Chloe Houston wins Newcomer of the Year at 2025 British Hairdressing Awards

Crowned ‘Newcomer of the Year’ at the 2025 British Hairdressing Awards, Chloe Houston of Houston Hair, Ballymena

Chloe Houston of Houston Hair has been crowned Newcomer of the Year at the 2025 British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional — a remarkable achievement for the 21-year-old stylist in her first ever entry to the competition.

Her win marks a significant milestone, placing her among the brightest rising stars in UK hairdressing.

Known locally for her creativity, technical precision and bold artistic eye, Houston impressed judges with a collection that blended avant-garde vision with expert craftsmanship, showcasing daring shapes, innovative textures and colour work that stood out on one of the industry’s biggest stages.

A Spectacular Night for British Hairdressing

Chloe on stage with presenter Rylan Clarke and event sponsors 

Hosted by broadcaster Rylan Clark, this year’s event brought together the most influential figures in the hair industry. A panel of respected judges — including leading stylists, session experts and past winners — assessed standout collections across 19 national categories.

The atmosphere was described as “electric” as winners accepted their trophies before an audience of peers, colleagues and friends.

The evening was further elevated by two major performances: the Schwarzkopf Professional Catwalk Show For Every You, presented by Nick Irwin and featuring powerhouse American singer-songwriter Beth Ditto, and a series of runway shows from this year’s British Hairdresser of the Year nominees.

Adding to the celebration, Girls Aloud star Nadine Coyle delivered a show-stopping performance that turned the ceremony into a night to remember.

A Category with a Powerful Legacy

The Newcomer of the Year award has a strong track record of predicting future icons. This year’s newly crowned British Hairdresser of the Year first won the same newcomer title two decades ago in 2005, while industry legend Cos Sakkas took the title in 1999 before later securing the top award in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Many in the industry are now watching closely to see what lies ahead for Houston.

Winning at the British Hairdressing Awards provides more than a prestigious trophy. Recipients gain invaluable recognition, industry exposure and opportunities to propel their careers onto the global stage.

“A Dream Come True”

Speaking about her win, Chloe Houston said:

“Winning this award is an absolute dream come true. To be recognised alongside such incredible talent is a huge honour.

“This award isn’t just for me — it’s for my amazing team, clients and everyone who has supported me throughout my career. I’m so proud to be part of an industry that constantly inspires and pushes creative boundaries.”

Chloe with proud dad, Simon Houston of Houston Hair, Ballymena

Her father and salon owner, Simon Houston, expressed his pride:

“As both her dad and her boss, this was the highlight of my career. Watching Chloe walk on stage to win was a moment I’ll never forget.

“I saw first-hand how hard she worked on this collection — every late night, every idea, every detail. To see that dedication rewarded on such a huge platform makes me incredibly proud. She truly deserves it.”

Mark Moloney, Managing Director of Hairdressers Journal International, praised the winners, saying:

“The British Hairdressing Awards are more than a competition — they are a celebration of vision, dedication and community. Every winner represents what makes the hair industry so special: its passion, innovation and spirit of collaboration.

“Tonight’s winners have raised the bar once again, proving that British hairdressing remains the global benchmark for creativity and excellence.”

Chloe lifts the title!

All of the winners on stage at the end of the evening from all 18 categories 

Mert Eren, General Manager for Henkel Consumer Brands Hair Professional UK & Ireland at Schwarzkopf Professional, added:

“Winning a British Hairdressing Award is one of the greatest accolades in our industry, and is a true reflection of the hard work, dedication and creativity poured into every entry.

“This year’s winners have not only inspired their peers with visionary ideas and flawless execution, but they have also raised the bar across every aspect of hairdressing — from avant-garde artistry to precision cutting, colour innovation and beyond.

“On behalf of Schwarzkopf Professional, we offer our heartfelt congratulations. It’s an immense privilege to celebrate and support such outstanding talent.”

With such a strong foundation and national recognition already under her belt, the future looks exceptionally bright for Chloe Houston.