Creative HEAD Ireland January/February 2024

€7.50 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

In print•online•everywhere!

FRESH START THE NEW YEAR BEGINS HERE

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Your clients are searching for natural-looking colour that delivers on that ‘your hair, but better’ promise. It’s central to the ongoing Quiet Luxury trend… and your business can tap into it with Illumina Color from Wella Professionals

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IA L CR EATIV E HE AD AD VE RT OR

Illumina Blush

Illumina Glow

Having your finger on the pulse of the latest consumer trends ensures you can market services that speak to what clients really want. That ‘no make-up make-up’ vibe isn’t going anywhere.

The Quiet Luxury trend means serious business. Last year, Google searches for it grew more than 600 per cent year on year. We’re talking your hair, but better – sporting seamless blends and mesmerising multi-tonal finishes that look oh-so natural and whisper effortless luxury. This is expensive-looking hair that doesn’t need to shout – and Wella Professionals has the secret to serving this to your most switched-on clients.

Elevate your premium colour services with Illumina Color from Wella Professionals. It’s boasting a new look but it’s the same formula that’s loved across the globe, certified vegan and with the innovative metal purifier technology that helps prevent damage.

This is the premium hair colour for natural-looking results that last, the main driver of colour clients in salons.

Luminescent, shimmering shades that serve up that expensive vibe.

And with a new selection of warmer

shades (that Cowgirl Copper microtrend isn’t going anywhere), this is the perfect time to upgrade your colour services and share a mouth-watering menu of possibilities.

Yes, clients want reliable, long-lasting colour… but they’re also thirsty for natural-looking results that enhance the underlying beauty of their hair.

Be inspired by the language of make-up and discuss bespoke looks and cool and warm palettes within your consultation.

And because this chimes in perfectly with the aspirational Quiet Luxury trend, you have an exceptional opportunity to build your bill.

This colour service is akin to investing a little more in a capsule wardrobe of beautiful, long-lasting luxury.

Illumina Color’s high-quality formula offers 100 per cent grey coverage, making it the ideal choice for new colour clients looking to keep those greys at bay but with a natural-looking result.

This is subtle yet powerful technology, delivering a gleaming, lustrous and highluxe finish. It’s millionaire hair for clients in your chair... but don’t have to keep quiet about it!

Illumina Nude Illuminatural – the new services you need to know Illumina Color empowers you to grow your luxe-level colour business with these new service ideas to elevate your menu and bill, and it’s perfect for that Ultimate Repair treatment add-on, too!

Illumina Blush: The tool to create multifaceted, vibrant tones that still look natural.

Illumina Glow: A lifesaver for blondes in need of luminosity and shiny results.

Illumina Nude: For full, natural-looking coverage that maintains natural highs and lows.

Nail the Quiet Luxury trend – and so much more – with the revamped Illumina Color line by Wella Professionals. Boost your skills using Illumina Color, visit ie.wella.professionalstore.com and education.wella.com

CREATIVE HEAD IRELAND

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No.1 SALON COLOUR BRAND IN THE

WORLD

*

COLOR

SAME ICONIC FORMULA BRAND NEW LOOK Wella Professionals most luminous permanent colour ✔ Violet based ✔ Up to 100% grey coverage ✔ Sheer and expensive looking results

✔ Contains metal purifier technology

SHOP NOW *Excluding Special Blonde **Wella Company is a member of the International Collaboration on Cosmetics Safety. ***Tubes: 95% post-consumer recycled aluminum and 5% post-industry recycled aluminum. Caps: Post-Consumer Recycled PP (polypropylene) *Based on sales in 22 markets representing 85% of the global professional hair care sales. Source: Kline Salon Haircare 2021, based on value sales collected in local currencies

EDITOR’S LETTER 36

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22 JOIN US!

Okay January, I see you… and I’m ready! My hair’s rocking a Peach Fuzz-infused tone (Pantone Color of the Year, apparently), I’ve mapped out my goals for the year (thanks for the tips Samantha Cusick, future gazer extraordinaire, see page 16) and I’m turbocharged to keep 2023 and its onslaught of gloomy roadblocks in the rear view mirror. That’s the vibe of our How to Nail 2024 special (from page 18), an uplifting look at how you can boost your career and business in the coming months. From career-amplifying competitions to confidence swelling education, easy-to-use tech to fresh collaborations, we’ve packed it with ideas that will hopefully keep your planner full in 2024. If you’re looking for inspiration on the artistic side, we have quite the mouth-watering treat. Smother yourself in the perfectly imperfect visual world of session supremo Gary Gill, the go-to for an ‘anto-glamour’ aesthetic.

His story – recalling his start in hair in Brighton, and his late entry into the world of fashion as an assistant at the age of 40 – is riveting. Hopefully all of this goodness will make up for the new year detox you’re probably currently enduring…

Amanda Nottage Editorial director

amanda@alfol.co.uk

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creativeheadmagofficial

Happy 2024! With the New Year comes a new schedule of Creative HEAD events, and first we’re talking about Salon Smart! Our business networking event for salon and barber shop owners and managers provides unique opportunities to spend time with a host of industry innovators, all onboard to help you build a better business.

Taking place in London on Monday 18 March, look forward to a full day of talks, discussions, debates, live Q&A and opportunities to make new connections. Tickets are on sale now – see page 22 for more, including our special £20-off ticket offer. And next, save the date: 1 March marks the launch of the 2024 Most Wanted and It List Awards.

The trophies are waiting… creativeheadmag.com/events

@creativeheadmag

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January/February

WHAT’S INSIDE 18

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ON THE COVER

Hair by Wella Professionals

GARY GILL We talk to the man behind perfect imperfection about his rise to the top of the fashion world

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HOW TO NAIL 2024 Ready to set yourself on the path to success this year? Read our top tips to make business bloom

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR AMANDA NOTTAGE

ART DIRECTOR NICK JABBAL

DIGITAL DESIGNER DANIEL PEACE

CHIEF SUB EDITOR ADAM WOOD

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The Big Hair Do returns, The Coterie talks creative collaboration and ALFAPARF Milano Professional celebrates in style

DIGITAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

CREATIVE PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER

DIGITAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANT

CREATIVE PARTNERSHIPS DIRECTOR

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

PUBLISHER

KELSEY DRING

AOIFE CONNELL LAURA TUCKER

JENNY BROOKS

JOANNA ANDERSEN

CATHERINE HANDCOCK

Creative HEAD is printed on paper certified as being from sustainable sources using only vegetable-based inks. Printed

by Buxton Press, Environmental Printer of the Year and Printing Company of the Year.

WRITE TO US AT: Creative HEAD, Alfol Ltd, 15 Priestpopple, Hexham, NE46 1PH 01434 610416 enquiries@alfol.co.uk

Creative HEAD is published 10 times a year by Alfol Ltd. Creative HEAD is a registered trademark. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior permission of the publisher. All information correct at time of going to press.

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IN THE KNOW A SELECTION OF THE ESSENTIALS

Half of Irish workers are not offered any employment benefits, while four out of 10 with access to benefits do not use them.

Research by Lockton People Solutions also found more women (57 per cent) than men (44 per cent) did not receive any benefits. More than six in 10 of those working in small organisations with 50 employees or fewer said they did not receive additional workplace benefits, compared with 43 per cent of those working in largescale businesses of 250 or more people.

For those who do have access, the most common reason cited by those who didn’t take up benefits was a lack of relevance to their lives. This was especially the case for workers aged 55 and over, with 52 per cent citing a lack of relevance.

NEW HAIR LOSS CLINIC SET FOR BLACKROCK Trichologist Noel Higgins and Canvas Medical are teaming up to provide a hair loss clinic in Blackrock. Opening this month, the space will offer hair loss treatments and solutions, including scalp analysis, low laser light therapy and scalp micropigmentation.

