Business Featured

Meet The Winners | Harry Watson & Nicholas Alexandra Willis

April 07, 2025

We are catching up with all of our winners from the first-ever Pro Hair Awards. Say hello to our next two…

Meet The Winners | Harry Watson & Nicholas Alexandra Willis

Professional Young Talent of the Year 2024: Harry Watson, sponsored by hob Academy.

I started my career in barbering at college. I loved it, but I really missed the long conversations and deeper client connections that I found came with hairdressing. So, I began a hairdressing course, which led me to finding Doo-Dah’s Hairdressing in Bishop’s Stortford. I’ve been here ever since, and now I even have my own column of clients! In 2022, I won a spot on the Schwarzkopf Pro Young Artistic Team, where I was lucky enough to be mentored by the most inspiring hairdressers. The experience taught me so much and really solidified my love for session work. From there, I joined the SKPCOLLECTIVE, which is a digital team that created amazing content for the brand.

Both of these opportunities from Schwarzkopf Pro have hugely helped catapult me into working on amazing sets for other brands, including Axel Arigato and Charlotte Tilbury. My work is always evolving, and I love waking up each day and trying out something different. How many industries will clap and cheer for each other when the job is done at the end of the day? That’s the best thing about being a hairdresser!

What made you want to enter the first-ever Pro Hair Awards?

I didn’t think twice about entering the Pro Hair Awards! I love being able to mix session work with more commercial elements, and this category was perfect for that. Being from a smaller, independent salon, I want to make my mark and show off all I can offer to the industry, and the Pro Hair awards were so welcoming to younger hairdressers. They were also very budget friendly, so it was easy to make my entry for the category as well.

How did you feel when your name was announced as the winner of Professional Young Talent of the Year 2024?

It was so surreal! Having attended the awards with the likes of Hooker and Young and Suzie McGill, I really didn’t think I had a chance surrounded by all these big names. For me, winning this award really speaks to that validation we all strive for from the industry greats!

What was your favourite takeaway from the night?

Oh, there were so many! I really just loved the uplifting feedback I got from all the judges that were there on the night. Being surrounded by all those amazing hairdressers really shows how great the community is that we’ve built in this industry.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to enter the Pro Hair Awards next year?

ENTER. Period. Even if you’re considering putting yourself forward, that shows you’re absolutely ready to enter! Honestly, I’d say just remember that success and failure look different to everyone – don’t get too caught up in winning, and just have fun entering and taking away any knowledge you can from trying.

Do you have any exciting plans up your sleeve for the next year?

YES!! I have some amazing photoshoots and more award entries up my sleeve! I’ve also given myself some personal and professional goals to better myself as an individual as well as my experience in the industry.

How has winning Professional Young Talent of the Year 2024 impacted your business and your clients?

Winning this award has really helped me stand out from some other great hairdressers in my salon’s local area. It’s also hugely helped get brands to notice my face and my skillset. I’m booked, I’m busy and I cannot wait to see where this award takes me!

Lastly… where have you put your trophy?!

My trophy is on my workstation in the salon, so everyone that sits in my chair can see my accomplishments!

Meet The Winners | Harry Watson & Nicholas Alexandra Willis 1

Professional Freelance Hairdresser of the Year 2024: Nicholas Alexandra Willis, sponsored by Vagaro.

My career in the heady (excuse the pun!) world of hair has been thrilling, frustrating and (at times!) exhausting. I’ll be celebrating 20 years in the industry this year, and I have never felt more fulfilled or more in control of my own career. It truly is a wonderful time to be a freelancer! My career really began at Laura Leigh, where I delved into the electrifying world of competitions and soon found myself assisting Eugene Souleiman at LFW 2006. By 2009, I was learning precision cutting at Trevor Sorbie Covent Garden and assisting Trevor with his ‘My New Hair’ charity. In 2013, I became a Master Stylist at Cobella where I honed my skills, leading me to Charles Worthington in Fitzrovia.

Throughout my career, I’ve shared my knowledge in various publications, including The Independent and The Telegraph and I’ve also created makeovers for The Daily Mail. I took the huge leap into becoming freelance in 2023, and I have never looked back! I see my wonderful clients at the luxurious Electric Space in Fitzrovia, and I also love working on editorial shoots, lookbooks, campaigns and LFW.

What made you want to enter the first-ever Pro Hair Awards?

It was a no-brainer for me! I had long admired Pro Hair magazine, and I just knew I wanted to be a part of the inaugural awards. These awards mirror the start of my journey, and I thought it would be an incredible opportunity for me to enter.

How did you feel when your name was announced as the winner of Professional Freelance Hairdresser of the Year 2024?

I was agasp! Literally mouth open, eyes popping! Infact, I posted a clip of my shocked face on my Instagram page because it’s such a great reaction – what a wonderful moment to recall again and again!

What was your favourite takeaway from the night?

It’s so difficult to pick one moment or emotion as the night was just incredible – the location, the entertainment, the flowing booze! But, of course, the most amazing part has to be winning – that moment on stage, feeling a little overwhelmed yet trying to take it all in! (Although the pizza party was also a delicious moment!)

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to enter the Pro Hair Awards next year?

I would say just go for it! Don’t let anything hold you back from entering a competition or awards; even if you’ve had knock-backs in the past, always believe in your own worth and know your strengths. Find the right category for you and seize the moment!

Do you have any exciting plans up your sleeve for the next year?

2025 marks my twentieth year in the industry (20 YEARS!), so I definitely have a few fun projects and surprises coming up! Stay tuned!

How has winning Professional Freelance Hairdresser of the Year 2024 impacted your business and your clients?

I’m now signed with David Artists and I’m also an ambassador for Attitude Foils! Winning Professional Freelance Hairdresser of the Year has allowed me to expand my creativity as well as run my busy column. I’ve even had clients find me through Instagram and TikTok who have mentioned my award!

Lastly… where have you put your trophy?!

My trophy proudly sits in a mirrored alcove in my photo studio at home.

PROHAIR AWARDS 2025

Entries open: Monday 3rd March 2025

Entries close: Monday 2nd June 2025

Judging: Monday 30th June-14th July 2025

Live Awards final: Monday 15th September 2025

DO YOU WANT TO BE ON TOP?

This is your opportunity to be recognised for your hairdressing skills, creativity and business acumen with an easy entry process this is accessible, affordable and sustainable.

THE CATEGORIES:

Professional Hairdresser of the Year

Professional Colourist of the Year

Professional Extensionist of the Year

Professional Men’s Hair Stylist of the Year

Professional Textured Hair Stylist of the Year

Professional Bridal Stylist of the Year

Professional Freelance Hairdresser of the Year

Professional Young Talent of the Year

Professional Independent Salon of the Year

Professional Group Salon of the Year

Professional Sustainable Salon of the Year

Professional Home Salon of the Year

THREE NEW CATEGORIES:

Professional Salon Stylist of the Year

Professional Co-working Space of the Year

Professional Hair Influencer of the Year

Click here, to enter!

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