A Marlow hairdresser has been specially nominated for a chance to win an esteemed competition for UK’s best hair talent judged by celebrity stylists.  

Andrea Dorata, the hairstylist of Dorata Hairdressing, found out his spot on the shortlist for the prestigious Southern Hairdresser of the Year title ran by the HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards 2022 – previously won by the likes of Charles Worthington.

Sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, the annual awards shine the spotlight on the country’s brilliant hairdressers to recognise the achievements of stylists across UK.

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Regional categories honour talent with a separate category for International Collection of the Year, while seven specialist categories reward specific areas of hair expertise including Afro, Men’s, Avant Garde and Colour.

The most anticipated award of the evening – British Hairdresser of the Year – is by nomination only and is widely regarded as the industry’s greatest accolade. Previous winners include Trevor Sorbie, Nicky Clarke, John Frieda, Charles Worthington, Umberto Giannini and Angelo Seminara.

Mr Dorata said: “This is such a proud moment for me.

“These awards always bring together such exceptional talent and to see my name alongside those shortlisted is mind-blowing. I’d love to bring the trophy back to Marlow and hope the judges will recognise the love and hard work that has gone into my collection.”

The hairstylist of the Marlow prime location salon and other handpicked finalists will be judged anonymously by 100 leading celebrity stylists, sessions stylists, salon owners, previous winners, and Schwarzkopf’s hall of fame members who have won the same category three times.

Winners will be announced at a black-tie event on November 28 at Grosvenor House, a J W Marriott Hotel on London’s Park Lane. 

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Jayne Lewis-Orr, Executive Director of HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards said: “Every year, HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards serve as a reminder of the passion, artistry and expertise that this incredible industry has to offer, and it is a privilege to celebrate the talent and brilliance of creative individuals from across the country.

“In reaching the finals, Andrea has demonstrated excellence in all areas of their craft, and an ability to bring together the magical elements that make a photographic collection stand out from the competition.”

In 2018, the hair and beauty industry generated more than £8 billion for the UK economy, a report by the National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF) estimated.

Currently, the industry employs around 288,000 people in hairdressing, barbering and beauty, and more than half of the professionals are self-employed.

The number of UK hair and beauty businesses grew by more than 1000 since 2019 to 45,000, NHBF reported.

Schwarzkopf Professional have been the sole sponsor of the event since its launch in 1985.

Julian Crane, General Manager for Henkel Beauty Care Professional UK and Ireland, thanked participants for their support.

He added: “My sincere congratulations to the finalists who once again have raised the bar with the standard of entries – the passion and creativity of this phenomenal industry never fails to impress.”