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HIGH ENERGY AT CSM BA FASHION STUDENTS at Central Saint Martins delivered a high energy, high impact catwalk for the annual White Show, with Clare Hansford of Headmasters leading the L’Oréal Professionnel Paris hair team. ‘Sport is our fashion’ was the brief for Clare, and working with ID Artists and team members from Portfolio salons, they collectively created looks for 140 models with just three hours of prep time. Hair was treated to look sweaty and damp, depending on what the model was wearing and their hair type, with varying levels of product to reflect how hair can look during sporting activities. End results ranged from damp curls around the face to a soaking, wet look finish reminiscent of “playing squash for two hours”, Clare explained. Forget your next gym class, this is all the sporting action you need!

Noel Higgins

Creative HEAD’s business networking event for salon and barber shop owners and managers is back, and tickets are on sale now! See page 22 for more

Clare Hansford

Irish workforce ‘lacking benefits’

FREE CREATIVE HEAD MAGAZINE!

Start 2024 in the best way… with something free! You can now grab a subscription to Creative HEAD magazine entirely free – that’s 6 issues a year stuffed with business advice, inspiration, deep dive profiles and all the excitement from the industry’s buzziest events, delivered to you at no cost. Happy New Year!

Sign up at creativeheadmag.com/subscribe

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BOOK IT!

EDUCATION COURSE MAPPING WITH WELLA Looking ahead and knowing you need to plan in training for yourself or your team, but don’t know where to start? Panic not. Wella is offering free Education Course Mapping in its Dublin studios this January. It will be an opportunity to have a personalised meeting either digitally or face-to-face in the studio, to talk about education that’s relevant to you or members of your team. You’ll leave with a bespoke plan mapping out areas of personal growth, targets and goals. Something you can tick off that 2024 ‘to do’ list with ease!

WHERE: Wella Studio Dublin WHEN: 9 to 12 January CONTACT: 01 416 0900

More than eight in 10 (85 per cent) beauty businesses have raised their prices due to inflation, according to a survey by software firm Vagaro.

Its results also showed that half (49 per cent) of respondents had seen their wholesale costs increase by more than 10 per cent. To cope with the rising costs, 28 per cent had cut back on inventory and products, while 13 per cent had cut opening hours. But Vagaro revealed consumers keen to treat themselves is reflected by an increase in beauty and hair appointments on the platform of 159 per cent, year-on-year.

L’ORÉAL LAUNCHES PARTNER SHOP L’Oréal has unveiled a business to business shopping site stocking partner brands alongside its own products. Stylists can shop from hairdressing brands as well as coffee and tea suppliers, publishers and more. ie.lorealpartnershop.com

GREEN LIGHT

HAIRSTYLING TOOL COLLECTIVE Two big players in the hair tool industry have pledged to implement more sustainable practices. Denman International and Olivia Garden Europe have partnered to create the Hairstyling Tool Collective, which includes a charter of six sustainability aims with measurable commitments and have invited other brands in the industry to join them.

Hair by Ashley Long at Directors

Inflation hits salon prices

Revlon seeks visionaries

Revlon Professional is looking for its 2024 Visionaries. Four creative stylists will enjoy a year-long mentorship programme, directed

by Revlon Professional global ambassador Mark Leeson, that includes presentation skills, photographic shoots, plus PR and social networking sessions. The scheme is open to all Revlon Professional salons, and applicants must have a minimum of four years’ experience. Applications close on 26 January, and the final will take place in Leeds in February. Visit rpnews.co.uk

SLICK UNVEILS AI COACH A new AI Business Coach tool will suggest improvements to salons and stylists using Slick software.

Launching in February, the AI Business Coach dashboard shares a snapshot of their business, with their AI Business Coach then providing hints and tips to improve.

The dashboard draws on aggregate data harvested from across the UK, and then allows the user to benchmark their own performance on multiple metrics against a local average.

Peach Fuzz is the Pantone Color of the Year for 2024!

ARE YOU READY?

There are changes afoot this month that salon employers must be on top of: The National Minimum Wage is increasing to €12.70 (age 20+), €11.43 (age 19), €10.16 (age 18) and €8.89 (under 18s).

Paid Sick Leave is increasing from three days a year to five days a year.

Enhanced Reporting Requirements mean you’ll need to report to Revenue details of certain payments made to employees and/or directors.

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STOCK IT

LAUNCHES AND INNOVATIONS READY TO HIT YOUR SALON SHELVES

Make quick work of colour with the new Semi Colour Liquid Activator line-up from Keune. There are three options: Semi Colour Liquid Activator for tone-on-tone and darker shades; the Semi Colour Activator Gel for precision techniques with multiple colours; and Semi Colour Activator Intense for tone-on-tone and grey blending.

In-salon service capitalhairandbeauty.ie

Gainfort Hair & Beauty has just been revealed as the exclusive stockist of Hairgum in Ireland. We’re talking an extensive range of professional-grade goodies, including gels, pomades, beard and moustache oils, as well as face and body creams. What will you try first?

Two new cool, rich and intense burgundy red shades (4.26 and 5.26) are joining the iNOA range of ammoniafree colour from L’Oréal Professionnel Paris.

Deep, long-lasting reds, 100 per cent grey coverage and it leaves hair 48 per cent shinier – what’s not to love?

gainfort.com

ie.lorealpartnershop.com

RRP €10

Need to nail that ‘no make-up make-up’ colour look? Illumina Color from Wella Professionals is the perfect choice for luminous and expensivelooking results that also look oh-so natural. Yes, it has new packaging and there are four new on-trend shades, but it’s the still the formula you love, with 100 per cent grey coverage and damage prevention Metal Purifier technology.

In-salon service

ie.wella.professionalstore.com

K18’s Damage Shield Conditioner nourishes and protects, helping to shield hair from daily damage to boost smoothness and shine.

It weightlessly softens and detangles, too.

RRP €45

nationalbeauty.ie

In-salon service

Echos Light Toners from vegan colour favourite Echosline offer shine and softness to the max, with no lift, an ammonia-free formula, and six shades to choose from.

In-salon service

ALFAPARF Milano Professional is here to help clients with hair thinning issues with its new Semi di Lino Density range. It can increase hair thickness by 19 per cent and boasts Filler Complex technology, which nourishes, strengthens and protects thin hair. As well as the line-up of shampoo, conditioner and leave-in cream, there’s a professional density lotion and new treatments, too.

RRP from €15.75

xpertprofessional.ie

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KOLESTON PERFECT THE 1ST AND ONLY PROFESSIONAL HAIR COLOUR COMBINING • •

Uncompromised colour performance Metal purifier, anti-metal technology •

ME + Dye Technology 4

1- Dermatologically tested for skin irritation- an allergic reaction may still occur- always perform an Allergy Alert Test 2- Excluding Special Blonde 3- Wella Company is a member of the International Collaboration on Cosmetics Safety 4- For info on ME+ dye technology consult www.wella.com/kolestonperfect

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THE FACES THE PEOPLE IN ACTION

What Would Valerie Finnegan Cahill Do? Having the courage to lead means knowing what your ‘why’ is. Valerie Finnegan Cahill, founder of Ikon Hair in Cork, explains how to lead with courage IN TODAY’S CHALLENGING times, it is easy to get caught in the ups and downs. Threats such as a difficult economy, our competitors, the shadow market… the list goes on. The only thing that we have control over is the environment in which we work and, as leaders, this is our responsibility.

Creating and building an environment that fosters a culture of trust, learning from and inspiring each other, means that when you do this, you create a space for positive emotions, co-operation, and trust. When you have this, you have a great team and you will be doing the job that you are meant to be doing – inspiring, directing, and leading. Some say leadership is about being in charge. No, it’s not; it’s about taking care of those in your charge.

When you take care of your people – teach, train, celebrate them, let them fall, pick them back up – they in turn will invest in you and the company by working hard to help you advance your vision.

What you must do as a leader is take care of them. As a leader, you have the courage to make bold decisions. The courage to lead even when the challenges are steep. You are the guardian, the voice of your vision. When you think of your role in this way, it will ensure you and your decisions stay focused and true to your vision.

