EXCELLENCE IN HAIR EDUCATION CELEBRATED AT CONCEPT HAIR COLLEGE RECOGNITION AWARDS 2026

Fellowship Press Partner, Concept Hair, held the Concept Hair College Recognition Awards 2026, which brought together the very best in UK hairdressing and barbering education. These awards celebrate outstanding educators, colleges and teams for their contribution to developing the next generation of professionals. 

Now in its second year, the awards continue to highlight the individuals and teams shaping excellence in hairdressing and barbering education across the UK, with entries received from colleges and training providers nationwide. 

This year's finalists represented the best of the sector, with nominations judged by an esteemed panel of industry experts: Barry Stephens (The Fellowship for British Hairdressing), Julie Winchester (Capital Hair & Beauty), Natalie Preston (L’Oréal Professional Products Division), Martyn Wady (Denman Professional) and Sadie Brockbank (National Hair & Beauty Federation, NHBF). 

From inspirational lecturers and dedicated support staff to innovative college teams, the awards recognise the passion, innovation and commitment helping to raise standards across further education and inspire the next generation of hair professionals. 

The 2026 award categories included Employer Engagement, College Unsung Hero, Services to the Industry, Lecturer of the Year and Team of the Year. 

The ceremony was hosted by Zoe Tanner, Managing Director of Concept Hair, and Dom Lehane, founder of the award-winning How To Cut It podcast and SPOTD, who welcomed guests from across the UK to celebrate excellence in education and industry collaboration. 

Concept Hair College Recognition Awards 2026 Winners:

Employer Engagement Award - Riverside College 

College Unsung Hero Award - Jackie Holland, Coleg Cambria 

Services to the Industry Award - Julie Guzzo, Coleg Cambria 

Lecturer of the Year Award - Karen Baldwin, West Suffolk College 

Team of the Year Award - Trafford & Stockport College Group - Altrincham Campus