The UK hair industry came together in powerful celebration and education at the voco Winchester Hotel & Spa on Sunday, marking a landmark moment for the sector with a sold-out Gianni Scumaci Masterclass followed by the Hair Pro Awards 2025, powered by WELOVE and The Purple Hearts Club.
The event, a first-of-its-kind for the industry, was created by hair pros, for hair pros – a powerful community-led initiative built on recognition, sustainability, and industry progression.
CPD-Endorsed Gianni Scumaci Masterclass: A UK Return
The afternoon began with a rare UK appearance from the iconic Gianni Scumaci, whose CPD-endorsed live education session drew professionals from across the country. In his first teaching event on British soil in over five years, Gianni delivered an electric masterclass on precision, creativity, and connection in haircutting, setting the tone for an inspirational day.
The Hair Pro Awards 2025: And the Winners Are…
The evening’s awards ceremony celebrated excellence across multiple categories, with winners voted by peers, underlining the event’s mission to spotlight real talent from within the industry.
- · Student of the Year: Heather Wynne
- · Future Talent: Kayleigh Shuttlewood
- · Master Stylist of the Year: Emily Bosley
- · Master Colourist of the Year: Safy Burton
- · Master Educator of the Year: Darrel Starkey
- · Master Hair Pro of the Year: Juh Leal
- · Client Favourite: Chaniece Collins
- · Salon of the Year: Casa Luxe Hair Salon, Essex
- · Master Bridal Stylist of the Year: Heather Wynne
- · Master Barber of the Year: Andrew Dawson
- · Purple Heart Master Hair Pro of the Year: Laraine Rose
- · International Hair Pro of the Year: Lucian Busuioc
- · Client Image of the Year: Kirsty Innes
- · Collaborative Hair Pro of the Year 2025: Wendy Jones
- · WL Ambassador of the Year 2025: Nova Fanner
- · WL Outstanding Contribution to Commercial Hair 2025: Liz Usher
- · WL Outstanding Contribution to Hair Education 2025: Suzanne Lovett
The evening was co-hosted by Dom Lehane, founder of the UK & Ireland’s original and No.1 hair industry podcast How to Cut It, and Rae Palmer SR CCH, founder of WELOVE and the visionary behind The Purple Hearts Club.
This
unique full-day format, blending CPD-accredited education with community-led
recognition marked a pivotal moment for British hairdressing. It was a day of
purpose, progress and pride, proving that when Hair Pros come together for one
another, powerful things happen.
In line with WELOVE’s ethos of sustainability and community responsibility,
even the event wristbands were made from plantable wildflower seed paper,
turning access passes into pollinator-friendly keepsakes.