
Lundqvist’s STIL is the ultimate in minimalist chic. A unique four-step service
programme – including massage therapy at the back bar and take-home
colour refreshes – has paid dividends in customer retention, while expert
advice on colours and trends helps clients achieve a truly bespoke look and
ensures STIL provides a guest experience like no other.

MALE GROOMING SPECIALIST
“Wow, wow, wow!
You know what, to be
recognised not just for a
single picture but for your
work throughout the year
is just amazing”
SPONSORED BY
JODY TAYLOR
An established and highly respected name in men’s styling, Jody’s technical
expertise has been called upon by everyone from Louis Vuitton to GQ
magazine. Add to that educating at seminars across the UK and Europe on
how to achieve contemporary male styling and his own Taylored London
product range, and it’s no surprise that the room erupted in celebration as
this popular winner’s name was called.

CREATIVE TALENT
“I’m so shocked. This
means so much to me.
I wanted to bring in a new
education system to teach
young kids about trends
– to teach them about the
‘90s or skateboarding, the
references they need. I did it
my way and I’m so grateful”
SPONSORED BY
ZOË IRWIN
TAYLOR TAYLOR LONDON
A winner at the first-ever Most Wanted Grand Final in 2001, Zoë has never
stopped pushing herself to new creative heights. Spurred on by her desire
to inspire and guide young stylists, her online Influence Project educating
industry up-and-comers on emerging trends is a personal passion project
that has really got people buzzing!

BUSINESS THINKER
“I’ve sacrificed so much in the past
few years, and the reason I’ve brought
my husband up on stage with me was
to say thank you, because he
has sacrificed even more. And
I want to thank you so much, team!
I know I haven’t been around so
much in the past year, but I’m back!”
SPONSORED BY
SOPHIA HILTON
NOT ANOTHER SALON
Known for her unique and pioneering approach to business, Sophia Hilton
has built far more than a salon. Having firmly established Not Another Salon’s
massive social following, she’s since gone on to introduce genderless
pricing and up-front costs, which have changed salon conventions for
good. A game-changer in every sense of the word, it’s no wonder Sophia
continues to pick up so many awards.

AWARD FOR INNOVATION
“This has been a personal journey
as much for me as for the people
whose hair I’m cutting. It’s made me
fall back in love with hairdressing.
There’s something so pure about
doing something for someone else
for no reward. They have lives you
can’t imagine. This is the beginning…”
SPONSORED BY
STEWART ROBERTS
HAIRCUTS4HOMELESS
Bringing together a community of skilled hairdressers to give free haircuts
to homeless people in 45 locations across the UK and Ireland, veteran
hairdresser Stewart has founded a ground-breaking initiative to help people
feel less lonely and forgotten. Haircuts4Homeless faces the issue head-on,
empowering others to change their situations. A worthy winner – and the
standing ovation showed how everyone agreed.

HAIR TREND

“I am completely
overwhelmed because to
be around so much great
talent in this category and
then to receive this award
is so inspiring”
SPONSORED BY
KEVIN KAHAN
KEVIN KAHAN SALON
Recognised for creating the best on-trend image of the year, Kevin’s creation
was heralded by judges as fashion-forward and wearable, with a contemporary
yet timeless feel. A pageboy cut that’s anything but prim, it’s the tomboy tone
that sets it apart, being “beautiful, commercial, simple”, in the words of one
judge. A truly fresh look that encapsulates modern hair.

COLOUR EXPERT
“My ambition is to rebuild colourist confidence
in the awful Instagram era that’s upon us – and I
promise everyone in this room that I will continue
to do that. From the big stylist to the small,
everyone deserves to be heard”
SPONSORED BY
SOPHIA HILTON
NOT ANOTHER SALON
Sophia has become something of a leading voice in exposing the harsh
realities of hair colouring. From producing sell-out training courses to
speaking in front of the world’s top colourists at the L’Oréal Colour Congress,
she’s demonstrated both her straightforward attitude as well as her
undeniable skill, taking the Colour Expert title for a second consecutive year.

SESSION STYLIST
“I’m shocked to be
honest because there are
some legends in the room
that I’m hugely inspired by.
Big up to my team, I couldn’t
do it without my guys – they
are an inspiration”
SPONSORED BY
SYD HAYES
Holding on to his Most Wanted title from 2017 and ranked among fashion’s
most exciting talents, Syd has worked with the likes of Louis Vuitton, Gucci,
Miu Miu, Valentino, Versace, Missoni and Givenchy, not to mention titles
like Vogue, Love and Allure, along with respected photographers
such as Juergen Teller and David Sims. In 2018 he even launched his
unique hair accessory the Syd Pin, which broke the internet thanks to an
endorsement by Victoria Beckham.

