Hi Jess, can you tell us a bit about your background? How did you get into hairdressing?
From a very young age, I always wanted to be a hairdresser – I would quite happily sweep the salon floor while my mum had her hair done! Originally, I was going to go down the college route, but I met my (soon to be) boss, Kelly Rowney, who explained to me the merits of doing an apprenticeship instead. Having completed both my Level 2 and 3 Apprenticeship at Tate Hair under Kelly’s wing, I now fully understand what she meant.
Even though I am still only three years into my career, I have experienced so much. Last year, I was a member of the Fellowship ClubStar Art team, this involved attending several amazing ‘experience’ days throughout the year with fantastic specialist hairdressers. I’ve also had the opportunity to accompany the team at Tate Hair on numerous trips – including London Fashion Week, The Big Chop for the Little Princess Trust and the British Hairdressing Awards. My career has already been so exciting!
Do you have an area of hairdressing you’d like to be known for?
An area of hairdressing I always find myself wanting to explore more is definitely colouring. One thing I really like about colouring is how every single colour you do can be personalised and adapted to an individual’s skin tone and personality. Exploring more about creative colour and colour placement is something I have really been enjoying.
Who are your mentors and what have they taught you?
My mentor is my boss, Kelly. She has taught me all the skills I know! And not only physical skills, but she’s also taught me the importance of education in our industry and how every day is a learning day. Kelly has given me a whole new outlook on hairdressing, and made me realise the importance of always seeking education opportunities wherever possible.
What does the hairdressing industry look like to you today?
I find the hairdressing industry incredibly inspiring, mainly because it’s always changing and adapting. One thing I always think is important to do as a hairdresser is stay in the loop with what’s going on around you. To me, the industry is all about being able to grow together and support each other’s successes.
What inspires your creativity?
My creativity is inspired by many things, and I believe you can be inspired by anything you find beautiful. I am very influenced by things like nature – my colour inspiration for a recent awards entry was based on the ‘red desert’ – as well as certain foods, such as creamy blondes or chocolatey browns. I also take lots of ideas about different depths and tones from art.
Is hairdressing what you thought it would be?
What I have learned through my time in hairdressing is that a lot more goes into it than I ever imagined. My passion for hairdressing and our industry has found me putting my all into my work. I now know that hairdressing is not just a job; if you love it the way I do, hairdressing can become your whole life.
Do you have a signature style or technique that sets you apart?
I think one thing I always aimed to do while training was not overly focus on one speciality. I wanted to ensure I was an all-rounder, and now, as I continue my career, I am confident in offering all services. Along the way, I may find one I enjoy the most, but at the moment I am enjoying improving my skill set in all different aspects of hairdressing.
How do you think social media is changing the hairdressing industry?
I think social media is changing the industry in a very positive way. It’s a platform where hairdressers can gain inspiration and learn a lot from what other people are posting. It gives you the opportunity to connect with others in the industry and to see what everyone is achieving in their own careers.
Are there any particular products, tools or technologies you’re obsessed with right now?
I am currently loving trying out Goldwell’s new product range. I find that by using a combination of different products, I am able to hugely enhance each style I do. Styling the hair is always an important factor to help really showcase your colour and cutting work, so these products are definitely my favourite right now.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in hairdressing today?
Go for it and put your 100 per cent into everything you do! Always try new things, even if you are nervous, because the more you try something the easier it gets. Lastly, always put yourself forward for competitions, teams and anything to continue learning every day.
What do you think makes a great hairdresser stand out from the rest?
I think a great hairdresser stands out from the rest when you see them putting their all into their career. You can tell someone is passionate about hairdressing before even talking to them because you’ll see their drive and passion to grow as a stylist.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
In 10 years, I hope to see myself excelling in my career. I would love to have a collection of my own work and be able to enter (and win!) big industry awards. This has been a dream of mine since I started. I also hope to keep taking every opportunity that comes my way and never say no!
