Get ready for the alternative hair show 2010

If you are looking for something a little bit different over the weekend of Salon International, then the Alternative Hair Show is for you.

Launched 28 years ago by hairdresser Tony Rizzo, the hair extravaganza is one of the most anticipated events in hairdressing, renowned for its exciting, theatrical and dramatic presentations. This year sees the show move from its regular home of the Royal Albert Hall to The Grand Temple Freemason's Hall in Covent Garden, London.

There will be two shows, sponsored by TIGI, Schwarzkopf Professional, Denman, Aston & Fincher and Affinage, at 5pm and 9pm - with the later show coinciding with a gala dinner.

More than 18 hairdressing teams will present their shows, including Alan Edwards, Burlingtons, Mahogany, Sassoon and Tim Hartley from the UK, with a theme of Masquerade.

"Masquerade is a charade of hair and fashion that embraces the imagination and creativity," explains Tony. "This year's event will bring a dazzling showcase of mystery and inspiration as the artistic teams translate this theme."

Tony originally set up the Alternative Hair Show to raise much-needed funds for the Leukaemia Research Fund after the death of his son. Twenty eight years later, he has raised almost £8m for the charity and hopes this year's event will contribute another £250,000.

"Alternative Hair is incredibly important to me and my family. We have dedicated ourselves to the cause and each show gives us a huge buzz.

"We will continue the work that we have been doing all these years, helping towards research into a cure for leukaemia and also taking families of sufferers to Disneyland Paris," he says.

As well as the inspirational shows, there is the International Visionary Award, which recognises talent and vision by young hairdressers. Finalists will present one model on the night in the hope of winning a place at next year's event. The entry deadline is 31 August.

The Alternative Hair Show 2010 Teams

• Alan Edwards, UK
• Angus M, USA
• Burlingtons, UK
• Carlo Bay, Italy
• Dmitry Vinokurov, Russia
• Easy Hair Fehringer, Austria
• Gandini, Italy
• Guy Kremer, UK
• Klaus Peter Ochs, Germany
• Kohsuke Visual Network, Japan
• Mahogany, UK
• Electric Hairdressing, UK
• Nicholas French, USA
• Saco, UK
• Sanrizz, UK
• Sassoon, UK
• Stevo, Slovenia
• Tim Hartley, UK
• TIGI Creative Team, UK

For tickets and more information, contact Alternative Hair on 020 7242 3040, or visit www.alternativehair.org.