Anne Veck from Anne Veck Hair in St Clements, Oxford has been shortlisted for the prestigious Afro Hairdresser of the Year title at HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards 2022, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional.
Anne is one of the country’s top hairdressers, current Creative Head Most Wanted Sustainability Hero; British Hairdressing Business Award Sustainable Salon of the Year; Marie Claire Sustainable Salon of the Year (runner up); global ambassador for sustainable brand Davines and this week named as one of the most green salons in Britain by Waitrose magazine’s latest issue too!
Both a business and a creative dynamo, Anne is right at the top of British hairdressing icons today. Working with textured hair has been one of Anne’s missions, her mantra is that any hairdresser should be expert in every hair type and she has honed her expertise of afro hair over the past 15 years with salon skill swaps and intensive training.
Now in their 38th year, the awards are an annual celebration of hairdressing excellence, recognising the remarkable achievements of stylists from across the United Kingdom. Regional categories honour the finest 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.
New for 2022 is the Session Hairdresser of the Year award which is by nomination only and see the very best stylists from the world of session put forward their favourite images of the last 12 months. 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.
Judged anonymously by over 100 leading hairdressers (including celebrity stylists, session stylists, salon owners, previous winners and Hall of Fame members), all winners will be announced at a Black-Tie event to be held on Monday 28th November at Grosvenor House, a J W Marriott Hotel on London’s Park Lane.
Anne Veck was named as one of only 6 finalists in the Afro Hairdresser of the Year category after submitting four photographic images demonstrating the breadth of her Afro hairdressing expertise, showcasing evidence of both technical skill and creative ability. Anne will now submit a further four images for the final round of judging, which takes place in September. Both stages of judging are strictly and independently audited and verified.
‘This is such a proud moment for me’ says Anne.
‘These awards always bring together such exceptional talent and to see my name alongside those shortlisted is mind-blowing. I hope the judges will recognise all the love and hard work that has gone into my collection as I’d love to bring the trophy back to Oxford.’
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, Anne has demonstrated excellence in all areas of Afro hairdressing, and an ability to bring together the magical elements that make a photographic collection stand out from the competition.’
Schwarzkopf Professional are the sole sponsor of the event and have been since its launch in 1985. Julian Crane, General Manager for Henkel Beauty Care Professional UK & Ireland said:
‘As always, Schwarzkopf Professional is delighted to sponsor this revered event and we thank all participants for their continued support. 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.’
