CANDICE McKAY

Hair Biz is delighted to introduce the fabulous (and gorgeous) Candice McKay. An extraordinary talent, Candice educates in all areas, on all levels teaching the multi-faceted skill set you need to shine in today’s hairdressing community. In the first part of her series, Candice shares her background story and the skills that have got her where she is today…

Some words from Candice…

I’m a South African-born hairdresser, now based in Europe as a freelance educator. During the summer, you will find me navigating the Mediterranean aboard our boat, and in the winter, I immerse myself in vibrant cities, soaking up inspiration from art galleries and cultural events while honing my craft with clients to keep my teaching skills relevant.

My journey in hairdressing is deeply rooted in family, particularly my mother, a trailblazer and icon in the industry whose determination and work ethic shaped my path. She instilled in me a love for competition, encouraging me to enter when I was just an apprentice, not just for building self-esteem but also for nurturing my artistic side. She taught me that through dedication and hard work, anything is possible.

I love how my career has evolved, forever changing and always interesting. From luxurious salons to grunge and punk establishments, my career has been a colourful tapestry of experiences that have shaped my unique aesthetic and understanding of client service.

A pivotal moment came when Wella recognised my potential as a technician, leading me to master the art of colouring and, unexpectedly, teaching. This was an interesting turn, as I saw myself as a cutting specialist. What I didn’t realise at the time is that working for a manufacturer helped me acquire the skills of becoming an empathetic teacher and gave me the skills to develop my own education system. After a few years as a technician, I became a college teacher.

I then decided that I needed a more artistic direction, so I found myself an agent and focused on session work, mainly working for magazines and film. I was privileged to have worked on some amazing concepts and adverts in some of the most interesting locations throughout Africa, even working with Elton John and Alek Wek. This led me to becoming head of the department for South African Fashion Week, where I worked alongside the designers, helping them bring their ideas to life.

Over time, I gained some fabulous clients from the fashion industry and decided that cutting and colouring their hair in their kitchens wasn’t the best scenario. I felt compelled to create a space where creativity and excellence could thrive, leading to the opening of my salon during Johannesburg’s cultural renaissance.

My small clientele from the kitchens of designers and art directors then extended to some of the most intriguing intellectuals of South Africa. My clients were all exceptional in what they did: artists, architects, lawyers, writers, academics, psychologists—such incredible people who crafted me into the person I am today. I learned so much from them.

Something that I am very grateful for was the opportunity to compete on a global stage. Having always been encouraged to enter competitions but never realising the actual benefit of them until I was much older and upon reflection. I was very happy in my creative hub my salon provided me in South Africa, but I had reached a stage in my career where I didn’t have a mentor and couldn’t find someone that would be a good fit for me in my home country.

When I was around 30 years old, I started entering global competitions, and these changed the trajectory of my life. Winning the Davines World Style Contest introduced me to my mentor, Tim Hartley, whose guidance and friendship have been priceless. I will be ever grateful to Tim, being so kind, nurturing, and a good friend to me. As well as to Davines, who grew my profile as an artist on stage.

I feel very privileged to have won some international competitions, such as the AIPP, International Hair Awards, and the Live Fashion Awards, as these awards have introduced me to some of my greatest friends, peers, collaborators, and an incredible support group that fuel my creativity. I would have been stagnated in my bubble in Johannesburg if I hadn’t entered the international awards. Competitions are never about the awards themselves, but more about the people you connect with through them and the way the awards drive you to push yourself further.

These international accolades paved the way for my journey as an educator, culminating in the establishment of my own academy specialising in freelance education. I offer a variety of education, from accessible in-salon education, where we craft unique workshops to help your salon grow, feel inspired and build confidence. Through consultation together, we create the perfect workshop for your team.

Additionally, I offer mentoring and art direction for hairdressers and teams seeking to elevate their work for competitions and collections. These courses range from teaching one how to become a trend forecaster, to finding and capturing inspiration, conceptualisation, casting, collaboration with your photographer and creative team, as well as how to get publicity for your work.

Collaborating with brands is another passion of mine, from co-creating initiatives like the Davines Talent Green House to my current project, developing educational workshops for Wings Scissors.

I also thrive on collaborations, offering my expertise and creative vision for product launches, shows, masterclasses, and art direction. With a passion for excellence and a strive for innovation, I bring a dynamic energy to every project I undertake.

I am humbled by the journey I’ve taken in the hairdressing world, from modest origins to being recognised on a global scale, my career has been a testament to the limitless possibilities within this vibrant industry. Each experience has contributed to shaping my distinctive style and approach to teaching. As I continue to evolve as an educator, collaborator, and artist, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share my knowledge, inspire creativity, and foster community among fellow hairdressers worldwide.

As I remain committed to education and artistic expression, I am reminded of the profound impact this craft can have on individuals and communities alike. The future holds endless opportunities for growth, innovation, transformation, and collaboration, and I am eager to embark on this exciting journey together.

@candicemckay_

Hair Biz and mocha group have invited Freelance Art Director and International Educator Candice McKay to dial up the inspirational female figureheads who are shaking up hairdressing on the global stage. First in the series is Jordanna Cobella from the UK.

Stay tuned…