How do you do this? Through trust, communication, consistency, and direction. Do you have an agreed vision with your team? Have you established the values in which you and your team align? Do you have an agreed code of conduct? Leadership is a choice. You can choose to look after others and create an environment where they’ll thrive. Or you can leave it up to the fairies, where invariably the goblins will come in and create a culture that you no longer recognise as your own. @ikonhaircork

WHAT MADE ME

on my team. In doing this, it moulded me into being the kind of businesswoman and stylist I’ve always wanted to be, to teach and mentor younger stylists while having a great relationship between senior and junior staff.

I completed my Level 3 in teaching and assessing during the summer, so I can teach and certify my students. This gives me an extra level of excitement in my new venture.

Challenges include finding the time to When I decided to open my second salon, do everything I want. I’ve got my hair loss I was overwhelmed by the number of and scalp clinic, my first salon, and now younger stylists looking to be a part of my my second salon. The positive side of being team. Getting senior stylists nowadays is a so busy is that I have needed to delegate serious challenge for all hair salon owners. my work and depend on my staff more. I So I decided to work with the juniors have learnt that if you work hard for what that I had, a move that has made me the you want, you will get it. Every day you will business owner I am today. I decided to get enthusiastic juniors and mould them into the be met with challenges, but hard work and kind of stylists that I would be proud to have determination will always be worth it.

TRIONA HOLIAN

HeadRush Hair & Beauty, Donegal @headrushhairandbeautylk

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CREATIVE HEAD IRELAND

19/12/2023 14:11

24/7

A DAY OF WORK/LIFE BALANCE FOR ANNMARIE COMERFORD, CHEVEUX HAIR SALON, TULLAMORE @CHEVEUXHAIRSALONTULLAMORE

MY DAILY FUEL IS… Lucozade gives me the energy I need!

MY SPOTIFY PLAYLIST… Garth Brooks, Nathan Carter – I like to stick to country music!

I AM ALWAYS WILLING TO… Give free haircare advice to my clients about managing their hair at home.

WHEN I GET STRESSED… I have a cup of tea and take five with a snack bar.

WHEN I GET STUCK… I’ll call a manager meeting and any issues I have, they always produce an answer.

I GET UP AT… When the cock crows! I am an early bird. I head into the salon early to get office work done before we open.

THE MISTAKES I HAVE LEARNT FROM… To keep your next big move quiet!

MY WORK WARDROBE CONSISTS OF… Black, black, black! Blouses and pencil skirts are my go-to.

THE ADVICE I AM GLAD I IGNORED… I was told not to open in a recession. Today, I own my own premises and a busy salon. I feel grateful every day.

MY JOB ENTAILS… Structuring a busy salon from week to week, also managing our hair loss clinic too. I love all aspects of hairdressing, but I specialise in hair loss, wigs, bridal hair, and extensions.

MY INBOX LOOKS LIKE… Plenty of emails, business dates and appointment requests.

MY BIGGEST INDULGENCE… I like a nice car. I currently own an Audi A6.

MY DAY CONSISTS OF… Plenty of hair! I am a hands-on businessperson who works six days a week alongside an amazing team of 25. It’s incredibly busy at Cheveux.

Tuesday evening is always a team building meeting for the week.

AFTER WORK I… Go home to have dinner and spend time with my daughter.

I DECOMPRESS BY… Playing the bodhrán, I’m not too bad at it.

MY FAVOURITE WORK TOOL… My LanaiPRO hairdryer.

Instagram To check our business page, as well as the latest inspiration.

CREATIVE HEAD IRELAND

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THE HABIT I NEED TO BREAK… Not drinking enough water. I need to swap out that Lucozade!

MyFitnessPal I use this to help keep my general fi tness levels up.

BetterMe This helps me work on my pilates!

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Images courtesy of Visit New Ross

ALBERT’S HAIR DESIGN, NEW ROSS @albertshairdesignltd

THE PLACES

A bright star on the New Ross hair scene for a decade, Albert’s Hair Design has undergone a grand makeover to mark its 10th anniversary. Under Lorene Dunne, who took the reins of the business four years ago, and with the help of Gainfort Salon Design, the final look is a seamless blend of style, comfort, natural light, and a warm, inviting elegance. The Ayala mirrors and styling stations from Gainfort Salon Design were carefully selected to allow those passing by a glimpse of the salon’s striking new interior. “We wanted our design to be an extension of the warm and welcoming staff in the salon,” Lorene shares.

“Customers can see the beautiful LED light mirrors and stylish Ayala furniture and start to look forward to their visit with us when approaching the salon.”

In addition to the styling stations, there are Ayala Lady wash basins and Ayala Enzo chairs, designed to enhance comfort and relaxation for clients during their visit. Who could resist popping in?

NEW SPACES, FRESH LOOKS AND LOCATIONS TO HELP YOU WORK BETTER

KULT HAIRDRESSING, CO. LIMERICK

@kulthairdressing Expanding after nearly five years in business in Newcastle West, Kult Hairdressing boasts fresh furniture from Pahl and Takumi, courtesy of Xpert Professional, to ensure the space makes both staff and clients feel oh-so comfortable.

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THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW

@bordgaisenergytheatre Want some creative inspiration with a camp edge? Then immerse yourself in the weird and wonderful world of The Rocky Horror Show, one of the most iconic musicals of all time, at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on 20 January.

CREATIVE HEAD IRELAND

15/12/2023 14:34

IA L CR EATIV E HE AD AD VE RT OR

A ROYAL MATCH AS QUEEN SALONS CELEBRATES A NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH WELLA, MANAGING DIRECTOR PAULINE WHELAN EXPLAINS HOW BOTH CLIENTS AND THE TEAM RECEIVE THE ROYAL TREATMENT If you open a salon called Queen, you’ve got to deliver on elegance and style, and make everyone who enters feel like royalty. Well, that’s something managing director Pauline Whelan has absolutely nailed with the Queen Salons group, now four-strong across Limerick, Dublin and the newest addition in Newbridge.

Each is a haven of luxury and exquisite hair services, with a modern and inviting ambience that sets the perfect backdrop for a client’s hair transformation journey.

It was paramount that whomever Queen Salons partnered with could meet those regal heights for both clients and the team. That partner is Wella…

It’s all about the five-star experience at Queen Salons. “We pride ourselves on offering relaxed and homely salons with superfriendly staff who help you relax as soon as you walk in the door,” beams Pauline. It’s this laser focus on people that made Wella the ideal match. “As we grow, Wella is the perfect partner for our brand,” she says. With a portfolio that includes Koleston Perfect, revamped Illumina Color, Shinefinity and innovations such as Ultimate Repair, both clients and stylists will enjoy an elevated experience and result that befits this salon brand.

“We want to offer luxurious colour and care, and give each staff member choices for the future, especially if they want to become more involved in education.”

Indeed, Queen Salons provides lots of in-house training, listening to what staff want to work on so they can help stylists become the very best at what they do. Now, with the breadth of education from Wella, the options for upskilling and career progression just got even more juicy.

Switching partners can be a nerve-wracking prospect. But for Pauline, the move has been headache-free. “It’s been easy,” she says. “Clients have noticed a difference and said it’s better, so that speaks for itself!”

With some education-focused team members on board, there are plans afoot to create an art team. “Having access to TrendVision Award is great,” she adds. “They can show their talents and be happy that their fellow competitors are also great at what they do. Sharing that experience with other hairdressers is always inspirational.”

It’s an exciting time to be part of the Queen Salons team and, alongside creative director Caren Cullen and staff trainer Patrick Ryan, Pauline is on the hunt for talented hair artists to join her royal family. “We offer a chance to be the hairdresser you want to be,” she says simply. “We give you the tools and support you need, and we also listen to what drives you and try to give you the steps to achieve your goal.”

Join the Wella Professionals family and take your business to the next level, visit wella.com @wellaprofessionalsuki CREATIVE HEAD IRELAND

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FUTURE GAZING

A New Year is upon us – let Samantha Cusick, founder of Stā Studios and Samantha Cusick London, help you conquer the art of goal setting Hello 2024! A new year means new goals and the concept of future gazing takes centre stage. It’s not about predicting trends in colour or styling; it’s about setting intentions, both personally and professionally.

