At a glance:Dyson Supersonic r professional hair dryer

It has a new ergonomic design The Dyson Supersonic r has been designed ergonomically in a ‘r’ curve, and at 325g, weighs less than a can of hairspray. The shape allows stylists to reach where it’s normally difficult, for better control when styling hair, and for better comfort while doing so.

There’s more even heat thanks to new heaters New heater technology is small, light, streamlined and ‘power dense’. Its curved heater in effect ensures the dryer heats the airflow more evenly, with no hotspots. For stylists, this means increased evenness of temperature (including when using the attachments), a higher temperature for styling, and drying hair fast, with no heat damage. It checks the temperature constantly Dyson’s intelligent heat control – seen in its other hair tools, too – means air temperature is measured more than 20 times a second.

This again has an eye on keeping hair healthy, preventing extreme heat damage and protecting hair’s natural shine.

The attachments have sensors… and they’ll remember how you used them There’s a range of attachments that have integrated Radio Frequency Identification sensors. These communicate with the hair dryer, automatically adjusting the motor and the heater to deliver what Dyson engineers have set as the ‘optimal’ airflow and temperature.

As examples, the diffuser is set to low flow and low temperature to reduce frizz and enhance curls without disrupting the curl pattern. In contrast, the rough dry mode uses maximum power heat and flow to minimise drying time but while keeping the airflow controlled. However, stylists can adjust these settings depending on the hair type and style of each client, and it will remember that previous setting the next time that attachment is added. Its filter can go longer between cleans The 3D mesh filter at the bottom of the dryer, designed to capture salon pollutants such as hair and styling sprays, now lasts up to two times longer in-between cleans.

Stylists can join a waitlist here for the new pro-exclusive dryer 

Salon Services has revealed the winners of its first Professional Hair & Beauty Awards.  

Hosted by beauty journalist and entrepreneur, Ateh Jewel, at London’s Century Club, the awards celebrated the industry’s best loved professional products with a crowd that enjoyed cocktails in Salon Services’ own signature pink. Hundreds of thousands of the distributor’s professional customers shared their favourites on the online voting platform, alongside an expert panel who then tested the nominated products.  

 Ella Bella Bow’s Hair and Make-up scooped the Inspiration and Influencer Award, while The Little Princess Trust Award was given to Hair Story, with Jungle Hair and Beauty highly commended. 

And the hair winners are: 

Best Repair for Damaged Hair 
Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair  

Best Scalp Product 
L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Scalp Advanced Anti-Dandruff Dermo Clarifier Shampoo 

Best Curl Range  
L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Serie Expert Curl Expression  

Best for Colour Protection
Wella Professionals Invigo Color Brilliance Mask 

Best Range for Blondes 
Redken Color Extend Blondage  

Best Purple Shampoo
Osmo Super Silver No Yellow Shampoo 

Best Overall Haircare Range
Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate

Best Affordable Haircare
Osmo Deep Moisture Range 

Best Styling Product
L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Pli Shaper  

 Best All in One Multitasker 
Revlon Professional Uniqone Original Hair Treatment 

 Best Heat Protector 
Wella Professionals Eimi Thermal Image Heat Protection Spray 

Best Smoothing & Shine Product 
Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum 

Best Permanent Hair Colour
Wella Professionals Koleston Perfect Permanent Hair Colour 

Best Fashion Hair Colour
Crazy Color Semi Permanent Hair Colour Cream 

 Best in Affordable Hair Colour 
XP100 Intense Radiance Hair Colour 

Best Express Colour 
Wella Professionals Shinefinity Zero Lift Glaze 

Best Hair Dryer   
Diva Veloce 3800 Pro Hair Dryer 

Best Straightener
ghd Original 

Best Curling Tool 
ghd Curve Soft Tong 32mm 

 Best Clipper, Trimmer & Shaver  
Wahl 5 Star Magic Clip Cordless Hair Clipper Kit 

Best Scissor
Jaguar Pre Style Ergo Scissors 6.0″ 

Best Vegan Haircare 
Olaplex Haircare  

Best Vegan Colour 
Wella Professionals Koleston Perfect Hair Colour 

Best in Haircare Innovation  
Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate  

Best in Styling Tool Innovation  
ghd Duet Style 2-In-1 Hot Air Styler 

Inspiration & Influencer Award    
Ella Bella Bow’s 

Little Princess Trust Award             
Hair Story 

Finalists for the programme gathered at the Westrow Academy on Monday 12 February to compete for a place on this year’s team. A year-long mentorship programme, directed by Revlon’s global ambassador, Mark Leeson, gives aspiring stylists the chance to supercharge their skill set. Opportunities include photo shoots, shows and demonstrations, as well as the chance to attend colour and cutting courses and social media workshops. 

Judges Richard Darby from Mark Leeson, Emma Simmons from Salon 54, Steven Smart from Smart:EST 73 and Marney Lian from Gritt watched on as 18 finalists demonstrated their cutting and colouring skills in two heats. The day’s challenge was to recreate the photographic looks the finalists had submitted as part of their entry on the competition floor.

The Visionaries Team for 2024 is…

• Sophie Cookson: Gray’s Salon, Leeds
• Taylor Borthwick: Myka, Bathgate
• Stephanie Dwyer: Teresa Weller Hair Art, Dorking
• Hollie Varney: Salon Couture, Chatham

Commenting on the quality of the finalists, Mark Leeson said: “This was an awe-inspiring group of individuals. Calm under pressure but impressively creative, they came up with some seriously promising work. Being part of the Visionaries is an unmissable chance to push outside your comfort zone and experience things you’d never have believed were possible. I’m fired up for the year ahead. Our previous finalists have all gone on to flourish so let’s see what 2024 has in store for our next talented quartet.”

For their first assignment, the four Visionaries will be treated to a two-day colour and cutting course at the Revlon Academy in Leeds. “The Visionaries programme offers opportunities like no other. We have an incredible year lined up, all geared around giving this skilled team the tools, knowledge amd confidence to elevate their careers,” says Matt Horder, general manager of Revlon Professional UK & Ireland. “We’re excited to see this year’s lucky four absolutely shine!”