The Fellowship for British Hairdressing is the UK’s leading professional platform for creative excellence, education, and industry progression.
For over 80 years, the Fellowship has connected the most influential voices in hairdressing. From salons, barbers and stylists to educators, academies and global brands, the Fellowship has established a powerful network that drives innovation, creativity, and industry standards.
The heart of The Fellowship is the organisation’s is ten Project Teams. The Projects are designed to nurture up-and-coming talent, offering stylists hands-on workshops, seminars, and professional photoshoots to elevate their industry skills and give them hands-on experience.
Throughout the year, each Project takes part in education days hosted by many of the biggest names in the industry, giving mentees the opportunity to gain invaluable insight into the creative process of guest mentor.
Other highlights on the Projects’ calendar include stage time, alongside the opportunity to curate a photoshoot with their Project Leader and other mentees. Over the course of the year, the Project Leaders dedicate their time to the mentees, planning a year that is fun, educational and transformative.
Simon Shaw, President of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing said, “The Fellowship has always been about developing people and creating opportunities, and our Project Leaders are the perfect example.
“The Fellowship Project Leaders are the crème de la crème of British Hairdressing and each of these individuals bring their own personality, experience, and style, helping us deliver engaging educational experiences whilst showcasing the incredible talent that exists throughout our industry.
“As we celebrate our 80th Anniversary and continue to evolve the Fellowship for future generations, the Project Teams represent everything that our organisation stands for today – education, creativity, collaboration, and excellence.”
The 2027/28 Project Leaders are as follows:
Project X – Luke Benson
With more than 22 years in the industry, Luke has built a career defined by creativity, determination and an unwavering commitment to his craft. Known for his modern, elevated approach to hair, Luke’s career spans celebrity styling, editorial, session work, international campaigns and education. Today, Luke is the Global Artistic Director of Keune Haircosmetics and the Owner of the award-winning Luke Benson Hair Salon.
ClubStar Art Team – Billy Ryan and Ellie Foreman
Billy Ryan and Elle Foreman are the owners of the multi-award-winning Tribe Salons. In addition to winning several salon awards, including ‘Salon Business of the Year’ at the Fellowship Awards and Luncheon 2025. Elle has won several individual prestigious industry awards, including 2025 ‘Salon Stylist of the Year’ and ‘One to Watch’ at the Creative Head Most Wanted Awards. Billy’s incredible business acumen has also saw him finalise for the ‘Business Director of the Year’ category in the 2026 Hairdressers Journal British Hairdressing Business Awards.
Project Scotland – Jason Hall
Having opened the doors to Jason Hall Hairdressing in 1994, Jason’s Edinburgh salon has become synonymous with award winning hairdressing. Passionate about delivering wearable hair for everyone, owner and director Jason Hall was named Scottish Hairdressing of the Year at the British Hairdressing Awards 2019/2020. Jason is also a renowned session stylist and regularly works backstage at Fashion Weeks.
Project Men & Media – Josh Lamonanca
Josh Lamonaca is the creative and educational mastermind at MENSPIRE. As Head of Education and an award-winning barber and stylist, Josh is passionate about hair and innovation. He dedicates his time to advancing the education side of MENSPIRE, travelling the world to teach and mentor aspiring stylists. Josh’s commitment to education ensures that MENSPIRE continues to set new benchmarks in the industry, fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence.
Project Colour – Grace Dalgleish
An award-winning colourist, three-time Colour Expert and Most Wanted Legend winner, Grace is a global educator and creative director whose work has been featured in publications including Dazed, Hunger, Infringe and Top Ten Magazine. Travelling internationally, she consults and collaborates with leading brands to rewrite education philosophies and programmes creating new colour stories that inspire hairdressers around the world.
Project Sassoon – Daniel McCourt & Mia Leete
Daniel is Senior Creative Director at Sassoon, having built his career from student to one of the brand’s leading creative voices. Renowned for his precision cutting and creative vision, he has educated and inspired audiences around the world, contributed to Sassoon collections, and worked on leading fashion editorials and London Fashion Week shows.
Mia is Colour Director at the House of Sassoon, with over 20 years of experience in the brand. After beginning her career as an apprentice, she quickly rose through the ranks, winning Sassoon’s Colourist of the Year award. Today, she leads a talented team of colourists while representing Sassoon at industry events and creating colour for the brand’s collections.
Afro – Patricia Davis
Patricia is International Lead Educator for McBride Research Laboratories, Inc., makers of Design Essentials Professional Hair Care Systems and Design Essentials for Natural Hair Collections. Patricia returns for her 2nd year as the leader of Project Afro.
Extend – Marlene Lamont
A past member of the Project Extend Team, Marlene absolutely love extensions, especially fashion transformations and photographic work. Marlene has been hairdressing for over 40 years and has a team of 17, at Urban Hair in Scotland. Marlene returns for her 2nd year as the leader of Project Extend.
F.A.M.E.- Lesley Jennison
Lesley’s journey in hairdressing began at the iconic Vidal Sassoon London Academy, where she laid the groundwork for an exceptional career. Over the next 18 years, she broke boundaries and made history, becoming the first woman to lead the Colour Department, join the International Art Team, and manage one of the brand’s busiest salons.
Project Applications open on August 31st and close on November 9th. The Teams will be announced on November 23rd.