Goldwell Ambassador Mark Leeson has won the most acclaimed and prestigious title in British Hairdressing – British Hairdresser of the Year, widely regarded as the most important hairdressing accolade in the world.

The British Hairdressing Awards is dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of the British hairdressing world and is one of the most anticipated events in the hairdressing calendar. Held at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, the night was hosted by legendry comedian, James Corden, and Executive Director of Hairdressers Journal International, Jayne Lewis-Orr.

A total of 16 awards are presented on the night, recognising the finest hairdressing talent in Britain. Top pop sensation Union J entertained guests with some of their best known tracks, and more than 1800 hairdressers tucked into a three course meal before the awards were announced.

With a bustling salon in Mansfield, and a second salon just opened in Chesterfield, Mark Leeson’s latest award win is well and truly flying the flag for British hairdressing. Jayne Lewis-Orr, said “British hairdressers are internationally renowned for their creativity, originality and innovation, and we are proud that the British Hairdressing Awards continue to celebrate this. It has been inspiring on this special anniversary to see the standard of entries in all categories exceeding high expectations. Congratulations to Mark Leeson and all the 2014 winners who truly are the best of British.”

2014 marks the 30th anniversary of the BHA’s, during which time Mark has been a finalist for 32 British Hairdressing Awards and won an incredible 14, as well as numerous other high profile titles. A globally recognised name, Mark’s iconic work is frequently published in hairdressing titles all over the world, and his presence is often requested at shows and seminars in every continent.

“I’m truly honoured to be British Hairdresser of the Year 2014. I’ve dedicated my life to hairdressing and to be recognised by my peers as the best in the country is incredible. This has been a dream of mine since the day that I started hairdressing and I’m living proof that if you work hard and don’t give up, you can achieve anything. I’m so grateful to all the people who have supported me over the years and to my wonderful team – without them none of this would be possible,” said Mark.

This is the highest accolade within the hairdressing industry and only a handful of hairdressers have won this hugely prestigious award. Mark first had to be nominated by his peers and panel of leading beauty editors, and then produced a photographic collection of 8 images, which along with a portfolio was judged by an exclusive panel of industry legends.

Mark is famed for his extensive and inventive colour work, and for producing striking photographic collections that have grabbed the attention of beauty journalists across the globe. His work brings contemporary glamour to the hairdressing world via his trademark of exaggerated, sexy and breath-taking hairdressing.

As a global ambassador for Goldwell since 2009, Mark has created colour collections, been an international judge at Color Zoom, hosted events and shows and shared his life story to inspire other hairdressers at Goldwell events. He has been an important part of the evolution of the Goldwell brand, and is highly respected as one of the most influential hairdressers in the world.

To view Mark’s winning collection: http://www.hji.co.uk/events/british-hairdressing-awards/nominee14-mark-leeson/