The beginning of the year is the perfect time to explore the transformative power of goal setting.

GET THE BALL ROLLING ON GROWTH Setting goals is like having your map for personal and professional growth.

Whether you’re a stylist, running your own salon or a freelance business, being able to figure out and go after your goals is what will give you the ability to drive your career to new heights.

It’s not just about dreaming big; it’s about turning those dreams into doable missions, creating a roadmap for a journey of constant improvement.

TAKE PRACTICAL STEPS So where do you start? The real trick is making your goal practical, tangible, and measurable.

Start with a clear picture of your goals, and then chop them up into bite-sized chunks. If your goal is to master a new cutting technique, specify the courses or workshops you’ll attend.

SEE SAMANTHA AT SALON SMART! FOR MORE AND TO FIND OUT HER TOP TIPS FOR GOAL SETTING, GO TO CREATIVEHEADMAG.COM

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BE MOTIVATED AND INSPIRED This is much more than a ‘to-do’ list; goals are a source of motivation and inspiration that can keep you going when things get overwhelming.

When I’m faced with hurdles and challenges, it’s my goals that keep me going. Each one reached reinforces why I LOVE being a hairdresser and being part of our industry. It reminds me why the hard work is all worth it.

USE IT AS A PERSONAL RITUAL I credit goal setting as a major factor in my career success. It’s a personal ritual at the start of each year, and a great excuse to buy new stationary and cute notebooks! It’s a time for reflection, envisaging the path ahead, and where I plan out the months to come.

I make sure to add into my calendar periodic check-ins throughout the year to ensure I’m still aligned with my goals, allowing for refocusing where needed.

MANIFEST! I start with manifesting and visualising what I want to achieve by the end of the year. I used to think manifestation was just smoke and mirrors, but I’ve come to realise it’s a powerful visualisation tool that aligns your thoughts, actions, and aspirations to meet your goals.

You’re not daydreaming – you’re setting a clear path. This visualisation trick keeps your goals vivid in your mind, giving you direction, clarity and the focus to make them happen.

Future gazing is all about envisioning the life, career, and impact you want to create, and making an actionable plan for how to get there.

As we step into 2024, let’s embrace the power of goals, manifest our aspirations, and collectively make this year your most transformative yet!

CREATIVE HEAD IRELAND

19/12/2023 11:31

Toner used: Platinum

Echos Light Toners No lift and ammonia free formula No yellow action Maximum shine and softness Perfect definition 6 shades to choose from

Education Available www.kreativesalonsupplies.com

2023 was pretty tough for most of us. But we have a clean slate ahead as we go into the next year, full of potential. Want to set yourself on the right path?

Let’s discover…

How to

NAIL 2024 How to…

BOSS THE GLOSS

HOW TO… KICK-START THOSE CREATIVE JUICES Okay, this is a biggie. National Beauty Distribution is launching NB Live, Ireland’s largest hair industry event at Kilkenny’s gorgeous Lyrath Estate – keep 25 February free! It’s going to be a showcase of education and inspiration from some of the biggest names in hair from around the globe. Promising an immersive experience, you’ll see colour trends, new cutting techniques and tonnes more from brands such as ELEVEN Australia, Kevin Murphy, Aveda and Bumble and bumble. Oh, and there’s a party and gala dinner afterwards, naturally. Find out more at nblive.ie

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We know that competitions are a brilliant way to get the team thinking creatively, and the marketing potential is always a bonus. But sometimes the looks are a little more on the avant-garde side, not always something clients can embrace.

Well, Redken’s new Gloss Boss Awards contest is a fresh way to get stylists sharing their artistic vision while whipping up some excitement on social media too, with colour looks that clients will crave. There are three categories – aimed at blondes, brunettes and texture, as well as a People's Choice award – and the prize would see you at the Redken Symposium in Berlin with a place in the European final! Get your Reel ready.

Visit redkenglossbossawards.co.uk for all the details

CREATIVE HEAD IRELAND

19/12/2023 11:32

How to…

BUILD YOUR PROFILE

Top tips from double Most Wanted winner Chris Foster, the brains behind reputation-enhancing source, The One Programme

1. CREATE A STELLAR PORTFOLIO

4. NETWORK LIKE A PRO

Transform your portfolio into a visual masterpiece. Display your varied talents and artistic flair with highquality imagery online. Remember, a mesmerising portfolio is a magnet for clients and peers alike.

Network, network, network! It’s the golden ticket in this industry. Be a fixture at events, join professional circles, and collaborate with other creatives.

Use your website to flaunt these connections. A robust network isn’t just about opportunities; it’s a testament to your credibility.

2. SHARPEN YOUR BIO Revamp your biography. State the unique problem you solve, drawing in those eager for your expertise. Add zing with a catchy tagline that defines your role and how you help. This isn’t just a bio; it’s your professional anthem.

Sarah Thomas

3. LEVERAGE COMPETITIONS

How to…

KEEP YOUR TEAM INSPIRED

Sarah Thomas, owner of Goldirocks in Dublin and Cork, shares how she’s planning to keep her stylists buzzing!

Dive into competitions!

They’re not just contests; they’re platforms to showcase your skills and to network. Whether you win or simply participate, these events are goldmines for credibility and exposure.

Use these stages to flaunt your skills.

5. CARVE OUT YOUR UNIQUE BRAND Craft a brand that’s undeniably you.

Make sure it’s consistent across your digital footprint – from your logo to your colour palette. This isn’t just about branding; it’s about imprinting your unique style upon the industry.

Be inspired

by Chris and enter the Most Wanted 2024 awards – launching 1 March!

“It’s vital to upskill regularly and attend events to be inspired, even if you aren’t actively learning new skills. If you’re training in-salon it's so important to get out to get fresh ideas, so we usually come to London for a couple of events during the year to see the latest techniques and launches.

“I’ve done a few days with Sophia Hilton on her business courses and I keep an eye out on social media for any business and social media seminars that I can go to.

“Being an owner can be a lonely business, so we have to turn to ourselves to make sure we get out there. Image SkillNet has some great talks and events on, and some are free to go to… so why not?

“We also run our own colour course in March, which focuses on vivid hair colours for all those who want to do them but are too scared to try. We’ll be starting in Dublin and doing a beginners and an advanced course that are both brand neutral, to help others gain more confidence and more clients.”

CREATIVE HEAD IRELAND

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18/12/2023 09:54

Fresha

Ella and Gavin McIntyre

How to…

MAKE TRENDS WORK FOR YOU

Gavin and Ella McIntyre, co-founders of G&E McIntyres in Northampton, on how software has set them on a better path “A demo of Floomly made us realise we needed a better performing and more detailed software to help us run our business. What stood out was the ability to communicate to our staff what we were looking for from them.

“We’ve worked with Fantastic Hairdresser for many years and most of our business model is built around its expertise. Floomly is an extension of that, incorporating all the business points it teaches into one software to monitor your business performance easily and efficiently. It also includes business education content from Fantastic Hairdresser in there.

“We’re very focused on the numbers. We hold weekly briefings with our team on performance and targets. Floomly not only puts it across simply for our team, it also holds particular accuracy on retention details, for example, which we haven’t found in software we’ve used before.

“We love the dashboard, as does our team.

They monitor their performance and what they need to upsell or increase to make up for any quieter days. The ‘five pillars of a perfect client’ is an excellent tool to motivate individual employees. The profit tool is a game changer!

It automates so much based on what you want to earn as profit by year-end and generates all your targets to achieve this. You know exactly where you are and how to get there! We’ve also had a clearer view on salaries for our team and ensuring they are paid their worth, resulting in a happier team and better loyalty.”

