Industry-leading hairdressers, educators and creative talents announced to lead the next generation of British hairdressing talent
Published:The Fellowship for British Hairdressing has announced its 2027/28 Project Leaders, bringing together some of the industry’s most respected names to mentor and develop the next generation of hairdressing talent.
With more than 80 years of supporting creative excellence, education and industry progression, the Fellowship’s Project Teams provide an important platform for emerging stylists to develop their skills, build confidence and gain first-hand experience from established industry figures.
Across the year, mentees will take part in hands-on workshops, seminars, education days, professional photoshoots and stage opportunities, as well as having the chance to collaborate with their Project Leader and fellow team members on creative projects.
The 2027/28 Project Leaders represent a broad cross-section of the UK hairdressing industry, spanning salon hairdressing, barbering, colour, extensions, Afro hair, session styling and creative education.
With more than 22 years in the industry, Luke Benson has built a career spanning celebrity styling, editorial, session work, international campaigns and education. Known for his modern approach to hair, Luke is Global Artistic Director of Keune Haircosmetics and owner of the award-winning Luke Benson Hair Salon.
The owners of multi-award-winning Tribe Salons, Billy Ryan and Ellie Foreman bring significant creative and business experience to the ClubStar Art Team. Tribe Salons was named Salon Business of the Year at the Fellowship Awards and Luncheon 2025, while Ellie has also received individual recognition, including Salon Stylist of the Year and One to Watch at the 2025 Creative Head Most Wanted Awards. Billy was a finalist for Business Director of the Year at the 2026 Hairdressers Journal British Hairdressing Business Awards.
Jason Hall opened Jason Hall Hairdressing in Edinburgh in 1994, establishing a salon synonymous with award-winning hairdressing. A strong advocate for wearable hair, Jason was named Scottish Hairdresser of the Year at the British Hairdressing Awards 2019/20 and also works as a session stylist at Fashion Weeks.
As Head of Education at MENSPIRE, award-winning barber and stylist Josh Lamonaca combines creative expertise with a passion for education. He travels internationally to teach and mentor aspiring stylists, helping to drive innovation and continued learning within the barbering industry.
Award-winning colourist and three-time Colour Expert and Most Wanted Legend winner Grace Dalgleish brings extensive creative and educational experience to Project Colour. As a global educator and creative director, Grace has worked internationally with leading brands and contributed to publications including Dazed, Hunger, Infringe and Top Ten Magazine.
Senior Creative Director at Sassoon, Daniel McCourt is recognised for his precision cutting, creative vision and extensive international education work. Mia Leete, Colour Director at the House of Sassoon, has more than 20 years’ experience with the brand and leads a team of colourists while contributing to industry events and Sassoon collections.
Patricia Davis returns for her second year as Project Afro leader. As International Lead Educator for McBride Research Laboratories, makers of Design Essentials Professional Hair Care Systems and Design Essentials for Natural Hair Collections, Patricia brings specialist education and expertise to the project.
Returning for her second year as Project Extend leader, Marlene Lamont has more than 40 years’ hairdressing experience and a particular passion for extensions, fashion transformations and photographic work. Based in Scotland, Marlene leads a team of 17 at Urban Hair.
Now entering its second year, Project Wales is the Fellowship’s regional project, designed to showcase and develop Wales’ leading hairdressing talent across cutting, colouring, styling and wider creative disciplines. Further details are to be announced.
Simon Shaw, President of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing, said:
“The Fellowship has always been about developing people and creating opportunities, and our Project Leaders are the perfect example.”
He added that the Project Leaders bring their own experience, personality and style to create engaging educational experiences while showcasing the breadth of talent within the industry.
As the Fellowship celebrates its 80th anniversary, the Project Teams continue to reflect its focus on education, creativity, collaboration and excellence, while providing a platform for the next generation of hairdressing talent.
Applications for the 2027/28 Project Teams open on 31 August, with applications closing on 9 November. The new teams will be announced on 23 November.
For further information visit Fellowshiphair.
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