Welcome to The FHA Freelance Awards!

Celebrating Excellence in Freelance Hairdressing

The FHA Freelance Awards, hosted by the Freelance Hairdressers’ Association (FHA), are the pinnacle of recognition in the freelance hairdressing community. These prestigious awards celebrate the creativity, skill, and dedication of independent hairdressers across the country.

Elevate your craft and showcase your talent in The FHA Freelance Awards.

Want to know more about The FHA Freelance Awards?

Who is eligible?

You are! This competition is open to every freelance/self-employed, insured hairdresser in the UK. Non-members Welcome. Below you can see some of the best of last year’s entries and a few photos throughout the day.

Easy to Enter

Our mentors are here to guide and prepare you for your journey through the Awards should you need it. You can email enquiries@thefha.org.uk, with the subject line “FHA Freelance Awards” to get assistance. Otherwise Entering is as easy as taking a few photos, writing a little about yourself and your work and filling out a form, Become an entrant in less than 10 minutes.

General Rules

  • You may enter as many categories as you wish.
  • Only one entry per category is permitted.
  • If shortlisted you must be able to attend the Inspire! event on the 8th June 2025.
  • Entries must be in before awards closing deadline on the 28th February 2025.
  • Entries will be judged by a leading panel of hairdressers, experts and press.
  • FHA decision is final.
  • FHA reserves the rights to print entrants’ photos.
  • Entries must be original. No paid work.
  • Entries will be checked and verified.

The Categories

Celebrating the innovation, artistry, and skill of freelance hairdressers.

The Freelance Avant Garde Award

For the bold and boundary breaking. Show off your experimental side with an avant-garde look that’s uniquely yours.

The Freelance Avant Garde Award

The Freelance Avant Garde Award is tailored for hairdressers who thrive on pushing boundaries, experimenting with pops of colour, exploring diverse textures, or drawing inspiration from architecture. If you’re creating hair masterpieces that break the mold, this is your opportunity to share your avant-garde work with the freelance world.

FHA Theme – In The Moment

Be ‘in the moment’ and take your inspiration from what’s happening in the world of fashion, technology and architecture.

Category Requirements

  • Mood Board – (either digital or photographic evidence)
  • Share Your Recipes and Techniques/Tools used to create your style result.
  • Detail minimum of 250 words
  • Models needed to create look
  • Makeup Artist
  • Clothing to complete your look, either waist up or full body looks. (No head shots)
  • Get up close and personal, show your unique talent and abilities with Before/middle and after pictures of your finished look. (document the stages of your creation )
  • Share your creative inspiration behind your look in detail
  • 90sec reel of including start/process/finish

Additional Information

Images need:

  • You can use up to 25% Hair Extensions (photo evidence)
  • Up to 50% Hair/Ornaments
  • Good lighting,
  • Plain backgrounds
  • Must be in full colour

Filters or photo shopped images will be disqualified.
All category requirements must be met to validate entry.

The Freelance Barber Award

Celebrate your barbering skills with a standout look, from sleek fades to vintage flair. This is where precision meets creativity.

The Freelance Barber Award

The Freelance Barber Award is a fantastic opportunity for freelancers to display their creative skills and polished looks, whether it’s a modern Ghost fade or a vintage style. It’s a platform to celebrate your success and showcase your unique techniques. Winning this award is a way to stand out and be acknowledged for your expertise in the freelance world.

Category requirements

  • Submit your finished look with before and after pictures
  • Detail minimum of 250 words
  • Techniques/tools used to create your finished look
  • All products used to create this look, Including styling and finishing
  • Your inspiration or influence creating this look.
  • Diagrams can be included

Additional information

Images need:

  • Good lighting
  • Plain backgrounds
  • Must be in full colour

Filters or photo shopped images will be disqualified.
All category requirements must be met to validate entry.

The Freelance Colour Award

For colour innovators who bring brilliance and creativity to every shade. Whether bold, bespoke, or trendsetting, this is your platform to shine.

The Freelance Colour Award

The Freelance Colour Award is your platform to exhibit your exceptional talent and remarkable colouring abilities, whether you’re adding a splash of colour, providing bespoke services, or pushing the boundaries. Whether you’re a trendsetter or a fashion icon, It’s a chance to take pride in your skills and stand out with your unique colouring techniques in the freelance world.

Category Requirements

  • Submit your finished look with before and after pictures
  • Detail minimum of 250 words
  • Formula’s/Techniques used to create your finished look
  • All products used to create this look, Including styling and finishing
  • Your inspiration or influence creating this look.
  • Diagrams can be included or a 90sec reel including start/process/finish.

