We were incredibly proud to host our inaugural OCS UK Awards this month, celebrating the salons and stylists whose creativity, commitment to sustainability and contribution to their communities embody the values at the heart of our brand.
The evening gave us the opportunity to recognise the talented individuals and businesses that make the OCS community so special. One of the standout successes of the night was The Zen Den, with owner Terri Shadbolt being named Colour Visionary of the Year, while the salon also received the Sustainable Salon of the Year award.
Our 2026 OCS UK Award Winners
- Curly Hair Artist of the Year – Terri Akan, Curls Inc.
- Colour Visionary of the Year – Terri Shadbolt, The Zen Den
- Client Transformation of the Year – Zoë Rees, Bliss Hair Therapy
- Event Stylist of the Year – Katie Singfield, Queenies Hair Lounge
- Apprentice of the Year – Natalie Everest, Organic Hair Artisan
- Community Salon of the Year – Vegan Hair Salon, Leicester
- Sustainable Salon of the Year – The Zen Den, Somerset
Terri Akan, Curls Inc / Curly Hair Artist of the Year
Terri Shadbolt, The Zen Den / Colour Visionary of the Year & Sustainable Salon of the Year
Zoë Rees, Bliss Hair Therapy / Client Transformation of the Year
Katie Singfield, Queenies Hair Lounge / Event Stylist of the Year
Natalie Everest, Organic Hair Artisan / Apprentice of the Year
Vegan Hair Salon, Leicester / Community Salon of the Year
When we created the OCS UK Awards, our goal was simple: to celebrate the talent, passion and values that define our community. We wanted the awards to be accessible, inclusive and centered on creativity. That's why entry was completely free, and entrants were invited to submit photographs taken on their phones, removing barriers to entry and ensuring the focus remained firmly on the quality of the work itself.
The awards culminated in a fantastic celebration evening that brought together salon owners, stylists and ambassadors from across the UK. To reflect our shared commitment to sustainability, guests embraced a "Recycled Glam" dress code, choosing to rewear, borrow or source pre-loved outfits rather than buying new.
While the exceptional standard of work impressed our judging panel in the United States, what left the biggest impression on us was the atmosphere throughout the evening. Guests described the event as joyful, welcoming and uplifting, with many commenting that it felt less like a traditional awards ceremony and more like a gathering of friends. It was a true reflection of the creativity, connection and support that define the OCS community.
As our Co-Managing Director, Vicki Borley, said: "These awards were about so much more than recognising great hair. We wanted to celebrate the people who make our community so special and create an event that truly reflected the values of OCS. The creativity on display was incredible, but what stood out most was the genuine support, warmth and encouragement everyone showed one another."
Looking ahead, we're even more excited about what comes next. The awards have already sparked new connections, new conversations and new opportunities for members of our community to support and champion one another.
The OCS UK Awards were created not only to recognise outstanding work, but also to strengthen the bonds within the Organic Colour Systems community and shine a light on the people helping to shape the future of conscious hairdressing.
Following the success of our inaugural event, we're delighted to confirm that the OCS UK Awards will continue as an ongoing celebration of creativity, sustainability and community. Planning is already underway, and we can't wait to celebrate with our community again next year.
