The British Hairdressing Awards has been doling out gongs for 30 years. Lisa Haynes seeks advice from the biggest names in hair to discover the timeless styles still turning heads It's the battle of the scissors that's now in its 30th year
LIKE THE Oscars for super-stylists, the HJ British Hairdressing Awards is where innovative hair is crowned and salon chairs become thrones.
Trevor Sorbie scooped the first accolade in 1985 and other household names in hair followed; John Frieda, Andrew Collinge, Nicky Clarke and Charles Worthington are among the 15 hairdressers who have held the British Hairdresser of the Year trophy aloft. "Hair is your ultimate fashion accessory," says Charles Worthington. "Take time to learn all the tricks of the trade from your stylist to maintain and change your look." While boundary-pushing creative cuts are celebrated, it's the enduring styles that underpin the kind of hair we request at the salon time and time again.
The secret of an iconic hair look? Last year's winner Akin Konizi believes it has to be "beautiful, suitable and well-executed - these three factors will make sure that your hairstyle looks good in any decade".
TREVOR SORBIE
British Hairdresser of the Year winner: 1985, 1986, 1991, 1992 Ultimate timeless hairstyle: "The bob - every year it comes back in a slightly new way. I think the reason for its popularity is that it suits most women, be it short, mid-length or long. Gwyneth Paltrow, Kiera Knightley and Lily Collins have all looked amazing with bobs."
TOP HAIR TIP: "Always invest in a good haircut. That's the bottom line of any good style and it's worth paying the extra money for the best cut you can afford."
ANDREW COLLINGE
British Hairdresser of the Year winner: 1993, 1997 Ultimate timeless hairstyle: "The bob, without doubt. From ancient Egyptian times, Vidal Sassoon's 5-point cut, right through to Victoria Beckham's Pob, the bob in some form will always be in fashion."
TOP HAIR TIP: "I always show clients how to quickly and effectively dry the roots of the hair first. Using a vent or paddle brush, smooth away difficult kinks and frizz by moving the brush from side to side whilst applying heat to speed up drying time."
NICKY CLARKE
British Hairdresser of the Year winner: 1994 Ultimate timeless hairstyle: "As much as I admire signature looks like Anna Wintour's bob, for me, a freer, movable haircut works better. I love the cut I did for Yasmin Le Bon in 1993, which could still be worn today and look fresh."
TOP HAIR TIP: "Get the best haircut for your hair type, aspiration and lifestyle."
CHARLES WORTHINGTON
British Hairdresser of the Year winner: 1996, 1998 Ultimate timeless hairstyle: "The Bardot has remained a current look throughout the decades. Kate Moss carries off the look with effortless style. Whether it's groomed 'glossy Bardot' on the red carpet or 'shaggy Bardot' on the catwalk, it still has alluring modernity."
TOP HAIR TIP: "Always go with a style that works with your hair texture and face shape, but above all, go with a style that fits your personality."
MARK HILL
British Hairdresser of the Year winner: 2000 Ultimate timeless hairstyle: "The new wave is a twist on that classic Lauren Bacall and Rita Hayworth look from the Hollywood golden years. It's a style that constantly reinvents itself with each generation because of its timeless glamour and beauty."
TOP HAIR TIP: "Have fun with your hair. Look good, feel great."
ANDREW BARTON
British Hairdresser of the Year winner: 2006 Ultimate timeless hairstyle: "It has to be the bob - constantly in fashion but a timeless classic that never dates. The vibe changes with each era, but it's like the hair equivalent of the LBD."
Top hair tip: "Use a deep conditioning mask at least once a week to nourish and care for your hair. Spending a few more minutes on your hair before you leave the house will always pay off."
AKIN KONIZI
British Hairdresser of the Year winner: 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013 Ultimate timeless hairstyle: "The pixie haircut created on Mia Farrow by Vidal Sassoon in 1968. It has always been one of my favourite hairstyles and I've been playing with it throughout my career."
Top hair tip: "Put down your magazine, madame, and watch how I dry your hair -because you have to do this for the next six weeks..."
* The HJ British Hairdressing Awards takes place on November 24 (www.hji.co.uk/events/british-hairdressing-awards). The HJ British Hairdressing Awards coffee table book, priced £39.95, is available now.