Scottish Hair and Beauty Awards: Musselburgh PMU win

Awards season is more than glitz: it’s one of the clearest snapshots of where the UK beauty and hair industry is heading—and who is setting the pace locally. According to reporting from the East Lothian Courier, a Musselburgh-based makeup specialist has picked up a top accolade at the Scottish Hair and Beauty Awards 2025, describing the win as being “over the moon”.

While the original story centres on permanent make-up (PMU) rather than hair specifically, it’s highly relevant to salons and clients across Scotland and the wider UK. Brow work, lash services and PMU routinely sit alongside cutting, colour and textured hair services in modern salons, and recognition at established awards can signal rising standards in training, client care and professionalism.

Why awards matter to clients (and to the salon ecosystem)

Industry awards can be polarising—some clients dismiss them as “just a trophy”—but in practice they often reflect a broader shift towards accountability. In hair and beauty, where results are both technical and deeply personal, awards frequently spotlight the behind-the-scenes habits that matter: consultation skills, hygiene standards, consistent results, and a track record of client satisfaction.

For clients booking a service that sits close to the face (such as PMU for brows or lips), risk awareness tends to be higher. Many reputable practitioners and salons therefore lean into robust appointment structures: clear patch-test policies where relevant, frank discussion of aftercare, and documented consent. Recognition at major regional events can hint that those foundations are in place—even though, of course, an award alone should never replace your own due diligence.

Permanent make-up’s crossover with hair: brows, hairlines and confidence

In UK salons, the boundaries between “hair” and “beauty” are increasingly blurred. Brows shape the overall impression of a haircut and colour in the same way a fringe or face-framing layers can—especially in photos and on video calls. That’s one reason brow services (including PMU) have become such a frequent add-on in hair-led spaces.

It’s also worth noting that many clients exploring PMU are doing so for practical reasons: time, symmetry, or confidence after periods of hair thinning around the hairline and temples. While PMU is not a hair-loss solution, a well-executed brow can balance the face and soften the look of sparse areas—something stylists often consider when recommending fringe shapes, parting changes or colour placement.

Many professionals in Scotland and across the UK now approach “face framing” as a whole: haircut + colour + brow shape + lash line definition. When a local specialist is recognised at a national or regional awards ceremony, it can reflect that this integrated approach is becoming the standard rather than the exception.

How to choose an award-winning (or award-listed) artist safely

If you’re intrigued by the Musselburgh win and you’re considering PMU or a related service in your own area, treat awards as a useful starting point—not the final proof. You want to see professionalism in the day-to-day details.

• Check credentials and training: Ask where they trained, what their ongoing education looks like, and whether they work within a clearly defined scope of practice.
• Study real portfolios: Look for consistent results across different skin tones and brow styles, with clear healed examples (not only fresh work).
• Book a proper consultation: A thorough consult should cover desired shape, colour choice, realistic outcomes and a candid discussion of aftercare.
• Confirm hygiene and procedure standards: Reputable studios should be transparent about single-use items, cleaning protocols and how they manage appointments.
• Plan your diary: Many treatments require a period of careful aftercare; factor in upcoming holidays, events and workouts before you book.

Real-world next step: if you’re considering brow PMU and you already have a trusted hairdresser, ask them who they see for brows locally. In many UK towns, hair pros quietly know the best technicians because they share clients and care about the overall result.

Key Takeaways

• A Musselburgh make-up specialist has been recognised at the Scottish Hair and Beauty Awards 2025, reflecting the strength of regional talent in Scotland.
• Awards can indicate strong consultation, client care and consistent outcomes—but they should complement (not replace) your own research.
• Permanent make-up has a clear crossover with hair because brows and “face framing” influence how cuts, colour and styling read on the face.
• When selecting a PMU artist, prioritise training, healed-work portfolios, hygiene transparency and a proper consultation.
• Practical move: ask your hairdresser for reputable local brow/PMU recommendations and schedule your appointment around aftercare needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Scottish Hair and Beauty Awards?
They’re an industry event that recognises professionals and businesses across hair and beauty in Scotland, often highlighting service quality, skill and client experience.

Does an award mean a practitioner is automatically the “best” choice?
Not automatically. Awards can be a helpful signal of credibility, but you should still review portfolios, ask about training and book a consultation to see if the approach suits you.

Why is permanent make-up relevant in a hair-focused conversation?
Brows and hair work together to frame the face. A strong brow shape can complement a fringe, soften a centre parting, and balance the overall look of a cut and colour.

What should I ask in a PMU consultation?
Ask about shape mapping, pigment selection, what “healed” results typically look like, how many sessions are expected, aftercare steps, and what to avoid during healing.

How do I get a natural-looking result?
Bring reference images, be clear about your everyday make-up style, and choose an artist whose portfolio shows subtle, face-appropriate shapes—especially in healed examples.

Can I book PMU right before a big event?
Many artists recommend allowing time for healing and any follow-up appointments. If you have a wedding or holiday, discuss timing in advance so you’re not rushed.