THE brightest and best of Scotland’s hair, beauty and aesthetics industry have been celebrated at a glittering awards ceremony.

More than 250 guests attended The Look Awards 2017 at Radisson Blu hotel, which were hosted by TV star Jennifer Reoch.

Finalists in 22 categories picked up awards, with hair salon Blow the big winner with two prizes for social media and colour expert.

The Outstanding Contribution award, supported by official sponsor High Definition, went to Charlie Taylor Hair and Beauty for the “lasting legacy they have brought to the hair and beauty industry in Scotland”.

The Look Awards were also backed by City of Glasgow College, Pure Spa and Beauty, Good Salon Guide, Skinade, Osmo and Fakebake.

The event at the Glasgow hotel began with a champagne reception and guests were given goody bags, gifts and vouchers by the sponsors.

Blow’s first award, for Colour Expert Recognition, was sponsored by Good Salon Guide, whose managing director Gareth Penn said: “It was an absolutely fantastic night with an incredible atmosphere. The level of talent on display for Scotland was amazing.”

Blow’s second award was in the Best Use of Social Media category, sponsored by FakeBake.

Sandra Vaughan, Global Beauty Consultant of FakeBake, said: “We loved being able to celebrate with finalists and winners – the atmosphere was electric.”

Stoer Skincare were also double winners, picking up the One To Watch and Best Start Up awards, sponsored by City of Glasgow College.

Elspeth McCallum, Industry Academy Curriculum Head of Glasgow City College, said: “We would like to congratulate all of this year’s winners and hope to see you all again next year.”

Cosmetic Clinic of the Year, sponsored by Skinade, went to Renu Skin Clinic; Renu Academy lifted the award for Training Institution of the Year, sponsored by Pure Spa and Beauty, and Hair Stylist of the Year, again sponsored by Osmo, was awarded to Clare Pearson of Pearson and Devine Hair.

Anna Pickford, marketing manager at High Definition, said: “To celebrate and reward the very best, most devoted and influential within the hair and beauty industry in Scotland is something in which we take great pride“When we launched our High Definition Glasgow training academy, in West Regent St, back in 2015, we were overcome by the response.

“By sponsoring the awards we’ve been able to say thank you to the Scottish beauty and hair community for such a warm welcome to the city of Glasgow.”

Renu Academy Ltd were this year’s winners for Training Institution of the Year, sponsored by Pure Spa & Beauty Becky Woodhouse, Chief Executive of Pure Spa & Beauty said: “We were honoured to be part of the Look Awards this year for the first time and delighted to be sponsoring the training award.  We strongly believe in our team’s and individual’s development and training and the finalists in the training category all demonstrated their commitment to the highest standards, quality and opportunities that this industry has to offer in Scotland.  We are honoured to be sponsoring the training award which forms such a fundamental part of our business.  We congratulate all the finalists on their nominations but wish to especially congratulate the Awards winners who truly demonstrate the wow factor to be worthy winners of the Look Awards 2017.”

Hair Stylist of the Year, sponsored by Osmo was awarded to Clare Pearson – Pearson & Devine Hair, Sinead McLaughlin, Osmo Brand Manager said: Congratulations to everyone involved at tonight’s Look Awards. A fantastic evening. It’s great to see the talent that Scotland has to offer all in one place. Well done to all the winners.

Cosmetic Clinic of the Year, sponsored by Skinade, went to Renu Skin Clinic Ltd, Louise Marchesin, Head of Marketing for Skinade said: “We had a fabulous evening in the company of some of the greatest Scottish professionals within our field. It was inspiring to see the pride and excitement in all the finalists and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the well-deserving winners once again. Skinade is thrilled to have been part of an event celebrating the best in the industry.”