Ballymena Hairdresser Scoops Northern Ireland Hairdresser Of The Year

Hairdressers Journal International hosted its British Hairdressing Awards recently, with 1,700 of the UK’s  finest hairstylists gathering at London’s glamorous Grosvenor House, a J W Marriott Hotel, for the industry event of the year.

Amongst the trophies handed out by the duo on the night was Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year, which was scooped by Julian Dalrymple of The Sitting Room Hairdressing in Ballymena.

Speaking on the night, Julian said: “The talent in this category is so strong and I’m in awe of every single one of them – so to be crowned winner is incredible.”

Now in their fourth decade, the awards, which are sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, celebrate the very best in British hairdressing talent – an industry which contributes £7bn to the national economy and one which employs more than 300,000 people.

With nine regional and six specialist categories – as well as the ultimate award, British Hairdresser of the Year, the awards have launched the careers of a host of household names; from John Frieda, Nicky Clarke and Charles Worthington to Anthony Mascolo, Lisa Shepherd and Beverley C, as well as TV favourites Jamie Stevens and Andrew Barton.

This year’s ceremony was hosted by David Walliams, alongside Hairdressers Journal International’s executive director, Jayne Lewis-Orr.

A regional win at the awards can well and truly put a hairstylist on the map, securing their place as an authority, not just as a creative visionary but as a tastemaker, an influential employer and a destination business which brings clients through the door.

Jayne said: “This award cements Julian as Northern Ireland’s leading hair talent, but a win doesn’t just mean you’re the very best in the area; it also marks you out as one of the greatest stylists in the country. This win positions you as an authority and puts The Sitting Room Hairdressing in Ballymena on the map too.”