Celebrating Industry Excellence with milk_shake® at the 2025 British Hairdressing Awards

The 2025 British Hairdressing Awards once again showcased the very best of our industry, creative innovation, and the passion that fuels the UK’s professional hairdressing community.

With an electric atmosphere hosted by Rylan Clark, standout performances from Beth Ditto and Nadine Coyle, the night celebrated not just artistry, but the people who push our industry forward every day.

For the milk_shake® professional network, it was a landmark evening as two of our own ambassadors were honoured among the industry's elite.

Recognising Excellence in Our milk_shake® Creative Community

Andrew Smith – Hall of Fame Inductee

After securing his third Southern Hairdresser of the Year title in 2024, Andrew stepped onto the stage to claim his place in the British Hairdressing Awards Hall of Fame. This milestone reflects years of dedication, leadership, and progressive creative work, an inspiration for stylists and salon owners striving for excellence.

Darrel Starkey – Eastern Hairdresser of the Year

Darrel’s journey to the winner's podium has been one of passion and perseverance. After six finalist nominations, 2025 marked his breakthrough as Eastern Hairdresser of the Year. His emotional acceptance speech captured the heart of the industry and reminded us all why ongoing education, creative exploration, and resilience matter.

His words resonated deeply across the room:

“For six years I’ve been trying to win.  I sat in the back of this room in 2019 when Robert Eaton won British Hairdresser of the Year, and the confetti fell and I kept a piece in 2019, and I said one day I'll be on this stage as the confetti falls. This means the world... To my right-hand woman and make-up artist, Safy, to Olivia, Harry, Louis and everyone who supported me! My milk_shake family for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself. My partner Wayne, we met six months ago, he changed my life and most of all my son. Every year when he didn't win, he'd be like, “Daddy, you'll get it”. And Taylor... Daddy got it!”

Grant Northover shared a message that encapsulates the pride felt across our entire salon community:

“We are incredibly proud of Andrew and Darrel. These awards recognise not only their extraordinary talent but also the hard work and heart they bring to the industry. We are honoured to support them and excited to see what they achieve next.”

 

A Night to Inspire the Whole Industry

The 2025 British Hairdressing Awards celebrated more than outstanding collections, it showcased the ambition and dedication driving the future of our profession.

At milk_shake®, we are proud to stand beside salons, stylists, and educators committed to elevating standards and shaping tomorrow’s trends. Andrew and Darrel’s achievements remind us all of what can be accomplished with vision, education, and a passion for beautiful hair.

Congratulations to Andrew Smith and Darrel Starkey, your success inspires the entire milk_shake® salon community.