HAIR ICON
SPONSORED BY
EUGENE SOULEIMAN
Already a Hair Icon winner in 2013,
Eugene’s incredible avant-garde
styling remains hugely influential
and his unique approach to his art
continues to set him apart from
the rest. “People should have fun
with hair,” he insists and, by his own
admission, conforming isn’t high
on his agenda. With his innovative
spirit, it’s little wonder brands such
as Prada, Maison Margiela and Stella
McCartney clamour to work with him
and that you, the British hairdressing
industry, chose him as your Hair Icon.
Bravo, Eugene, you genius!

“It’s lovely to be back in the fold and to be
appreciated. This means the world to me”

LEGEND
BEST LOCAL SALON LEGEND
JAS HAIR GROUP, SALISBURY
A third win in the Local Salon category in 2017 meant Jas Hair Group returned
to the 2018 Grand Final to be crowned a Most Wanted LEGEND. And how well
deserved! Over 27 years Jas has grown from a single salon to a three-strong
group and become a leading light in its local area. Owner Jayne Prigent gave a
moving speech, highlighting the strain her city has been under since the Novichok
poisonings, but emphasising the indomitable spirit of local traders. Hooray to that…

“We are absolutely thrilled and truly delighted to
become a Most Wanted LEGEND. This year has
been a difficult one for Salisbury, but if you’re out and
about please visit the city. We really do get involved
in our community and we won’t stop doing
what we love. This award is for Salisbury!”

BIG BANG
THEORY
Jurassic Park meets impromptu bender with Charles Darwin and the lads.
The packed-out #MWIT18 after-party proved to be the definition of the word epic,
with cosmopolitans, whisky cocktails and chocolate brownies giving our
guests something to really get their claws into…
craigchapmanhair Such a great night
@creativeheadmag #MWIT18.
Always #thebest. Such a fabulous event

“What a great night we all had.
The best ever!”
Susie Mutch, Sassoon
zoeirwinhair Thank you so
much @creativeheadmag.
I’m still so completely blown
away. This has been incredibly
emotional for me, I was shaking
and in shock. I have never
wanted to win an award as
much as I did this one

YOU MADE
THE NIGHT!
Creativity, support, and all-round awesomeness –
we’d like to say a mega thank you to…
Our Most Wanted sponsors: ALFAPARF Milano, American Crew, BaByliss PRO, Bumble
and bumble, Cloud Nine, JOICO, L’Oréal Professionnel, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Revlon
Professional, TIGI, Treatwell and Wella Professionals – we salute all of them for their
fantastic support, and ghd, for its longstanding and perfect partnership of The It List.
Our wonderful judges and nominators whose time, energy and allegiance we treasure.
Our brilliant host Katherine Ryan – who had us crying with laughter. The fabulous
Mr Fox – beatboxer extraordinaire. Claire, Felicity and the remarkable Fisher crew –
who brought everything so magnificently to life and in record speed. Clockwise and
twobytwo – our video dream team. Phillipa, John and The Recipe team for creating the
most beautiful spread – always first class. Alice at Lavender Green for the stunning table
centres and for all the love they put into them. Gavin, Nigel and the smashing Natural
History Museum staff who were lovely, kind, accommodating. Our team of hard-working
photographers – Jon Baker, Andy Lane, Hikaru Funnell and Harvey Williams-Fairley.
ghd’s Adam Reed and Luke Benson for ensuring our editor and It List host Amanda
Nottage looked every inch the queen and a special shout out to Luke and his team for
bringing stunning models to the party (#longlivethequeens). Ben White at The Lion and
The Fox, for helping to make our publisher and Most Wanted host Catherine Handcock
look off-the-chart incredible on stage and Team Alfol (especially Joanna Andersen and
Jenny Brooks) for everything. Thank you to our 650 happy, smiling, gorgeous guests
– glammed up to the nines to celebrate with us. The thousands upon thousands who
followed the fun and celebrations on social media. Every single one of our 105 Most
Wanted and The It List finalists and, of course, our victorious stars of 2018 – you did
it, you deserve it, and you are the best.

#MWIT18
You BEAUTIFUL creatures…