It’s vital that we create fascinating and engaging pathways for the youngsters wanting to progress in hairdressing. On a national level, currently we have a critical situation with fewer hairdressing apprenticeships and intense pressure on the cost of all types of training. We must continue to show the positives of signing up to the hairdressing profession. In this spirit, we say respect to any and all hairdressers and salon owners doing what they can to maintain support for emerging talent. And step forward, Mark Leeson salons to take a bow….
Championing the next generation
Richard Darby, director and co-owner at Mark Leeson, alongside the main man Mark himself, stepped forward to join a jury to select, then set up a tutoring programme for eight stylists. Sponsored by Goldwell, it’s called the Goldwell Art Squad 2026.
Chosen for their technical excellence, artistic vision and creative potential, the Goldwell Art Squad 2026 members will now relish time with of one of our most accomplished global award-winners. Both the salon, and the man Mark Leeson. Working out of the Goldwell Academy in London, the Art Squad will follow a programme of events and mentoring running February to August this year. Bravo! Brand and salon – what an endeavour.
Mark tells us: “The standard of entries for this year’s Goldwell Art Squad has been exceptional. What stood out was not only the technical ability of the finalists, but their confidence, individuality and creative thinking. This Art Squad represents the future of British hairdressing, and I’m incredibly excited to mentor them as they develop their skills and push creative boundaries over the coming year.”
Goldwell Art Squad 2026
Who made the list? See here….
- Rebecca Blade, Hair Host (@rebeccabladehair)
- Rebekah Campanaro, Rocco & Co Hairdressing (@rebekahcampanarohair)
- Lucy Coluccia, ScullyScully (@lucybeth_hair)
- Taz Daddi Addoun, The Birdcage Hair Salon (@taz_freelance_educator)
- Stephanie Jones, Stephanie Jones, Award Winning Hair (@stephanie_jones_hair)
- Emma Jones, New Wave (@emmajonesnewwave)
- Gemma Miles, Hair by Phillip (@gemmamileshaireducator)
- Jacob Scully, ScullyScully (@jacobscullyhair)
Follow their individual profiles, or see on socials @goldwelluki
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Here online you may browse our Creative section to find inspiration from the greatest hair artists… read our Home page to discover the top events and what we like about them, then visit our Magazine section to read the latest edition (and archive editions) of Tribu-te publications. If you’d like to enjoy your very own edition of Tribu-te delivered direct to your home – vist the Shop to order a subscription to arrive bi-annually. And of course, once a year, you can visit Hair Pieces: The Big One – it’s an awesome presentation of the leading hairdressers on the best stage possible in central London each November! Contact us if you have any questions or would like to submit photography and ideas for any of our editions in Europe – we’re particulary keen to see your salons for our Design section both in print and online.