THEY may not be looks you could wear to work everyday, but an Oxford stylist's 'breathtaking' creations have seen him named the best 'avant garde' hairdresser in Britain.

Emmanuel Esteban, from the Anne Veck salon in St Clement's Street, scooped the accolade at this year's HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards.

The competition, organised by Hairdressers Journal International, celebrates the very best of home-grown hairdressing talent.

The star-studded ceremony took place on Monday at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel and was hosted by Cat Deeley alongside HJ’s executive director, Jayne Lewis-Orr.

More than 1,500 of the top hairdressing talent from across the country attended the awards, which recognise the most creative and technically-gifted hairstylists in Britain.

There were 16 categories in total; nine regional and six specialist awards and, the ultimate accolade, British Hairdresser of the Year.

The Avant Garde award celebrates the artistry of hair; looking beyond traditional hairdressing skills to create something that 'transcends cut and colour' and 'opens up new world of possibilities'.

Mr Esteban, the style director at the salon, is one of a team of of 13 at Anne Veck, which also has a branch in Bicester.

Originally from France, he now lives on Cowley Road and has worked at the salon for five years.

Each entrant submitted a series of images demonstrating their technical dexterity, creative vision and artistic style.

Looks needed to still be beautiful, say organisers, as well as pushing the boundaries of hairdressing to show the hairstylist’s creativity.

Mr Esteban described the avant garde style as 'pushing the boundaries' and designing hair styles that have never been seen before.

Finalists were then judged, twice, by a panel consisting of hairdressing legends, leading national beauty press and past winners of the awards who have since joined the British Hairdressing Awards Hall of Fame; an accolade presented to those who win the same category on more than three occasions.

Mr Esteban said: “Thank you to my amazing team for all your support, you’re all fantastic and I love you.”

HJ’s executive director, Jayne Lewis-Orr, added: “avant garde hair is truly an art form and this collection demonstrates the full potential of an artist working at the top of their game.

"It’s beautiful as well as breathtaking and, as with all good avant garde work, begs the question: how did they do that?”