British Hairdresser of the Year 2007 Nominees Announced

From a specially selected group of industry experts, international trade press and beauty journalists, six inspirational and influential hairdressers – the cream of the British hairdressing industry who have fulfilled the criteria - were nominated for the most prestigious title in hairdressing - British Hairdresser of the Year.

The nominated hairdressers were;

Andrew Barton
Andrew Barton is the current British Hairdresser of the Year and is International Creative Director for Saks, one of the UK’s leading franchise salon groups with 120 salons nationwide, and a presence in Belgium. His outstanding talent is well recognised within the industry – having been nominated five times for the coveted title of British Hairdresser of the Year in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Many will recognise Andrew as the hair expert on the hit Channel 4 makeover show Ten Years Younger and, he also regularly appears on other UK shows including GMTV and LK Today.  He also works on consumer magazine shoots, and is respected by the consumer and trade press as a voice of authority on all things hair.
As head of the renowned Saks Art Team, Andrew is responsible for creating images, seasonal collections and the company’s signature hairdressing techniques. He also travels the world extensively, passing on Saks’ philosophies and sharing his experience with students. Andrew also visits colleges and salons throughout the UK to pass on his expertise. Training has been in his blood since the early days of his career - whether it’s to an audience of 3,000 or 6, he’s never happier than when he’s teaching.


Antoinette Beenders
Acclaimed for her originality, creativity and vision, renowned hair stylist and 2004 British Hairdresser of the Year, Antoinette is the Global Creative Director of Aveda. Her responsibilities include providing the direction, vision and training for Aveda’s hair cutting and styling programs, establishing trends, developing products and leading the company’s education initiatives.
Antoinette’s celebrity clients have included Elle MacPherson, Liv Tyler, Sarah Brightman, Veronica Webb, Kate Winslett, Sophie Dahl, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Sadie Frost and members of the British Royal Family. She created the hair for Burn the Floor, an international dance show designed by Mamma Mia producer Anthony Van Laast. Her magazine editorial work includes credits for Vogue and Glamour among many others, and she was named one of London’s 13 top hair gurus by The Evening Standard (London). She has worked on fashion shows for Hussein Chalayan, Clements Ribeiro, Prada, Miu Miu and Dolce & Gabbana.


Errol Douglas
Errol Douglas is respected for his classic styling, beautiful cuts and the ultimate in blow-drying and polished finishing in London. Amongst his awards and accolades, Errol has been nominated for British Hairdresser of the Year an incredible eleven times. Errol’s salon is also renowned for its expertise in both Afro and European hairstyling, his priority is to make every woman look their best and as a result his client list includes some of the most glamorous women including - Iman, Christina Ricci, Gillian Taylforth and Emilia Fox.
Errol Douglas’ photographic work is seen regularly in the fashion and beauty press and his session work is featured internationally. Errol frequently participates in shows and seminars in Britain, Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the USA presenting his hairdressing skills and creative techniques to a wide audience.
Errol’s hairdressing talents, professional approach and enormous personality make him the obvious choice for television. Appearances have included GMTV, This Morning, Good Morning, Model Behaviour, UK Living, G-Girls, Queer Eye for a Straight Guy, Ready Steady Cook and The Weakest Link in addition to many more consumer programmes.


Akin Konizi
Akin Konizi is a co-director and the creative force behind the successful hob salon group. Akin’s vision has brought hob salons to the forefront of the industry and in 2005, Akin was awarded London Hairdresser of the Year at the British Hairdressing Awards. This is Akin’s second nomination for British Hairdresser of the Year.
Akin’s hairdressing style epitomises the hob brand – beautiful, simple and progressive. He has the natural ability to translate catwalk fabulous hair into fashion-led, wearable hairstyles. Akin’s show, seminar and photographic work is in worldwide demand, and Akin’s expertise is regularly called upon by the beauty press, whether it be makeovers, shoots, predicting trends or supplying hair advice. As a British Hairdresser of the Year nominee, Akin’s goal is to continue to push the boundaries of hairdressing with originality, innovation and creativity.


Angelo Seminara
This is Angelo Seminara’s second nomination for British Hairdresser of the Year and he is based at the Trevor Sorbie salon in London’s Covent Garden. Angelo’s creative drive & passion has captivated clients and colleagues alike and inspired the work of hair professionals the world over. His celebrity client list reads like a lunchtime sitting at The Ivy, but it hasn’t gone to his head. He maintains his gentle nature and carries with him an aura of calm – occasionally spiked with classical Italian intensity and expansive gestures! Angelo is absorbed by his work; he perceives hair as fabric and delights in creating new shapes and textures to push the boundaries of hair still further. He is captivated by the possibilities of hair and is adept at bringing out every clients natural beauty.


Phil Smith
With over 20 salons throughout the world, an ever-increasing list of high profile clients and five nominations for the prestigious British Hairdresser of the Year title, Phil Smith truly is a fantastic ambassador for British hairdressing.
As a multi-award winning hair stylist you would be excused for thinking Phil Smith focuses purely on the creative side of the industry. This could not be further from the truth as proven in 2001 when he was awarded Business Director of the Year at the British Hairdressing Business Awards. Phil has dedicated his life to the industry and has spent over two decades with the renowned Toni & Guy company. Having perfected his hairdressing and business skills, Phil opened his first franchise in Salisbury in the early 1990’s, and has since grown his business on an international level to include Australia and Canada.
Phil’s creativity hasn’t suffered during the success of his business but has flourished through the opportunities that have arisen. Playing a fundamental role in keeping British hairdressing at the forefront of the industry, Phil continues to push boundaries while creating beautiful, wearable hair.

For press information on the British Hairdressing Awards please contact Alison Jameson, Neill Mabbott and Rachael Ross at Alison Jameson Consultants on +44 131 621 7210, fax +44 131 621 7215 or email