MEET 2025 AHIA CREATIVE INTERNATIONAL HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR MARLON HAWKINS

By Louise May

He’s the name behind some of the most striking global campaigns, a true all-rounder with a passion for education, editorial, avant-garde, and everything in between. From humble beginnings in a small salon to his current role as Artistic Director at Brooks & Brooks and Global Artist for L’Oréal Professionnel, Marlon Hawkins is a force in the industry— pushing creative boundaries, mentoring the next generation, and flying the flag for British hairdressing on a global stage.

We caught up with Marlon to talk about his journey, his inspirations, and what winning the AHIA Creative International Hairdresser of the Year means to him.

How did you get into hairdressing, can you tell us about your career path to date?

My career started in a small salon where I started getting mentored by an amazing Korean hairdresser. I was really ambitious and wanted to move into a Central London salon and after growing and learning as much as I could in my previous salon, I found myself working in Covent Garden at the Andrew Barton salon where I learnt how to run a column, communicate with clients and build my own business within a business at a high level. I also supported the team with creativity in the salon, on shoots and at shows. This gave me my first taste of creative hairdressing.

I had heard of Brooks & Brooks as they were making waves in the industry winning awards and having their beautiful images published. I really admired their work, and I was looking for a new challenge. I was hungry to grow as a creative hairdresser and find my feet in the industry so with Andrew’s blessing I moved to Brooks & Brooks where I found my hair home!
When I joined the salon in Holborn I retrained and vardered – they virtually took me back to being an apprentice – so that I could grow as a creative hairdresser. Now, I travel the world representing the brand through campaigns, seminars, shoots, education, inspiration, shows and more. I’m now the Artistic Director for the brand and Global Artist for L’Oreal Professionnel.

How would you describe your journey?

I feel like my journey as a creative hairdresser really started at Brooks & Brooks. They gave me a real understanding of the craft of hairdressing, the dedication and practice and repeat philosophy. My mentor Sally Brooks has worked with me to hone my skills alongside my continued dedication to develop myself and people around me.
A lot of people speak about success, but there has been a lot of dedication and practice that’s come alongside my career.

I’m lucky my hobby is my job, so it never feels like work!
I’m the type of person that always strives for elevation, wanting to be better and trying to see a different perspective in creativity. There have been many twists and turns in my journey, and they all have shaped me into the hairdresser I am today.
My passion is creativity, and I love showcasing that in everything I do. When it comes down to my expertise as a hairdresser, I pride myself on being an expert in hair. I don’t specialise in one thing; I love avant-garde hair, colour, cutting, editorial work – I just love everything about hair!

What have been some of your highlights?

There are too many - travelling the world from LA to Tokyo, editorial jobs that allow me to express my creativity, being there for my clients in the salon, working with the apprentices in the salon and helping them achieve their qualification. There are too many, however it’s not very often you get named International Hairdresser of the Year, so this is definitely one of them!

What are your passions and where do you get your inspirations to fuel these passions?

My passion is hair and growing up I also loved the arts, music and drama. Little did I know that I could express all my love in the hairdressing industry through show work, conceptual thinking, and hair.
I love it when you hear a music track that automatically spirals you into a creative process of what a show could look like, or flip hair upside down to create something out of the box. I love to explore and innovate, alongside holding the standard and integrity of the hairdressing industry at its highest. I have pride for British hairdressing and representing my industry and country across the globe.

You are the new AHIA International Hairdresser of the Year how does that feel, what does the win mean to you?

Winning AHIA Creative International Hairdresser of the Year is super surreal! To win this recognition globally means so much to me. I’m so passionate about representing my generation of hairdressers and showing that our generation is just as dedicated to the craft for the future of our industry.
Winning this award demonstrates that with determination, practice and being able to take criticism to better yourself really shapes you.
I have always been inspired by the Australian hairdressing industry and the imagery that is created, so to be up there in that community means a lot, so thank you so much.

What does the future hold for Marlon Hawkins, what do you still want to accomplish?

There is still so much I want to accomplish! I don’t like standing still; I’m always on the go and looking for opportunities. My future is to uphold the creative integrity of the industry both in the UK and internationally. I’m really hoping to make it across the waters to Australia to share my passion and showcase creativity, education, and hair with that magic Marlon touch.

@marlonjhawkins @brookshair