The founder of WS Studios Hair Professionals and WS Hair Pro – Imperial Collection receives the 2026 title following his first win in 2024.

London, UK — 5 October 2026 — Walter Stojash, Founder and Creative Director of WS Studios Hair Professionals and WS Hair Pro – Imperial Collection, has won National Most Influential 2026 at the National Beauty Awards UK & Ireland, receiving the title for the second time after his 2024 success.

The latest award marks a further milestone for the London salon founder, whose work brings together professional hair artistry, salon leadership and education under the WS Hair Pro Salon Collective.

Since establishing WS Studios Hair Professionals in Pimlico in 2017, Stojash has developed a brand centred on bespoke colour, precision cutting and a personal approach to client care. That vision now extends to WS Hair Pro – Imperial Collection at 65 Queen Street Place in the City of London, where a refined setting and private appointment options reflect the group’s approach to luxury hairdressing.

The two National Most Influential titles span a period of development for both Stojash and the salon group, connecting his established Westminster business with the growth of its City of London flagship.

From Salon Leadership to Cinema and Cultural Partnerships

In 2026, WS Hair Pro – Imperial Collection continued its partnership with the London Critics’ Circle Film Awards, sponsoring Actress of the Year at the 46th ceremony, held at The May Fair Hotel on 1 February. Walter represented the brand as an award presenter, extending its engagement with the film industry.

The sponsored category was won by Jessie Buckley for Hamnet. Its nominees also included Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Jennifer Lawrence for Die My Love, Renate Reinsve for Sentimental Value and Eva Victor for Sorry, Baby.

The ceremony also recognised Timothée Chalamet as Actor of the Year for Marty Supreme, while Cynthia Erivo received the Derek Malcolm Award for Innovation and Guillermo del Toro received the Dilys Powell Award for Excellence in Film. These references reflect the cinematic talent celebrated by the event and the context of WS Hair Pro’s sponsorship.

Walter’s social-media coverage of the occasion included a moment with Timothée Chalamet, while Dave Benett/Getty Images photographed him with Lee Levi at the awards drinks reception.

Later in 2026, WS Hair Pro – Imperial Collection sponsored Mumble Forum’s Marilyn Monroe centenary dinner at Tramp in support of UN Women UK. The evening featured Panthea Parker of The Real Housewives of London and Mumble Forum founder Monique Hodgson, connecting the brand with a celebration of women, individuality and creative expression.

Together, these partnerships demonstrate the breadth of the brand’s engagement beyond the salon, spanning film, television, professional education and cultural events.

Walter Stojash, Founder and Creative Director, said:

“Receiving National Most Influential for the second time is a tremendous honour. The first award in 2024 was a proud milestone; this second recognition in 2026 gives me even greater motivation to continue building, creating and sharing knowledge.

“For me, influence carries a responsibility: to support the people you work with, to encourage professional growth and to bring care and conviction to everything you create. I am deeply grateful to our team, our clients and everyone who has supported the journey of WS Studios and WS Hair Pro.”

Alongside its salon services, the collective shares professional knowledge through the WS Balayage Academy and the WS Hair Pro editorial platform, with resources exploring colour techniques, consultation and hair care.

The announcement follows published coverage of the group’s National Best Salon 2026 and WS Studios Hair Professionals’ National Best Colour Salon 2026 wins. Together, these achievements place a spotlight on the people, craft and client relationships behind the business.

About Walter Stojash and WS Hair Pro

Walter Stojash is the Founder and Creative Director of the WS Hair Pro Salon Collective. Founded in 2017, the group encompasses WS Studios Hair Professionals in Pimlico, WS Hair Pro – Imperial Collection in the City of London, the WS Balayage Academy and the WS Hair Pro educational platform.

Websites: wshairpro.co.uk | wsstudios.co.uk