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Illumina Color by Wella Professionals

How to…

IMPROVE YOUR REACH AND PROFIT

One benefit of running software platforms for oodles of salons is that you can see what clients are booking, and identify trends that can lead to opportunities. That’s why Fresha partnered with trend forecaster WGSN on a ground-breaking report – to gain a better insight and understanding into what consumers want, so salons can then curate services to match.

The maths are impressive – 600 million Fresha bookings, more than 2,000 social media accounts scanned, and 1,000+ consumers surveyed across the US, the UK, Canada and Australia. The report uncovered and decoded 11 trends set to shape the industry (for example, the modern male audience is looking for more beauty and wellness services from its barber shops), and is packed with opportunities for business growth. You can find it at fresha.com.

And Fresha isn’t alone in investigating the impact of trends. New colour service and technique ideas from Wella Professionals are all based around the strength of the Quiet Luxury trend – think ‘no make-up make-up’, but for hair – something its newly revamped Illumina Color range taps into perfectly.

How to…

GET GREAT ON SOCIAL Free on the 24/7 online learning platform, L’Oréal Access, the Socially Savvy: Artists POV, is designed to help all hairdressers build confidence in using social media to benefit their business. You’ll get amazing insight from the likes of Most Wanted Education Expert Conor James Doyle, Patrick Wilson, and Abigail Butler, all of whom have seen business growth and client engagement through social media. ie.lorealaccess.com

Want to see more tips on nailing 2024? Head to creativeheadmag.com CREATIVE HEAD IRELAND

19/12/2023 14:11

How to…

HELP CLIENTS TRULY RELAX

Siobhan Maher

“I launched a free add-on service for my clients called ‘Meditation Moments’ in 2023. The connection between emotions and your hair is real. Rather than running a ‘conveyor belt’ style salon, I wanted to incorporate mindfulness into colouring and cuts too. We listen to some relaxing music or a guided meditation, sip on warm herbal tea (or another drink of choice if that’s not your vibe) and take a few deep breaths while the salon is filled with soothing or uplifting incense. There is always pen and paper available too if you want do journalling. This is the client’s time to chill, to take their meditation moments home.

“This year, I’m offering another service to enhance Meditation Moments. While their hair mask is on, I’ll wrap a steamed towel infused with essential oils – the client can pick an uplifting or relaxing scent.

“My salon space is small, but has a big impact on the clients who visit. Leaning into a more holistic way of offering hair services has been a success. Intentional mindfulness to calm the mind, and being present during the hair colour/cut process, has given clients the space to be open and real about the hair they really want.

And, leaving the salon with not only invigorated hair but also an invigorated soul has given clients a really great reason to keep coming back! Making clients feel good inside and out is my way of spreading a little kindness in this chaotic world.”

How to...

GET FRESH BUSINESS IDEAS Book your place at Salon Smart 2024! Turn to page 22 for details

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Pamela Morrissey

The Peculiar Hair Club’s Siobhan Maher is extending her mindful services.

Might you be inspired too?

How to…

FOCUS ON ONE-ON-ONE TIME WITH CLIENTS Pamela Morrissey, founder of Sobe Brown in Cork, on lavishing attention on your clients to help grow your bookings and sales

“We want to provide each guest with even more attention in 2024. We changed how the salon worked after Covid; the guest now has their stylist’s undivided attention for the entire appointment. This resulted in increased rebooking rates, no double booking, and the client is solely with one person for the duration of their visit.

“It gives them both an opportunity to build a relationship, and it gives the stylist the opportunity to provide the client with all possible hair needs. From booking all their future appointments and discussing latest treatments, to having plenty of time to discuss and assess all options. On the other end of the spectrum, double- or even triple-booked stylists feel harassed; they don’t have the headspace or the attention span to provide such a bespoke service.

Every consultation with a Sobe Brown stylist is unique, even if you’ve been with us many times. Salon guests are far more discerning and informed and rightly expect more. This way, needs are met and trust is built, delivering a beautiful and enhanced experience. With this one-onone model, our guests don’t have to worry about their space being invaded, restarting a conversation, making small talk with three or four different stylists, being upsold something that they feel they don’t need. This has been a successful initiative for us so far, as clients now book at least three appointments ahead. Their homecare recommendations are emailed to them with a link to our online boutique, Want to know how meaning no pressure to purchase on the day. Because of this Pamela is planning approach we have more than her recruitment drive?

50 per cent of guests booked in Sign up to the Creative HEAD until the end of 2024.”

Ireland newsletter at creativeheadmag.com/ newsletter

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19/12/2023 11:32

BUILD A BETTER BUSINESS

ON STAGE WINNIE AWA ENTREPRENEUR AND TEXTURED HAIR EXPERT TALKING ABOUT THE UNTAPPED TEXTURE MARKET

Meet Listen Debate Network Discover Learn Grow Come and be inspired

ON STAGE SAMANTHA CUSICK SAMANTHA CUSICK LONDON/STĀ STUDIOS TALKING ABOUT DIVERSIFYING YOUR BUSINESS

ON STAGE JORDAN MASSARELLA & BEN JONES MASSARELLA & JONES TALKING ABOUT HONING A HOME-FROM-HOME CLIENT SPACE

CREATIVE HEAD’S BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT FOR SALON AND BARBER SHOP OWNERS AND MANAGERS Discover more at creativeheadmag.com/salonsmart Headline sponsor

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Real experiences shared New ideas explored Big topics discussed

ON STAGE HAYLEY JEPSON THE RESILIENT HAIRDRESSER TALKING ABOUT KEEPING YOUR HEAD

ON STAGE TOM SMITH HAIRSTYLIST AND TREND FORECASTER TALKING ABOUT TRANSFORMATIVE SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY

Monday 18 March 2024 9.30am until 5.30pm ON STAGE ALISON MCRITCHIE THE HEAD GARDENER TALKING ABOUT DOING POSITIVE SOCIAL GOOD

The Chain and Buoy Store, London

TICKETS £95 + VAT* Book your place today at creativeheadmag.com/store *Includes access to the full event agenda, a hot lunch, refreshment breaks, and gifts from our sponsors.

Terms and conditions apply. It is not possible to attend Salon Smart if you are a product brand or distributor or an independent marketer (unless you have sponsorship affiliation), see the website for details

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19/12/2023 15:43

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Be transported to a dream land, created by Most Wanted 2023 Hair Trend Winner, Anne Veck. Natural colours and organic materials combine to celebrate every woman through a soft lens

Salon Smart will return to London on Monday 18 March 2024, with a packed one-day agenda. Tickets are on sale now, with an exclusive discount for newsletter subscribers

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Get Samantha Cusick of Stā Studio’s top tips on goal setting for the year ahead, and manifest your destiny!

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What does it take to be a celebrity hairdresser? In a new series exclusive to our newsletter, Jay Birmingham shares all about his session secrets, kitbag essentials, career goals and more

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19/12/2023 15:46

FOR FREELANCERS, FOR FREE… FOR LONGER! New for 2024, our Self/Styled Masterclasses are taking over!

Now, you can watch our brilliant free education when YOU want to

JANUARY: NIKKI CLIFFORD

Nikki shares her take on the Quiet Luxury trend with her Air Touch technique for a beautiful lived-in look, using the revamped Illumina Color range from Wella Professionals DROPPING ON: SUNDAY 7 JANUARY WATCH ON: CREATIVEHEADMAG.COM/SELFSTYLED OR @CREATIVEHEADMAG ON FACEBOOK

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19/12/2023 11:37

PROFILE

Image by Santiago Franco Shicke

GARY GILL A modern trailblazer

The acclaimed session stylist may occasionally reference his troubled past in his work, but the results are always spectacularly forward-thinking HAIR AND MODEL PHOTOGRAPHY BY GARY GILL Gary Gill attributes his irreverent approach to hairstyling to the years he spent as a teenager in Brighton’s punk community. His work is artistic, sculptural and anti-establishment, stamped with the codes of counter-culture he was obsessed with while growing up. His aesthetic has been called anti-glamour (he particularly loves that description).

