The Best Upcoming Hair and Beauty Events in the UK in 2021

A hair-show with an important message, in 1983 hairdresser Tony Rizzo and his wife Maggie lost their first-born child to Leukaemia. To fight back against this life-threatening disease, they founded the Alternative Hair Show as a charity fundraising event for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.

 From humble beginnings in London’s Camden Theatre, to a global following with an excess of £12.5 million, the Alternative Hair show has been hosted in Chicago, Bologna, Vienna, Moscow, Seoul, Italy and Tokyo. This year’s event will be virtual.

Expect to see the biggest and best names in hairstyling alongside features for new, young, and unknown, hairdressers. Want inspiration? Presentations from some of the top global hairstyling teams will pepper this year’s virtual extravaganza. Rising stars will be presented in The International Visionary Award and The New Visionaries shows, aimed to shed light on the work of hairdressers previously unknown on the global stage.

 “This is the right time to take The International Visionary Award to the next level and add another aspect to the Alternative Hair Show so we are truly excited to now encompass The New Visionaries.” Tony Rizzo, Founder of Alternative Hair.

HJ's British Hairdressing Business Awards

A true gem within the hair industry, HJ's British Hairdressing Business Awards is the go-to competition for top professionals across the country. Hosted by the Hairdressers Journal International, the 135 years recognised magazine for all things hair. This is the place to be if you want to keep updated on the best in the business.

 The list of sponsors is undoubtedly impressive, with big industry names including Loreal and Schwarzkopf. Competition categories include Salon of The Year, Assistant/Junior of The Year and Business Director of The Year. Whatever your specialisation in the industry, expect an award for it! Tickets will set you back £150 per person, but with award shows, a 3-course meal, drinks and an after party included can you really blame them?

British Beauty Week 2021, Covent Garden London – 8th-12th September 

British Beauty Week - British Beauty Council

Time to immerse ourselves in the best of British beauty. 2021 ‘Beauty Reimagined’ is set to return this September with a tantalising line-up of impressive shows, demonstrations, workshops, and expert panels. With an entire week dedicated to showcasing the best in the industry, Britain’s most cherished beauty brands will have the opportunity to exhibit their products and reach a range of consumers. Hosted in London’s beauty centre, Covent Garden, expect a fantastic five-days focused on the future of beauty.

 Millie Kendall, British Beauty Council chief executive said: “In these unprecedented times, it has never been more important to celebrate the importance and resilience of the beauty industry.”

Olympia Beauty - Olympia London

One of London’s biggest events for beauty professionals, from non-surgical aesthetics to hair salons. The OLYMPIA Beauty Show features exhibits from industry favourites. This year expect to see stand out show areas dedicated to ‘Green Beauty’: non-toxic ingredients, natural and organic products and sustainability in the industry. The show also hosts electrifying competitions to crown industry champions, including The Lash Games and The National Massage Championship.