What a year for men's hairdressing

This year saw HJ Men go quarterly, in reaction to an increasing demand from readers and the industry for information and inspiration relating to men's hairdressing. The greater frequency of the UK's only magazine dedicated to men's hairdressing is only one indication of how the market is growing.

Early in 2012 the Fellowship for British Hairdressing demonstrated its commitment to men's hairdressing with its first ever Men's Trends event. It was standing room only, as hairdressers packed out the Toni & Guy Academy to see some of the industry's biggest names display their skills and share their experiences of men's hairdressing. On stage were The X-Factor's resident hairdresser, Jamie Stevens; HJ's 2009 Men's Hairdresser of the Year Desmond Murray; Toni & Guy artistic director, and 2010 Men's Hairdresser of the Year  Jody Taylor; and 2010 Eastern Hairdresser of the Year Chris Appleton.  Each inspirational hairdressers showcased their individual approach to men's cutting and styling, demonstrating a range of techniques using scissors and clippers.

Showing its continued support for the men's hairdressing industry during 2012 was American Crew UK. May saw the winners of the company's men's grooming photographic competition, Face Off fly to LA for their prize of a day at the Milk Studios where they worked with professional models and a photographer. November saw the final of Face Off 2013, where Miguel Gutierrez of Melogy, London was named overall winner. Miguel will jet off to LA in January to compete in the newly launched global final of Face Off.

Perhaps one of the biggest indications that men's style is being taken more seriously was the introduction of a dedicated men's fashion week in June. London Collections: Men was such a hit that the British Fashion Council have scheduled its return in January 2013. And if the hair looks for June's event are anything to go by, men's hair in 2013 is going to be exciting! The catwalks featured an eclectic mix of neon colour, natural texture and modern twists on classics, including the quiff and the side-parting.

Also putting men's hair in the spotlight this year was Salon International, where the HJ stage dedicated two hours every day of the three-day event to the art of men's hairdressing. Names appearing on-stage included Jon Redman of Atherton Cox, London; Ashley Thompson from Peter Prosser men in Hereford and the team from Alan d Hairdressing Education..

It's been an exciting 12 months for men's hairdressing and the signs are all good for 2013.