Relatively late in life, the former salon owner and Wella educator has reached an elite level in the world of session styling that only a select few ever achieve. He is called upon to generate looks for Balenciaga, Y Project, Dries Van Noten, Acne Studios, Martine Rose, Diesel and plenty of other labels seeking to balance their collections with his signature clean, artful styling.

In 2019 he was voted into the BoF 500, a global index of handselected professionals shaping the fashion industry.

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But what’s equally impressive – and possibly also a large part of the reason for his success – is his meticulous approach to work, his calm demeanour and his kindness to others. “How to work with people and how to be within large groups of people I learned the most from my mum, who was a hairdresser herself,” he says. “She was a really good teacher but only later in life I realised what a great mentor she was. From being a young, arrogant hairdresser who thought he knew it all, I became a mature person within the industry. She always used to say that 90 per cent of success is having a good attitude. It was the most valuable lesson for me in how to get on in the industry. At hairdressing events people would always say, “Hi Gary, how is your mum?” It’s made me realise how good she was with people and how important that is.”

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19/12/2023 15:11

Vetements – Paris A/W20 We brightly coloured the hair and added false fringes and hair at the back to create an easy mullet

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Balenciaga – Paris S/S23 A heavily disconnected cut with random splodges of colour as a contrast to the heavy mud theme

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PROFILE Gary, we don’t get to see you very often nowadays but we hear a lot about you – especially from the new generation of stylists. It seems like everybody who’s ever won an It List award wants to work with you!

I've always been very interested in our industry. I feel a lot of session stylists forget where they came from, but for me it’s so important. I always say to my team, ‘You are the future, and I’m currently living my future!’ I’ve had two or three careers already, so I’m very positive about supporting them, and very pro them understanding where they came from, and how important it is to remember that they came from salon backgrounds, where they were doing 10 clients a day and had all that incredible training. I’m always really keen to connect with the industry, it’s just that my time has become so limited because of my session career. So, to do interviews has always been a good way for me to say how I feel, and tell my story a little bit, you know? It’s not an ‘all about me’ thing. I’m very passionate about younger hairdressers doing well and feeling that they’re worthy of being who they are as a hairdresser. It’s about inspiring them, to say ‘you can go on and do many things’, whether as an educator, a platform artist, a session stylist or a salon owner.

And so much of what I do now is stuff that I learnt when I was a salon owner.

Molly Goddard – London S/S24 A simple ponytail with fringes attached to create a hair headband

Martine Rose – London S/S20 Random cheap wigs just pinned and gripped quickly to create an ‘off’ effect

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How did you find your way into hairdressing?

I grew up in Brighton and I’ve never made any secret of the fact that I was very wild as a youngster. I was rebellious, always wanting to do my own thing. On the plus side, being involved with different gangs gave me an insight into youth culture and its tribalism, which, in turn, led me to music, fashion and style. Back then, in the ’70s and ’80s, hair was intrinsic to youth culture, and it was a way for me to be able to express myself. Changing the way I looked, changing my hair or connecting to punk, ska, goth or the rave scene was a way for me to be rebellious, to say something and to have a point of view, without having to put it into words.

Moving from Brighton to London, I didn’t really have any direction and I felt a bit lost. I actually started hairdressing to make my parents feel a bit more proud of me. I trained in a little salon only a few miles from where I live now, in south-west London. The day I walked into that salon, I felt like I had found my home. There was something about it that made me think, ‘I love this’. And I got a very good training with an excellent teacher, who really put herself out for me. We’d do extra training nights and enter competitions, which was a really great discipline, and I was so enthusiastic about it and so into doing hair that within three years I decided to get my own salon – I’d only just finished my apprenticeship!

My mum came to work with me and I learnt a lot from her – not necessarily about hair, but more about how to run a day-to-day salon business because she’d had her own salon for about 10 years. My dad was a very good businessman, too; both my parents really were guiding lights for me, I was so lucky.

So, that was in 1985, I was 21 years old. And of course, I thought I knew everything, then quickly realised I knew nothing and made a million mistakes.

But my mum was a great mentor and I had a great business partner, Kay Bolton, and it ended up being very successful. We expanded into the shop next door, we employed 25 people… And then it just got to the point where my mum wanted to retire, my business partner had a baby – and it seemed the right time to call it a day.

But it’s quite a leap, going from salon owner to session stylist. So, how – and why – did you make that happen?

I was 39, coming up to 40 and I remember thinking, ‘If I’m not careful, I’m just going to end up in this little office, in my salon, all on my own. Maybe I’ve got something else in me’. So, we collectively decided to sell the salon to a bigger company, which had a chain of salons and an academy, and I ended up staying on with them for 10 years as a consultant. But it was only one day a week, and that allowed me to discover myself as a session hairdresser.

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PROFILE When you first started out, how confident were you with your session hairdressing skills?

I would read magazines like i-D, The Face and Dazed and I would think, ‘I can do that’. But then when I started doing it, I realised it’s actually really hard. It was quite a shock to me when I started working in fashion to discover I just didn’t have the skills that were needed. So, I had to get some experience through working with other artists on shows and shoots. It was maybe easier for me because I was a bit older and more confident, and people seemed to respect and accept me. I worked on teams alongside Eugene Souleiman and Duffy, and stylists like Harris Elliot and Elgar Johnson, while photographers like Gerald Jenkins and Jamie Hawkesworth gave me some great opportunities. I learnt so much from these people.

Aged 40, it was really funny becoming an assistant, but it was so liberating, it was lovely. I shed all the responsibilities of being a salon owner, I could just do hair. I started doing some of my own shows in London – smaller ones at Men's Fashion Week – and then I started doing a few in Paris and it snowballed from there, resulting in Paris Vogue labelling me ‘one of the four best hair and make-up geniuses’ in a feature on the next big names in beauty. But it was meeting the Russian stylist Lotta Volkova and designer/photographer Gosha Rubchinskiy that really catapulted me into the limelight. Vetements had started street casting, using more interesting-looking people.

And I’d been through that whole ’70s and ’80s thing in the salon, doing the haircuts and the really bright colours, and so I’d go to the tests in Paris with Lotta and Demna [Gvasalia, Vetements co-founder], and there was an authenticity to what I was doing. And I guess I was lucky – I was in the right place at the right time, with the right skill set for the right kind of job. And that really helped me. And from there, Demna went to Balenciaga, and the rest is history…

Martine Rose – London S/S20 Extensions added in to create an extreme asymmetric shape

It seems that as well as getting this experience, it was important for you to be authentic, and to develop something unique to you?

When I started out in session, I remember thinking, ‘I just don’t know if I’m going to be happy in this environment’. I just didn’t feel like it was going to fit with me.

So, I made a conscious decision about how my work was going to be, what kind of aesthetic I was going to promote, to create a point of difference and get away from what I suppose you would call the ‘glamorous’ side of fashion. That was really important to me. To feel confident, I have to understand what I’m doing and why I’m doing it.

My advice to anybody who wants to work in fashion is to hone your craft. If you don’t develop good skills, this will become apparent very quickly. This world is all about reputation and it’s about making sure that you can do the work. If you develop strong skills you then have the power to subvert them, and having this foundation means you can have good ideas very quickly, which is demanded of you as a session stylist.

Those technical skills from your days in the salon have obviously helped you create your niche, but there’s another side – the mentoring of your team, how you educate them, teach them new skills – that surely also links back to your time as an employer?

To a certain extent, but I think I’ve improved on it even more. We just did a show for Balenciaga, where we had more than 100 models and a five-day prep, and I had two or three teams in different places at different times. And the management of every single one of those people, whether they’re there as part of my core team, or just packing the kit, it matters to me that everyone feels valued. It’s impossible for me to do my job without my team, and it’s virtually impossible to do it without a team that is motivated and excited.

I can have all the ideas in the world, I can do all the client meetings in the world,

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Martine Rose – London S/S24 An undercut with heavily gelled curls to give an edgy Latina feel

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Diesel – Milan S/S24 The inspiration was dirty, grown-out extensions

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Vetements – Paris A/W20 We coloured the hair pitch black and gave it an undercut to go with the structure of the coat

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18/12/2023 09:59

PROFILE but I can’t do all the work. It’s just not possible to turn out that many high quality models without a very strong team. And I’m not just talking about doing hair, I also have [my agency] Streeters, which is phenomenal.

