Georgia Mountain, @lulabells_norfolk
Hi Georgia, can you tell us a bit about your background? How did you get into hairdressing?
My mum was a hairdresser when she was younger, and she had always encouraged me to go into the industry too. I was literally born to be behind the chair! As a little girl, I had my own salon set up and I would spend hours in there! As soon as I got the opportunity, it was no surprise that I joined a salon and worked my way up from sweeping the floor to behind the chair. This was where my career started, and I stayed there for just over six years before moving on and opening my own salon.
What’s been your biggest career highlight so far?
My biggest career highlight so far has been finalising in the British Hairdressing Awards Newcomer of the Year category last year. It’s always been a dream of mine to be a part of these awards, so to finalise the first year that I entered was a huge achievement.
Who are your mentors and what have they taught you?
I’ve worked alongside Desmond Murray a few times, and he taught me a lot about session styling and editorial work. He’s such an amazing hairdresser and a real delight to work with. I also met and became great friends with Niamh Hayden through Matrix, and we are often sharing colour techniques and bouncing our ideas off one another!
What does the hairdressing industry look like to you today?
The hairdressing industry is full of opportunities, creativity and excitement. It really is evolving all the time, and it’s such a great industry to be a part of.
What inspires your creativity?
I get a lot of my inspiration from going to hair shows and scrolling through social media – literally everything is at your fingertips now! When I create collections, most of my inspiration comes from things that I really like. For example, my 5 O’Clock Somewhere collection was actually based on cocktails!
Is hairdressing what you thought it would be?
Hairdressing is so much more than I thought it would be. I love how there are so many opportunities available to me in the hairdressing world, and I love how many different paths I can choose to go down. Each day is so different, you couldn’t possibly be bored!
Do you have a signature style or technique that sets you apart?
I think a lot of people know me for colour, especially a vivid or a blonde. It’s actually a bit of a joke in the salon as to how excited I get when somebody says they want colourful hair! I only really started creating vivids during lockdown, where I spent a lot of time playing around on doll heads and working on different techniques to discover my creative flair!
How do you think social media is changing the hairdressing industry?
Social media is having a massive impact on the industry, not only for us stylists, but for clients as well. Most of the time, I have clients saying to me “I’ve seen this on TikTok – can you create this?” Social media is also a great way for me to connect with like-minded people, and I gain so much knowledge and education from watching reels.
Are there any particular products, tools or technologies you’re obsessed with right now?
I have to say, I’m massively obsessed with all the Alfa Italia styling tools. I love them all and my collection is ever growing! My favourite product at the moment is the SHED Climate Control – it’s amazing for controlling frizz and stabilising the humidity, resulting in a shine that is just incredible.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in hairdressing today?
For anyone just joining the industry, I would tell them to embark on as much education as possible. Education is what makes us grow into who we need to be, so never stop learning!
What do you think makes a great hairdresser stand out from the rest?
I think to stand out from other hairdressers you should not be afraid to experiment with trends and be ahead of the curve, whilst still staying authentic to yourself – this is what will help you stand out when entering competitions and networking with industry leaders. A great hairdresser constantly educates themselves and adapts to the times, thus ensuring longevity in the industry.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
In 10 years, I would like to see myself as a well-revered, award-winning industry leader with a strong regard for my colour work. I want to be educating stylists through workshops and masterclasses, helping them to find their confidence in colour. I love to travel, so I would also love to be a Global Ambassador for a brand that aligns with my values.
