INSPIRE! 2026 Brings the Freelance Hairdressing Community Together
On Sunday 28th June, almost 100 freelance hairdressers from across the UK came together at Hellidon Lakes Hotel & Resort for INSPIRE! 2026, a day dedicated to education, creativity, connection and celebrating everything that makes the freelance hairdressing community so special.
From the moment the doors opened, there was an incredible buzz around the event. New friendships were made, familiar faces reunited, ideas were shared and our members enjoyed a day designed exclusively with freelancers in mind.
One Big Freelance Family
FHA Founder Sheila Abrahams MBE officially opened the day with a heartfelt welcome, reminding everyone that the Freelance Hairdressers Association is much more than a membership, it’s a family.
Speaking about the importance of supporting one another, Sheila celebrated the incredible community that continues to grow through the FHA, encouraging members to connect, share experiences and remember that no freelancer has to navigate their career alone.
It was the perfect way to begin a day centred around learning, inspiration and bringing people together.
Education from Some of the Industry’s Best
This year’s stage programme featured an outstanding line-up of educators, each sharing practical advice, creative inspiration and valuable business knowledge.
Wella Professionals opened the education sessions with Paul Corbett and Heather Shaw from Francesco Hair Salons, who explored how premium colour services can increase client spend while delivering exceptional results. Their live demonstrations showcased beautiful blonde transformations and naturally enhanced colour techniques, inspiring attendees to elevate both their colour work and their pricing confidence.
Representing L’Oréal Professionnel, FHA member Rachel Valentine delivered an insightful masterclass in trichology, sharing her expertise in hair and scalp health. Her session demonstrated how understanding scalp concerns can strengthen consultations, improve client confidence and open up new service opportunities for freelance professionals.
The day also welcomed INDOLA Global Ambassador Andy Smith alongside UK Ambassadors Abbey Smith, Sian Roscoe and Kirby Blythe, who brought editorial-inspired street style to the stage. Across four models, the team showcased the versatility of the INDOLA portfolio, demonstrating how colour, care and styling products work together to create beautiful, commercial looks suitable for every client.
The Retail Village
The ever-popular Retail Village was once again a highlight of the day, giving attendees the opportunity to discover new products, chat directly with industry experts and enjoy exclusive event offers.
This year’s exhibitors included:
- INDOLA
- Wella Professionals
- L’Oréal Professionnel
- Spencer Scissors
- WhoseWood
- Jade The Label
- Freelance Suite by Ruth Lundstrum
- Phenix Salon Suites
- Easibook
- Leyton House Professional
- Copper Queen
- Lisa Curtis Bridal
Whether members were topping up their kit, discovering new brands or simply enjoying conversations with exhibitors, the Retail Village was buzzing throughout the day.
Celebrating Freelance Talent
No INSPIRE! event would be complete without recognising the incredible talent within our freelance community.
The day concluded with the Freelance Awards, celebrating professionals who continue to raise the standard across the industry.
A huge congratulations to all of this year’s winners:
🏆 Freelance Barber of the Year – Dannielle Maydom
🏆 Freelance Colourist of the Year – Marie Sylvia Cutler
🏆 Freelance Home Studio of the Year – Andrea Curran-Smirk
🏆 Freelance Occasion Stylist of the Year – Dannielle Maydom
🏆 Freelance Social Presence Stylist of the Year – Amy Downton
🏆 Freelance Stylist Out on the Road – Nikita Richards
🏆 Freelance Texture Stylist of the Year – Lottie Bates
🏆 Freelance Vivid Colourist of the Year – Hannah Button
Congratulations to every finalist and winner, you continue to inspire the freelance community with your passion, creativity and dedication.
Thank You
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for INSPIRE! 2026, our members, educators, exhibitors, sponsors and supporters who made the day such a success.
Events like this remind us exactly why the Freelance Hairdressers Association exists. Freelancing can sometimes feel like you’re working alone, but days like INSPIRE! prove that’s never really the case. Together, we’re building a community that celebrates, supports and champions freelance hair professionals every step of the way.
We can’t wait to do it all again next year! SAVE THE DATE: MAY 16TH 2027
