Hi Sharon, can you tell us a bit about your background? How did you get into hairdressing?
I started hairdressing back in 2000 when I was just 15 years old. I was on my exam study leave when I decided I didn’t want to go back to school – I was just desperate to get started in hairdressing! I was too young to start an apprenticeship, so I did a 6-month course at college for under 16s, before getting a job in a high-end Edinburgh salon. That was where I qualified when I was 18, but I then went self-employed when I was only 19 years old and set up my own freelance business. I have been self-employed ever since (I’m now 40!).
What’s been your biggest career highlight so far?
Definitely opening my first salon when I was 26. It’s been open for 14 years now, and it continues to go from strength to strength!
What’s your greatest ambition?
My ambition isn’t just to be known as a great hairdresser, but to build my brand for my salon’s future and my employees’ future. I have a 16-year-old daughter who is at the start of her hairdressing journey, and I would love to open up opportunities for her future.
What inspires your creativity?
Being able to see other stylists on social media definitely inspires my creativity. Also, I love attending hair shows, conferences and education days – they’re so great for sparking creativity and inspiration.
What does the hairdressing industry look like to you today?
To me, the industry looks more exciting than ever. There are lots more opportunities nowadays, which is great – I think it’s largely down to social media and stylists being able to showcase their talents more. I feel the industry is taken more seriously these days too, and stylists are now able to charge their worth.
Is hairdressing what you thought it would be?
Hairdressing is a lot more than I thought it would be back when I started in 2000. A lot of people get the impression that it’s all about standing behind a chair cutting hair all day, but there is so much more to the hair world! There’s a whole other side of it which I am loving exploring – things like photoshoots, awards, hair shows, magazine entries and lots more.
Do you have a signature style or technique that sets you apart?
My signature style is blondes and seamless blends, finished off with a classy wave. Having ADHD makes me a perfectionist, so I focus a lot on the attention to detail. This also helps me create stunning bobs – another one of my signature styles. I love a good bob!
Are there any particular products, tools or technologies you’re obsessed with right now?
I absolutely love my Hot Tools Curl Bar – it’s an absolute must in my tool kit for creating waves and curls. Also, my favourite brand, Neäl & Wølf – I couldn’t achieve the colours and styles I do without its products and colours!
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in hairdressing today?
For anyone starting out, my advice would be to stick in and work hard. A lot of young people get the impression that hairdressing is easy, but it’s really not. It can be seriously hard work, but when you see your clients’ happy faces, it makes it all worth it. People starting out need to realise it’s a marathon not a sprint, and to become the best hairdresser you can be takes years of practise.
What do you think makes a great hairdresser stand out from the rest?
It’s not just the fabulous results they create, but their personality too. How a hairdresser makes their clients feel is just as important as how they make them look. Also, a bit of humour. I aim to make my clients laugh at least once each visit!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
In 10 years’ time, I would like to see my brand grow to a larger scale, my salon running smoother than ever and possibly my very own daughter taking the reins. I’d love to have more opportunities in the industry and hopefully more awards under my belt. Most importantly, I hope I’m still loving doing hair and having fun!
