Rob Wood, founder and creative director of Novo Cabelo based in Murton, County Durham, was awarded Professional Hair Influencer of the Year at the Pro Hair Awards 2026 held in London on 7 September.
The award acknowledges Robβs pioneering use of social media to change how hair loss and modern hair replacement are viewed. His honest and emotional transformation videos have reached millions worldwide, helping those experiencing hair loss discover available options.
Alongside this national title, Rob and Novo Cabelo have been shortlisted for three further categories at Creative HEADβs Most Wanted Awards 2026, which celebrate the most influential talents in British and Irish hairdressing.
The nominations include:
Collaboration, recognising Robβs partnership with Little Lady Locks
Engagement, for Novo Cabeloβs ability to educate, inspire, and connect with audiences
Innovation, for TrueBlend, a non-shave hair replacement method for men and women with thinning hair
These nominations place the Murton entrepreneur among some of the biggest names in the industry. The winners will be announced at the Most Wanted Grand Final at Drumsheds in London on 5 October.
Rob said,
To bring this award home to Murton is an incredibly proud moment for me and the whole Novo Cabelo team. Our social media has never just been about creating views. It is about telling real peopleβs stories, helping those experiencing hair loss feel less alone and showing them that there are solutions available.
He added, When we started talking openly about hair systems, they were still widely seen as something secretive or embarrassing. We have worked hard from here in County Durham to change that perception, not only across the UK but internationally.
Robβs content combines emotional client transformations with clear, honest information about hair loss, maintenance, and the realities of wearing a hair system. His first viral transformation video was viewed more than 30 million times worldwide, with subsequent videos reaching millions across platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
Founded in 2020, Novo Cabelo aims to modernise hair replacement, remove stigma around hair systems, and improve support for clients and professionals. The Murton-based business has developed a network of over 200 trained hair professionals and has received official endorsement from HABIA, the government-recognised standards body for the UK hair and beauty industry.
In addition to education, Novo Cabelo has developed its own hair systems, scalp care products, adhesives, and specialist aftercare. Its latest innovation, TrueBlend, allows clients to wear hair replacement systems without shaving their natural hair.
Rob said, We are incredibly proud of our County Durham roots. Novo Cabelo has grown from a local business into an internationally recognised company, but Murton remains our home. Everything we create starts with listening to clients and understanding what would make their experience safer, easier and more positive.
Whether it is a new product, a training course or a video that helps someone take the first step, our goal is always to restore confidence and remove the stigma surrounding hair loss.
