CONCEPT HAIR LEARNER OF THE YEAR 2026

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE CONCEPT HAIR LEARNER OF THE YEAR 2026!

The UK’s most exciting competition for emerging hairdressing and barbering talent is back, and it’s bigger than ever. Concept Hair Learner of the Year 2026 is now open for entries, offering students and apprentices a national platform to showcase their creativity, technical skill, and passion for the craft.

Now in its seventh year, the Concept Hair Learner of the Year competition has firmly established itself as a highlight of the industry calendar, drawing thousands of entries from across the UK and championing the next generation of hairdressing and barbering talent. With the backing of leading brands, including returning headline sponsor L'Oréal Professionnel Paris, alongside Alan Howard, Denman International, Wahl, Belinda Mindset Education, Fellowship for British Hairdressing, Stylebook Directory/Education, and our official judging partner VTCT Skills, the event continues to grow in scale, ambition, and influence.

How it Works
The competition kicks off with an online photographic entry stage, where learners submit their work for review by a panel of top industry judges. Finalists will be selected to compete at the Live Final in March 2026, hosted at Telford College.

At the Live Final, learners will take on themed challenges across multiple categories, each designed to test their technique, creativity, and ability to interpret a brief. New for 2026 is the Cutting: Icon Inspired category, giving learners an additional opportunity to demonstrate precision and flair.

2026 Categories & Themes:

Styling (Level 1 & 2): Catwalk Grunge
Hair-Up (Level 2 & 3): Art Deco
Barbering (Level 2 & 3): Mod Cut
Colouring (All Levels): Colour Inspiration through the Seasons
Textured Hair (Level 2 & 3): 80’s Streetstyle
Avant-Garde (Level 2 & 3): Wonderland
Cutting (Level 2 & 3): Icon Inspired (New for 2026)

Building on Success
The 2025 competition saw over 2,800 entries and 56 finalists competing at the Grand Final. Jess Maundrell of West Suffolk College was crowned Overall Winner, describing the experience as “the best feeling ever” and a major confidence boost.

Zoë Tanner, Managing Director at Concept Hair, said: “Each year we see the competition grow in scale and ambition. What makes it so special is the way it brings together students, educators, and industry leaders to celebrate emerging talent. We’re proud to provide a platform that helps shape the future of the hair industry.”

Andrea Dorata, Guest Artist at L'Oréal Professionnel Paris, added: “The talent is outstanding. It opens up something in your mind that lets you explore your creativity.”

How to Enter 

Applications are now open and will close on 28th November 2025. Photographic submissions must be received by 12th December 2025.

For full details, CLICK HERE.
Follow the competition on social media @concepthairmag and use the hashtag #concepthairloy26