Featuring eight emerging hairdressing talents competing in two creative challenges.
Published:The Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s 2027 F.A.M.E. Team finalists took to the stage at Salon International on 4 October 2026, demonstrating their technical skills, creative vision and individual approaches to hair fashion.
Sponsored by K18, Hanzo Scissors and Olivia Garden, the finals featured eight emerging hairdressing talents competing in two creative challenges. Both stage sessions were hosted by Fellowship Presenting Team Members Steph Gallagher and James Parr.
The competition forms part of the Fellowship Academy of Merit and Excellence (F.A.M.E.), an annual initiative designed to nurture and promote the next generation of industry talent.
The eight finalists faced an expert judging panel comprising Christel Barron-Hough, Lesley Jennison, Andy Smith, Sally Brooks, Marlon Hawkins, Carolyn Chapman, Jayson Gray, Paula Grocock, Adrian Paoluccio and Mimi Kobayashi.
Held on the HJ Trends Stage, required finalists to create an upstyle on long hair within 20 minutes. The results showcased a variety of techniques and creative approaches, from felt-inspired looks and beaded braids to textured hairstyles.
Each finalist presented a two-minute show communicating their vision of hair fashion, future trends and personal style. The challenge gave competitors the opportunity to explain their creative process and demonstrate the thinking behind their finished looks.
The finals celebrated the creativity, artistry and technical ability of the eight competitors, offering a glimpse of the talent emerging within the hairdressing industry.
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The successful candidates will be announced at the Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s 80th Anniversary Luncheon and Awards on 7 December 2026. The event will take place at The Londoner Hotel in Leicester Square, bringing together members of the professional hairdressing community for the industry’s independent networking and awards occasion.
Being selected for the F.A.M.E. Team offers an intensive year of professional development, with opportunities to learn from leading industry figures and gain experience across different areas of the profession.
The programme includes mentoring sessions, photoshoots and opportunities to work at shows and seminars in the UK and overseas. Participants also receive training in areas such as media and presentation skills.
Leading the 2027 cohort will be Lesley Jennison, who has an extensive programme planned for the incoming team.
The current 2026 F.A.M.E. Team, led by Christel Barron-Hough, also appeared on the HJ Stage at Salon International. Their show explored their development as individuals and as a team, featuring choppy textures, bright colours and intricate styling techniques.
The 2026 team comprises Troy Tobias, Olivia Rose Brady, Samantha Byrne and Chelsey Stone.
“First of all, I want to congratulate this year’s F.A.M.E. Team Finalists – the calibre of talent we’ve seen has been next level,”
– Simon Shaw, Fellowship President
Simon welcomed the event’s return to Salon International, highlighting the Fellowship’s role in providing its members with a platform to showcase their talent on a global stage.
With the 2027 team announcement scheduled for December, the finalists now await the outcome of a competition designed to recognise emerging talent and support the future of professional hairdressing.
More Info
Online: fellowshiphair.com
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