TWO hair stylists from Hampshire have been shortlisted for two top awards.

The pair both work for Marc Antoni hair salons and are up for gongs at HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards 2022.

Daniel Spiller, the manager of the Fleet salon has reached the finals in the Schwarzkopf Professional Colour Technician of the Year category.

Paolo Giamattei, senior stylist at the Bracknell salon, has been shortlisted for Newcomer of the Year.

Basingstoke Gazette: Paolo GiamatteiPaolo Giamattei

The stylists submitted four photographs each demonstrating the breadth of their hairdressing expertise, showcasing evidence of both technical skill and creative ability.

They will now submit another four images for the final round of judging, which takes place in September.

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Daniel said: “This is such a proud moment for us, these awards always bring together such exceptional talent and to see our salon and our names alongside those shortlisted is mind-blowing. This is the third time I have finalised in the colour category, so it really is an honour.

“I never take being selected as a finalist for granted, I am so chuffed to be selected!

"In 2010 I won Newcomer of the Year, so 12 years ago that happened, and it has involved a lot of hard work to continue to be considered for these awards, but now within colouring hair.”

Paolo said: “It would be a dream come true to win this award, it is definitely one of my lifelong goals. We’d love to bring a trophy or two back to Marc Antoni and hope the judges will recognise the love and hard work that has gone into our collections.”

Now in their 38th year, the awards - sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional - are an annual celebration of hairdressing, recognising achievements of stylists from across the country.

Regional categories honour hairdressing talent from across Britain 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.

Judged anonymously by more than 100 leading hairdressers, all winners will be announced at a black-tie event to be held on Monday November 28 at Grosvenor House in London.

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.

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“In reaching the finals, Daniel and Paolo have demonstrated excellence in all areas of hairdressing, and an ability to bring together the magical elements that make a photographic collection stand out from the competition.”

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