It’s not everyday that a group of hairstylists, young creatives, hot fashion names and Dazed Club members gather together in a converted bus factory in North London. But that’s exactly what happened on Sunday when Dazed and Schwarzkopf Professional joined forces at Alva Coachworks for an event packed full of creative flair and downright sorcery.

Celebrating boundary pushing talent and ideas from across the hair world, the most exciting names in the world of hair showcased their skills, shared their ideas and experimented with groundbreaking products and techniques. Then as day turned to night, education turned to party, with music from Pxssy Palace, Saint Ludo and Girls Don’t Sync. Here’s what you missed…

Life imitates art? Hair does too… 

Creativity was the order of the day, with a programme of showcases from industry pioneers. Maverick hairstylist Pablo Kuemi, notorious for his out-of-this-world hairpieces, kicked off proceedings with a mind-(and hair)-bending wig sculpture masterclass, before Global Ambassadors for Schwarzkopf Professional Leslie Jenninson and Nick Irwin presented this supersize hair mural, inspired by Iranian artist Hiva Alizadeh.

In the Always On pop-up salon, trendsetting LA-based barber Julius Cvesar and fashion-industry-favourite Claire Moore (whose clients include Burberry, Vogue and Dazed Beauty) got to work recreating their signature looks on the eager guests (check out this Mondrian-style graphic look from Julius). Meanwhile it was lights, camera, action in the Always On studio, as Schwarzkopf Professional Ambassadors Randolph Gray, Shy & Flo and Brooke Evans gave guests a taste of life as a hairstylist on a high-fashion shoot.

The pros shared their secrets 

Co-founders of cult South London salon Zazzah’s Place Isaac Poleon and Virginie Moreira, who have worked with the likes of ASAP Rocky, Madonna and Off White, graced us with their wisdom in a Q&A hosted by beauty editor Dominic Cadogan. Their top tips for making it? 1. Be nice 2. Find like-minded people who will lift you up and 3. Enjoy yourself: if you love what you do, other people will too. Noted!

There was magic in the air…

Guests tried out Colour Alchemy, the latest in hair colour wizardry, developed by Schwarzkopf Professional and THE UNSEEN alchemist Lauren Bowker. The product, a temporary hair colour that can be styled into the hair, harnesses groundbreaking thermochromic and prismatic technology to change colour in response to heat or touch, scattering the light in a range of kaleidoscopic hues. You’ve gotta see it to believe it.

…and there was a spot of time-travel too

Dazed Contributing Beauty Editor and industry pioneer Anthony Turner shared his vision for The Future of Hair, before industry trailblazers took to the stage for a Head to Head live hair-styling tutorial to the theme ‘Future Now’. Ryo Narushima created this epic leopard print face mask, while Manchester-based hair stylist Farah Naz drew on a cyberpunk dystopia for this look, and Janina Zais took the throne with one of their signature stencil print designs.

We got down to business 

John Paul Scott, who cut his teeth as Guido Palau’s assistant and a session stylist for the likes of Dior, Prada and Marc Jacobs before founding London hair salon SALT, spoke to Dazed Beauty Editor Alex Peters about how to break into the hair industry and run a successful business. His top tips? 

The first person you take onto your team is the most important hire you’ll ever make – it will set the tone of your salon. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, especially when it comes to the ins and outs of business, and always trust your intuition. Lasty, look after your team. Hair styling is physically hard on the body and can be tough mentally, so pay attention to the wellness of your staff. Scott, for example, offers free yoga sessions.

Before dancing the night away

As the evening drew in, the party opened up. The freshest faces in fashion came down for a dance, including models Josephine Jones, Zhuo Chen, Dodo Potato and Gigi Hari, plus CSM Womenswear ones-to-watch Emil Dernbach, Saranya and Mia Coco (in a knock-out sequined archive Mugler ‘fit, it must be noted). 

Drinks were flowing thanks to rosé connoisseurs The Ultimate Provence and everyone’s favourite lager Heineken Silver. And so were the tunes, with Saint Ludo, Pxssy Palace and Girls Don’t Sync on the decks. All in a day’s work!