STAR acts

We meet the winners of the Professional Beauty Awards 2025 to find out what makes them so special and deserving of their trophies

The winners of the Professional Beauty Awards 2025 were revealed during a black-tie ceremony at The Brewery in the City of London on Sunday, March 2.

Guests began the evening with a networking reception, before heading into the ballroom where host Jamie Laing of Made in Chelsea fame took to the stage to announce the awards.

Once again, the Professional Beauty Awards was held alongside the World Spa & Wellness Awards, meaning the room was filled with spa and beauty professionals from across the globe.

Introducing the event, Professional Beauty editor Eve Oxberry, said: “Tonight is about recognising the passion and dedication that you all bring to this sector.

“Whether you employ hundreds of people around the world or work alone from a salon in your garden, you make a difference on a daily basis to people’s health, wellbeing and confidence – and there’s not many professions that can claim that... Through it all, what remains constant is the heart and soul behind every treatment, every consultation, and every transformative experience you provide.”

Spa/Salon Team of the Year

Winner: Innovations Advanced Skincare & Beauty, County Durham

“Winning this means absolutely everything. It cements our teamwork, our camaraderie, everything that we strive for at work. We are a work family, it’s everything. The award will definitely bring a buzz around the salon and show the girls exactly what we’re all about and what we’re going to forward to„

Innovations prioritises inclusivity as a team and a business and is known known locally for being LGBTQ+ friendly, providing a comfortable and welcoming space for both staff and clients from all backgrounds. The business regularly works with charities and has become a dementiafriendly salon.

Owner Jolene Rees says this approach has helped the team to grow stronger together. Team members support one another by covering shifts, car shares and providing emotional support, creating a sisterhood that extends beyond work. This camaraderie fuels their passion, ensuring they deliver an outstanding customer journey regardless of personal circumstances.

The salon has a robust training policy, dedicated to advancing each therapist’s skills. During induction, new therapists spend time with the training manager to assess their current level and career aspirations, leading to a tailored programme. The team includes junior therapists who started as Saturday staff and now manage full schedules with high demand, and therapists from spa backgrounds who have excelled on the beauty floor, with one advancing to specialised skin treatments.

During weekly huddles, the salon has pop quizzes, and staff use bells to be the first to answer. Prizes or tokens are awarded for correct answers, with questions covering offers, products and fun facts to keep the atmosphere light. Meanwhile, monthly meetings begin with a fun activity. One recent example was a mini assault course tackled in teams.

Nail Professional of the Year

Winner: Kirsty McDonough, KM Nails & Beauty, Lancashire

“This is the first time I’ve ever entered something like this and I hope the win will open doors for me. These awards mean a lot. The nail industry as a whole is overlooked, in my opinion, so the Professional Beauty Awards are massively appreciated in our industry because the level of art that you can achieve with nails is unimaginable and we go to huge lengths to create what we do„

Kirsty McDonough is a highly passionate nail technician known for her precise work and the numerous accolades she has collected over her career. Despite her excellent industry knowledge, she is committed to constant professional development and training. She is also dedicated to passing on her skills, holding a teacher training qualification. She is currently providing online workshops and in the future hopes to provide in person in-depth certified training. She always encourages others to compete in professional nail competitions and award as it helped her grow into the nail artist she is today.

McDonough has trained with the likes of Hazel Dixon, Fereida Lydiate, Melanie Lewendon and Katie Barnes and she credits their masterclasses for helping her to win an impressive collection of trophies, including overall Nail Champion at Professional Beauty North 2023, London 2024 and Ireland 2024 nail competitions. She has also won Liquid & Powder Tech of the Year at the Scratch Stars Awards. Now she is Nail Professional of the Year 2025, the first to win the award since the category returned.

Mobile/Home-based Beauty Business of the Year

Winner: Louise Tilden Beauty Therapy, Somerset

“I could not be more delighted. I’m absolutely thrilled and stunned. Winning this award will literally skyrocket my plan to launch my very own mentorship programme online so I can share everything that I’ve learned in the last 15 years in the industry with other people who may be feeling completely and utterly lost as I was 15 years ago when I became a therapist„

A small business with big ideas, Louise Tilden Beauty Therapy offers a service-led and inclusive experience to her loyal client base. This extends beyond salon services, with a blog, regular newsletters, and extensive video content on Tilden’s socials.

Her brand is built on a foundation of solid training and experience, and she focuses her energy into delivering the treatments that she excels in and is most passionate about, offering full-body waxing for men and women, massage, skincare, lashes, brows and a selection of signature therapies.

Tilden adapts treatments for clients who are facing challenges like cancer, perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. She also tailors treatments for her pregnant clients, making sure to include everyone in her home salon.

Excited by the future of the industry, Tilden embraces new technologies, using advanced treatment protocols, and technological solutions with her booking system that help her business to thrive.