It’s just a massive team effort. And I genuinely believe that if people want to work for you because of what you’re bringing in terms of values and ethos, you can do anything. I don’t want people to come to work and feel fear, I want them to feel comfortable – people do really good work when they feel comfortable. I mean, I am strict, and I do have quite a rigid regime, but on the other hand I give people space to do good work.

My previous first assistant, Tom Wright, worked for me for 10 years and he left this year. He had been so integral to what I have done and created to this point, I will miss him but we planned his departure, it was a kind of a slow process to ensure he was secure with his move. I also would be doing him a disservice if I didn’t help him on his way to pursue his own career. The way I structure my team gives me strength and depth and all the people who were working next in line have all moved up and filled in the gap and are offering me something new.

Martine Rose – London S/S20 Made-up hair pieces just pinned and gripped really quickly to create an ‘off’ and random effect

Your work is very distinctive. How do you retain that point of difference?

I got to a point where I thought, ‘Right, I know what I want my work to look like.

I know I have good ideas. I’ve developed my skills – now I need to make sure I’m working with people who share my vibe’. I think carefully about who I work with, there’s got to be a mutual understanding.

Clients look at different portfolios and think, ‘Who is the right person for this job?’ and I think it can hold you back if you do a lot of everything. If your work changes from shoot to shoot, it’s harder for a client to understand what you’re about and if you are right for the job. I see people who join agencies and they’re not being managed as well as they could be. If they are pressured to do all the jobs that are offered to them, their career can end up snowballing into nothing. It’s better to have no content than the wrong content.

So, the individual aesthetic is everything. Is this something you help your team to develop?

It’s crucial to have your own point of view. This could be a style, a quality or a message. Then, you need to work with people who will enable you to elevate what you do and who give you a platform on which you are able to be your best. To do this, you need to educate yourself about photographers, about stylists, about brands. Do your research so that you can make good decisions about who you work with, rather than being seduced by the name of a brand. Don’t fall for that.

I think a lot of people do because they think it is going to get them to a certain place, but it doesn’t always. Develop a strong strategy about where you’re going and who you are going to be. Really research your ideas and make sure they are strong, and you are not too influenced by other people’s opinions. And practice hard. Even now if there is something I am not certain I understand how to do, or know how to use, I will practice it until I feel completely confident with it.

Acne Studios – Paris S/S23 Loose hair bows created to be worn in different parts of the hair

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Shoots, shows, campaigns… How do you stay sane when your schedule is so hectic?

I can only do what I do because of my team. Thanks to my core team – Rebecca Chang (who’s just taken over as my first assistant), Tasos Constantinou, Natsumi Ebiko, Mike Mahoney, Brixton Cowie, Dario Grassi and Daniel Moura – I never feel that I am working completely alone, which is important to me. And then there’s my agent Charlotte Alexa, Stella Katterman, and all the team at Streeters. Their hard work and dedication allow me to be the best I can be. Also, I’ve become better at taking breaks. I had six weeks off in the summer, so I can’t complain about that.

And we usually have two to three weeks off for Christmas and my core team all get the same break.

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PROFILE You were contributing editor at Dazed for several years, and now you’re a ‘dream maker’ at Beauty Papers. What does that entail?

I’ve always had a very strong relationship with Beauty Papers. The founders, Maxine Leonard and Valerie Wickes, have been very supportive of my career and given me a lot of space to do interesting work that other people maybe wouldn’t have let me do. It's a role that I’m sharing with Eugene and Holli Smith, so the three of us are the hair dream makers. I guess that means we’re contributing beauty editors, taste-makers within the world of hair and make-up.

It’s great that hairdressers are being recognised in that way, isn’t it?

Yes, absolutely. I think it’s really inspirational for younger hairdressers. And it’s funny, my team come from all over the world and we were chatting the other day and I told them that when I was young, you only did hair if you were kind of considered a bit daft, or not academically good enough to do another type of job. And they all said it was exactly the same where they were from, even at their age, which is mid-20s to early 30s. Hairdressing is such a stigmatised industry and yet creatively hairdressers are on the same level as designers and so many people have made great businesses out of beauty and hair. So I hope that one day it will finally be recognised as an industry that can have some respect.

Do you think you could use your voice in the industry to help change things?

Hairdressing saved my life on several occasions, and I’m very grateful for that. In the summer, I did the Summer Club. It’s where you go and spend a day with some inner-city kids who are considering working in a fashion-based creative environment. And it was a lovely thing to work in that environment, and to try and show that no matter where you’re from, and what you’re doing, there’s opportunity in a creative field. It was the first time I’ve done something like that, and I got a lot from it. I actually ended up having four young people from the Summer Club come and work on one of my shows in London. A couple of them were doing video and photography, one of them worked with my producer and one of them wanted to do hair. I was trying to show there’s lots to do in and around our environment, rather than just the work we do.

And for the past two years a production company has been filming a documentary about me. I was a bit apprehensive at first but then I decided I would do it because I wanted to tell my story and make it inspirational for people who are coming from areas where they can’t get a job, or they can’t see any future in school, or they’re running into problems with crime or drugs. I want to show that you can still do something, that there’s still a way forward. I feel like I’ve been stigmatised a lot because of being a hairdresser and this film is a way for me to say, ‘Actually, you have to be pretty smart to be able to get through this world that I work in’. Because it’s not easy. You have got to have many skill sets, emotional intelligence, production skills, people skills, and then you’ve got to do your job on top. And yet sadly, sometimes when I'm dealing with things outside of my industry, I tend to take my signature, which says hairdresser, off my email.

So I just really feel really passionate about making people understand what a positive job it is and the employment opportunities that exist.

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Image by Giammarco Amorroso

Rebecca Chang is Gary’s new first assistant (Creative HEAD readers may also remember her as the 2017 It List It Girl winner). So, what’s it like to hold such an important role within the team?

“When Gary asked me to become his first assistant I felt like everything I have worked for in the past 10 years had come true. It was perfect timing because I understand now how much and what it takes to be a first assistant – how to handle situations under high pressure and perform your best, even when obstacles come your way.

“Gary is a perfectionist and there is always a reason why he does something. He has taught me that ‘Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance’ and I swear by that, even in my personal life.

“But he is also very open-minded and encourages us to contribute creatively on shoots and how we can improve our system. I don’t feel like I am ‘working for’ Gary; I am ‘working with’ him. He is always asking our (the core team’s) opinion about everything from the hair creative to which hotel we should stay in. We are very transparent in our communication and I believe that’s what makes our team a family.

“Gary is my mentor – that’s how he stands out from other session stylists I have worked for. He has shaped me to become a stronger artist, both technically and mentally. He encourages me to do my own shoots when the opportunity arises, and is so supportive of me building my portfolio and clientele. He is like a father figure, moulding and guiding me at work and outside work. He’s taught me how to be the best version of myself and I will forever be thankful to him.”

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Diesel – Milan S/S24 The inspiration was dirty, grown-out extensions

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ALL THE GLEAM

IN ONYX, SARAH MASON SHOWCASES A SUMPTUOUS VISION OF ON-TREND LUXE METALLIC FABRICS ALONGSIDE SIMPLY EXECUTED, BEAUTIFUL EDITORIAL HAIR PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEO HOANG CREATIVE HEAD IRELAND

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HAIR Sarah Mason, using EIMI from Wella Professionals. MAKE-UP Melissa Flannigan. FIRST ASSISTANT Rachel O’Neill.

ASSISTANT Ben Loy. STYLING Jennifer Hope. MODELS J’Adore Models Manchester.

