The Men’s Hairdresser of the Year finalists for the British Hairdressing Awards 2026 have officially been announced, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional.
The Awards celebrate the UK's top creative and technical hair talent. We caught up with some of the Men's Hairdresser of the Year 2026 finalists...
Book your space at the British Hairdressing Awards in London on 23 November 2026.
The finalists are:
Gianni Cardinale, Cardinale Collective
Charlotte Illi, Brooks & Brooks
Dexter Dapper Johnson, TONI&GUY Bluewater
Joshua Lamonaca, MENSPIRE Salon
Kevin Luchmun, Luchmun Studios
Desmond Murray, Athertoncox
Desmond Murray
"In practical terms, being named a nominee means you are considered part of an elite group of hairdressers shaping the future of men’s hairdressing in Britain," says Desmond.
"Many winners and nominees go on to become some of the most influential names in the profession."
Charlotte Illi
"To have finalised for the British hairdressing awards is a huge honour," says Charlotte. "This collection represents personal growth. Street casting every face to then develop into fully fledged body of work is something I’ll always be proud of."
Charlotte highlights how the support she has received from the industry and her team and Brooks&Brooks has been genuinely incredible: "Truly overwhelming.”
Kevin Luchmun
"Being nominated for Men’s Hairdresser of the Year at the British Hairdressing Awards means a huge amount to me," says Kevin. Since first entering in 2013, he has won the title twice and been named a finalist nine times.
"For me, though, it has never just been about the award itself. Every year I enter, it gives me a reason to push myself creatively and see how far I can take my work. It’s about producing something that I’m genuinely proud of and continuing to evolve as a hairdresser, photographer and creative."
Kevin says he always tried not to simply follow what is already happening within the industry, but steps outside of the box and creates work that can hopefully influence what comes next.
"The process of creating a collection is what I love most - challenging myself, experimenting, and constantly asking what I can do differently."
Dexter Dapper Johnson
"To be nominated is a truly wonderful and proud feeling." says Dexter.
"...to be mixing it with people in the industry that are truly at the top of their game and craft is something that can only push me further and hopefully it shows that i am on the right path."