Additional Information

Images need:

  • Good lighting
  • Plain backgrounds
  • Must be in full colour
  • No Hair Extensions

Filters or photo shopped images will be disqualified.
All category requirements must be met to validate entry.

The Freelance Texture Award

For those who bring curls to life. Showcase your expertise in enhancing natural texture with lasting impact and style.

The Freelance Texture Award

The Freelance Texture Award is all about showcasing your expertise in creating lively, stylish curls that have natural bounce and lasting power. If you have the skills to make those curls come to life, this is your opportunity to shine and be recognised within the freelance community. Don’t miss your chance to enter and bring the bounce back to life!

Category requirements

  • Submit your finished look with before and after pictures
  • Detail minimum of 250 words
  • Techniques/tools used to create your finished look
  • All products used to create this look,Including styling and finishing
  • Your inspiration or influence creating this look.
  • Diagrams can be included

Additional information

Images need:

  • Good lighting
  • Plain backgrounds
  • Must be in full colour

Filters or photo shopped images will be disqualified.
All category requirements must be met to validate entry.

The Freelance Red Carpet / Party Hair Award

From party glitz to the red carpet, showcase elegant, original styles that make any big moment unforgettable.

The Freelance Red Carpet / Party Hair Award

The Freelance Red Carpet / Party Hair Award is designed for those who excel in meeting clients expectations and creating masterpieces that are ready to grace any party or red carpet event. This award celebrates your originality and is the perfect platform to showcase your talent in crafting unforgettable hair-up styles. Whether it’s a polished vintage look or an elegant, soft creation with a Bohemian twist, this award recognises your ability to deliver stunning and memorable styles for special occasions. This is your opportunity to celebrate your creativity with the freelance world.

Category Requirements

  • Submit your finished look with before and after pictures
  • Detail minimum of 250 words
  • Techniques/tools used to create your finished look
  • All products used to create this look,Including styling and finishing
  • Your inspiration or influence creating this look.
  • Diagrams can be included

Additional Information

Images need:

  • Hair Extensions and Hair padding is allowed, No more than 50% to be added. (photo evidence permitted)
  • Good lighting
  • Plain backgrounds
  • Must be in full colour

Filters or photo shopped images will be disqualified.
All category requirements must be met to validate entry.

The Freelance Stylist Award

For stylists who lead with creativity and set trends. Share your unique style and inspire with your innovative techniques

The Freelance Stylist Award

The Freelance Stylist Award is the perfect stage for individuals who excel in cutting techniques and finishing their look. Whether you’re a trendsetter, a restyle expert, this category celebrates your skills. It’s a chance to proudly stand out and showcase your unique talents and testament of your ability to the freelance world.

Category Requirements

  • Submit your finished look with before and after pictures
  • Detail minimum of 250 words
  • Techniques/tools used to create your finished look
  • All products used to create this look, Including styling and finishing
  • Your inspiration or influence creating this look.
  • Diagrams can be included

Additional Information

Images need:

  • Good lighting,
  • Plain backgrounds
  • Must be in full colour

Filters or photo shopped images will be disqualified.
All category requirements must be met to validate entry.

The Freelance Vivid Colour Award

For colour artists who go bold and bright. Celebrate your talent in creating vibrant, eye-catching shades that push the limits of colour. This is your stage to show off fearless, vivid colour mastery.

The Freelance Vivid Colour Award

The Freelance Vivid Colour Award is a prestigious recognition for those with exceptional talent and creativity in the realm of hair colouring. It’s a platform to display your unique abilities, whether you’re known for adding vibrant splashes of colour, providing bespoke services, or pushing the boundaries with vivid hues. If you’re proud of your colouring techniques and want to stand out in the freelance world, this category is designed for you.

Category Requirements

  • Submit your finished look with before and after pictures
  • Detail minimum of 250 words
  • Formula’s/Techniques used to create your finished look
  • All products used to create this look, Including styling and finishing
  • Your inspiration or influence creating this look.
  • Diagrams can be included or a 90sec reel including start/process/finish.

Additional Information

Images need:

  • Good lighting
  • Plain backgrounds
  • Must be in full colour

Filters or photo shopped images will be disqualified.
All category requirements must be met to validate entry.

Impress your clients with a stunning trophy.

This could be your year!

It’s Time to Enter…

It couldn’t be easier to enter this year’s awards and be in with a chance of winning the prestigious title of Freelance Hairdresser of the Year in your chosen category.

Make sure you have the information and images at hand before completing the form below and submitting your entry.

Closing date: 28th February 2024.
Good luck!