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Class act

In the vibrant realm of hair couture, Heiress from Jack & the Wolfe juxtaposes the opulence of inherited wealth with the raw, rebellious spirit of rock and roll culture. Inspired by the dichotomy between privilege and edge, this is a journey where luxury meets rebellion PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHILIP VEITCH CREATIVE HEAD IRELAND

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HAIR Jack & The Wolfe. MAKE-UP Ellie Durbridge.

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SCENE THE BIG HAIR DO

A vibrant conclusion to the Not ‘Just’ A Salon advertising campaign, the Big Hair Do partied hard once again! The campaign showcased – across social media, on billboards, outdoor sites and on major bus routes in Bristol – the remarkable ways hair pros take care of people to an audience of 20 million. The live in-salon event that followed invited attendees to get a taste of the expert skills and knowledge, and exciting services and products available in-salon.

Guests at salons in Bristol, Dublin and Edinburgh left with new fringes, colour touch-ups, beautifully glossy hair, and a goody bag filled with product samples from a range of L’Oréal Professional Products brands. In Bristol, the team at Gaudi Hair combined fun, fashion and food, as well as some education in the form of styling demonstrations and handy hair tips. At Madison-Rae, we spotted gorgeous sweet treats as well as up-dos and manis!

In Dublin, the lovely lot at Wildflower gathered to spoil their guests with scalp reading consultations, a brightly coloured, superfood buffet of fruits, nuts and olives, and some wonderful party-ready waves.

And it was fizz, friends and all sorts of fabulousness over at Frame in Skerries. In Edinburgh’s Holy Corner, Charlie Miller’s Big Hair Do activities spanned two floors of the salon – from gorgeously fragrant candles and sipping cocktails to styling appointments and securing some merch! While the team at Neil Maclean Hair Studio got busy with styling tips and make-up transformations, too.

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Neil Maclean Hair Studio

THE EVENTS AND PARTIES TO BE SEEN AT

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Madison-Rae

Not ‘Just’ A Salon Scan to see more about the campaign

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Frame

Gaudi Hair

Photography by Jess Shurte (Neil Maclean Hair Studio), Matt Willis (Madison-Rae), Roger Kenny (Frame).

Charlie Miller

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Darcie Harvey Czar Joshua Ventura Halley Brisker

Laura Chadwick Aimée Croysdill

The last Creative HEAD event of 2023, The Coterie crashed new co-working space Stā Studios to explore the blood, sweat and tears that go into fuelling jaw-dropping creative collaborations, in association with event sponsor JOICO. Session stylist Halley Brisker and fashion stylist Aimée Croysdill took a deep dive into concepts for clients including Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan, such as her first trip to the Met Gala, where carefully placed feathers in her hair seamlessly referenced the Richard Quinn dress.

Hair stylist Laura Chadwick met her make-up artist collaborator Czar Joshua Ventura via a Facebook post, and the two have partnered on a range of projects that include designer Patrick McDowell’s ‘Catholic Fairytales’ collection, which made an important statement about faith, identity and inclusivity. The 2023 It List Editorial Stylist, Darcie Harvey, recalled nabbing her first collaboration just a week into her apprenticeship, a long way from the Grazia cover shoot she styled for England Lioness, Chloe Kelly. And the evening was closed out by Adam Garland, who was exceptionally frank about his collaborations thus far. His London Fashion Week work with designer Harri saw him lead the concept on hair AND beauty… with further collaborations together in the pipeline. And everyone left clutching a generous bag of JOICO goodies, too.

Adam Garland

Photography by Harvey Williams-Fairley

THE COTERIE

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Rounding off a jam-packed couple of months, ALFAPARF Milano Professional’s Love Your Evolution tour headed to Cancun in Mexico for its final stop of the year. Set against the luxurious backdrop of the Barceló Maya Riviera resort, the four-day spectacular brought together 800 guests from 14 countries. Not just an opportunity to network while sipping delicious cocktails, the gathering centred around celebrating the new-look Evolution Of The Color line, as well as exciting ventures on the horizon. From the UK and Ireland, attendees included Mikey Lewis of bebop – UK winner of the 2023 Next Color GenHAIRation Award – as well as Lisa Whiteman from Whiteman Soho and Amanda Hogan, winner of the Irish Next Color GenHAIRation Award from Pelo Salons. They heard more about the steps being taken to improve sustainability efforts, with a goal to meet at least 13 out of the United Nation’s 17 sustainable development goals by 2030. There was also excitement surrounding the brand’s involvement with a new show, Hairstyle – The Talent Show, currently broadcast in Spain, the US and Italy, with the latter featuring Rudy Mostarda, the brand’s international creative director. An epic two-hour live presentation concluded the event, with Cuco & Guille – members of the ALFAPARF Milano Professional Mexico Artigiani Artistic Team – sharing pastel delights, while Mostarda delivered an extraordinary take on modern hairdressing with a fusion of music, dance, and true hair artistry. An awe-inspiring spectacle…

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Cuco & Guille show

ALFAPARF MILANO PROFESSIONAL LOVE YOUR EVOLUTION TOUR

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Rudy Mostarda with Lisa Marangon of ALFAPARF Milano

Rudy Mostarda show

THE LAST WORD ON…

HEALTHY HABITS Jamie Street for Unsplash

CHANGING YOUR ATTITUDE TO HABITS IS HARD WORK, BUT STICK WITH IT AND YOU WILL REAP THE BENEFITS

Healthy body, healthy mind, is a principle that most of us can get behind. However, shifting gears means forming healthier habits and these don’t happen overnight.

A study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology discovered that it takes more than two months for a new habit to become automatic. This considered, there isn’t a better time to start healthy habits than in the New Year. Play your cards right, and you could be a healthier, happier you by March!

Sean Hanna, founder of the seanhanna salon group, agrees that healthier habits from a business perspective should begin at the start of the year. “A new year is particularly motivational as there is an emotional watershed. For business owners, my tips would be to plan out your marketing calendar for the year ahead.

If you haven’t done this before, simply divide the year into four quarters and choose a focus for each quarter. Then, plan a set of activities for each focus. If your focus is on colour, this might include planning specific colour focused social content and a new cover for the front page of your website.” Have your plan laid out for the year, and you’ll be less likely to deviate from it.

So determined are some of us to reach huge goals that we can lose momentum and give up on healthy habits altogether. For Jamie Johnston, founder of mental health-forward dating app Mattr, it’s about long-term, incremental progress. “Rather than committing to a grand resolution with a looming deadline, work towards your objectives gradually.”

Healthy habits can start simple, such as “increasing your daily step count” or “taking the stairs instead of the lift”, he adds. Jamie compares these seemingly small changes to visiting the gym.

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“There’s no finite endpoint, it’s an ongoing journey that becomes difficult to abandon once you’ve established a routine.”

So, can you inject healthy habits into your professional development, too? Yes, says Liz Sebag-Montefiore, director and co-founder of HR consultancy 10Eighty. Just as a gym goer works on their physique, Liz believes that professionals should continually work on their career profile. “Make sure that every month you do at least one item of professional development work to ensure you appreciate as an asset,” she says.

Other ideas she has for healthy habit setting include “reviewing the past 12 months to decide what you enjoyed doing so that you can arrange to do more of the same. Then, look at what caused you frustration and irritation to see if you can minimise those aspects of your work”, she says. Peer review is another idea: “Ask for feedback and what people like about what you do, and then ask what they think you should work on.” Co-mentoring can help too: “Identify someone in a similar job to you, and see if you can arrange to do some peer-to-peer mentoring,” adds Liz. For those taking their first steps into healthy habits this new year, start with a simple morning walk, suggests Simon Bacher, chief-executive of language app, Ling. “Healthy habits start when you wake up,” he says. “One habit I’ve started doing every morning is going for a walk. It sounds simple but it’s a great way to get your body and brain functions going.”

Our work and personal lives can feel like competing forces regularly, so don’t drag your new healthy habits into the mix.

Instead, take on what feels realistic. These habits are for you, after all, so make them something worth sticking to.

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EXCLUSIVE FOR NEWSLETTER READERS! Red-hot tips and takes from celeb stylist Jay Birmingham

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