British Hairdressing Awards 2025 - Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year

Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year - category guidelines

Images entered in this category cannot be entered in any other category.
You do not need to supply ‘before’ shots in this category, however you must supply pre-production shots digitally.
The use of wigs, extensions, hairpieces or strands is permitted in all photographs.
Images should demonstrate progressive styling with an emphasis on innovation and technique.
Entrants must work in a commercial environment, and have done so for a minimum of three years (excluding training).
Entrants must have a regular client column in Salon/Space within the region entered. This means working regularly with clients, in a salon, for a minimum of one day per week. This may be checked.
Entrants can submit with one other stylist from their salon but cannot submit with any further individuals unless entering Artistic Team of the Year.
Work submitted may be published work.
Images entered must have been photographed between 1st July 2024 and 27th June 2025.
Winners recognised in the Hall of Fame can re-enter their chosen category after a two-year rest period.

Professional photographers, make-up artists and stylists may be used.
Hair work must be presented on real models (i.e not training/doll heads or mannequins).
You must declare which pictures contain the above by labelling the back of the pictures with the words ‘wig’ or ‘extension/hairpiece/strand’.
Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
Please bear in mind that should you get through to the second round, you will be asked to supply a further four photographs.

Each photograph must be 10” x 8” (i.e. portrait dimensions). The total size should include any borders.
Photographs should be supplied on photographic paper, or other thick paper to prevent damage when in transit. We would suggest a paper weight of 300gsm.
Each image must have your name, salon name, and category on the back. Do not write directly on the back of your image; use a label and write the information on before you attach.
You must also label the back of your photograph to declare where wigs, hairpieces and/or strands have been used. This is compulsory.
Digital versions of your images are required. Please upload high resolution images directly to Evessio (our online platform).
A crib sheet, with your pictures in the order which you would like them to be displayed at judging. If this is not provided, the organisers will display them at their discretion.

You must take an ‘after’ picture of each model, before any post-production or retouching.
Failure to provide these may result in disqualification and the organisers and judges reserve the right to question any photographs which appear to have been edited.
These images are only required in their digital versions through your online entry form.

You must take two, 360 degree videos of each model: one ‘before’ prior to any hair work, make-up or styling, and one ‘after’, before any post-production or retouching.
This can be shot on your phone. Please upload these videos to your entry form.

Complete and sign the entry form on page 17 of the entry guidelines, and return in the post with your photographs.
You will need an entry form for each entry you send. This is to ensure we can allocate the images to your online entry.

Ensure your photographer has completed and signed the declaration section.
The deadline for entries is 5pm Friday 27th June 2025 and late entries will not be accepted.
Photographs may be black and white or colour.
Images can be full length, but the hair should always be the focus.
No more than two faces may appear in any one photograph.