She hopes to inspire a generation of therapists with the development of an online programme, aimed to help them create their own successful home salon businesses. She continually shares her knowledge and experience with other therapists and is always learning something new, experiencing different treatments and individual approaches to beauty therapy.

Skin Clinic of the Year

Winner: Skin Revolution, Essex

“I can’t believe we won. We are blown away. We’ve entered for a couple of years running. It means so much to us and will mean a lot to all our clients too. We’ve been working really, really hard for this and it’s nice to be recognised. There are only four of us in the team so it feels amazing to have achieved this„

A true skin specialist, Skin Revolution’s intense focus on skin health and the client journey makes this clinic stand out right from the first point of client contact. The Skin Revolution team takes into account everything that affects their clients’ skin and have policies that ensure best results, such as their refuse-to-treat policy, where therapists will refuse a treatment if a client is not prepared to invest in the proper homecare. By educating clients, the clinic creates a partnership that ensures the best client outcomes.

Skin Revolution’s consultations are in-depth and as well as clients being made aware of the homecare needed to prepare for their treatment and what to expect both during and after their appointment, all clients receive aftercare emails to reinforce what they are told in clinic and therapists follow up to see if they have any questions or feedback.

Skin Revolution’s investment priority is staff training and education. The clinic team recently trained in manual lymphatic drainage and invested in a diode laser for hair removal, increasing its reach into the transgender market. The clinic has also partnered with Map My Mole to get clearance to treat more blemishes.

Large Salon of the Year

Winner: Elegant Touch Beauty, Derbyshire

“To win means the absolute world for me and for the team. It’s for the whole team, who are brilliant. Going forward, we’re just going to grow. Winning this feels amazing„

Founded in 2014 by Anna Inglis when she was just 22 years old, Elegant Touch Beauty has evolved from a solo venture into an award-winning destination with a team of 11 professionals. In 2024, the business expanded into a stunning two-storey waterfront premises at Mercia Marina in Willington, delivering an enhanced luxury experience for clients.

The salon stands out for its commitment to innovation, offering a complete beauty journey through continuous investment in technology and treatments. The salon’s exceptional customer service includes home visits for housebound clients, complimentary treatments for those experiencing bereavement and bespoke gifting for special occasions.

The business thrives on a culture of positivity, collaboration and professional development. Its operational and marketing initiatives have led to an 85% increase in daily revenue since the salon’s relocation. A strong digital presence, booking software and a well-executed grand opening event have strengthened client engagement and business visibility. Retail offerings have expanded into lifestyle products, enhancing the overall salon experience. With a five-star reputation backed by over 100 perfect Google reviews, Elegant Touch Beauty prioritises client satisfaction, with a meticulous approach to customer care, training and proactive problem-solving, ensuring its continued success and industry leadership.

Employer of the Year

Winner: Aqua Sana Forest Spa, Nottinghamshire

“We put a lot of work into our teams and our people so to get this award two years in a row really demonstrates how much our people mean to us; this is phenomenal. We want to be an aspirational place for people to come and work so hopefully this helps us achieve that. It’s amazing for team morale. It means an awful lot to the team„

Aqua Sana Forest Spa strives to be an outstanding employer and aims to recruit locally as much as possible. The managers are proud of the employee retention rate of 72% and take steps to empower employees at all levels.

The company takes learning and development very seriously. All therapists complete a company induction which covers company philosophy, legal training, guest care and values and culture.

Minimum entry requirement is NVQ level 2 (or equivalent). Employees then carry out comprehensive training specific to the spa’s own treatment menu, which also incorporates postural awareness to prevent repetitive strain injuries. Training is ongoing to ensure therapists are kept abreast of the latest techniques.

Aqua Sana Forest Spa has a restriction on the number of hours that therapists can spend performing massages for their own wellbeing. The spa’s in-house training coordinators are certified in musculoskeletal training, working with all therapists to maintain optimal posture and minimise effects to their body.

To reward good service, managers can allocate points to employees via an online portal, which convert into financial vouchers. Every employee is involved in the Shared Success bonus scheme and gets a share of the company’s profits if targets are met by the business.

Recently, Aqua Sana has placed a lot of focus on improving staffwelfare, including improvement to back-of-house facilities to allow comfortable breaks, and new workwear that allows staff more choice.

Electrologist of the Year

Winner: Natalie Jackson, Natalie Jackson Advanced Skin Clinic, Cambridgeshire

“This is award means everything. I feel electrolysis really deserves this recognition because this treatment literally is life changing. We give clients their confidence back, which is an incredible feeling and I absolutely love my job because of that so to get recognition for what I do feels amazing„

Having performed electrolysis for 35 years, Natalie Jackson originally fell in love with the practice after observing the impact that unwanted facial hair and skin blemishes can have on clients’ self-esteem and the power of electrolysis to help them regain their confidence.

Now a recognised expert in the field, Jackson demonstrates her expertise on social media with impressive before-and-after images and plenty of five-star reviews. She is also active in helping to raise awareness about the effectiveness of advanced electrolysis by writing articles and running networking events.

One area Jackson specialises in is removing lesions from around the eyes. Clients often reach out to her after being turned away by other clinics. She has also trained with the Primary Care Dermatology Society in the use of a dermatoscope. This means she knows when a client should get a lesion checked by their GP. She has also completed skin cancer courses. After referring clients to their GP regarding lesions that concerned her, multiple clients have contacted her in appreciation due to the lesion being a basal cell carcinoma.

Following the live final for this award, held in London, judges commented that Jackson demonstrated controlled skills and strong knowledge, noting that she continuously checked in on her client during treatment, and showed clear passion for the industry during the interview.

Boutique Salon of the Year

Winner: Beauty Lounge, Kent

“Every year, I’ve admired everyone on that stage. I’ve always read Professional Beauty magazine since my college days and aspired to be one of the award winners one day and here I am, so dreams do come true. All of the team know just what an amazing salon we are and to win this award says it all. I know we truly deserve this award for what we give back to our community and our colleges, and for the sheer passion we have for what we do„

Beauty Lounge stands out with an exceptional team, strong social media and an impressive involvement with the local community and colleges.

The salon’s philosophy follows the belief that prioritising its team means that the team will look after the business and its clients. Playing to its strengths, Beauty Lounge always encourages its staff to provide the services they are passionate about. Using social media to its advantage, Beauty Lounge posts live video demonstrations of new products and treatments to educate its audience and encourage them to the salon.

Dedicated to mentoring the younger generation of therapists, the salon gets involved at the local college, giving talks, getting involved on career days and offering work experience and apprenticeships. This practice is about sharing the industry and the staff’s own stories to encourage and support new talent.

Focusing on the local audience, Beauty Lounge prides itself on being a huge part of its local community, venturing outside of the salon environment and hosting events within the area. The salon hosts skin health events at its local Women’s Institute, helps out at its local “Talk of Tankerton” events, and engages its clients with launch events for new treatments and products.

Spa of the Year

Winner: The Spa by Lucknam Park, Wiltshire

“Winning means a lot, especially for the team. It will really help to boost morale and we were really not expecting it so they’re going to be super excited. Awards like this help massively to grow the business, but more importantly to reward the team„

Set within a picturesque 500-acre Wiltshire estate, The Spa by Lucknam Park offers a relaxing retreat, blending with its tranquil surroundings. Guests are welcomed by a scenic driveway lined with lime and beech trees, and the spa’s facilities reflect the beauty of nature. Highlights include a 20-metre indoor pool and an outdoor hydrotherapy pool, where guests can enjoy the benefits of warm water surrounded by stunning views.

The spa’s approach to wellness is holistic, offering a wide range of treatments to suit every guest, from advanced skincare to holistic therapies. Each treatment is bespoke, tailored to individual needs through a sensory test with luxurious oils, ensuring a personalised experience. A standout feature is the spa’s recently launched seven-step ritual, designed to guide guests through the spa’s offerings to maximise health benefits and encourage full immersion in the spa experience. The spa team is highly skilled, with therapists trained in multiple techniques, and their warm, attentive service consistently receives glowing feedback from guests.

Sustainability is a core focus, with initiatives such as solar panels and waste management systems to reduce the spa’s environmental footprint. The spa also champions inclusivity, offering treatments for those living with cancer and accessible facilities for all.

Therapist of the Year

Winner: William Foley, Current Body Skin Clinic, Cheshire

“I didn’t expect to win but I’m very grateful. It shows the dedication I’ve put in throughout the years to be recognised for what I truly believe in within the industry. I work mainly in aesthetics but I’ve never lost that holistic part of being a therapist so that’s why I like to combine both and that’s what this award means to me„

William Foley was commended by the judges for his holistic approach, dedication to client wellbeing and commitment to advancing the beauty and aesthetics industry. With extensive qualifications, Foley integrates advanced clinical treatments with holistic wellness to deliver exceptional results.

A passionate advocate for whole-body wellness, Foley has successfully combined aesthetic treatments with mindful living, diet and nutrition advice. This integrative approach has not only enhanced treatment outcomes but also positioned him as an industry leader. His expertise has led to invitations to speak at the Professional Beauty shows in London and Manchester, where he has shared insights on the role of holistic wellness in aesthetics. In 2024, he achieved a major milestone by becoming an educator, key opinion leader and ambassador for three beauty brands.

Foley’s meticulous attention to hygiene and client care ensures that every treatment meets high standards. From microneedling to massage, his protocols prioritise safety, efficacy and client confidence.

Beyond his treatments, Foley is dedicated to shaping the industry’s future, advocating for a wellness-driven approach to beauty. His plans for the next year include further studies in aromatherapy blending, nutrition science and Level 4 Sports Injury Therapy, reinforcing his mission to create a one-stop wellness space.