All About The Men

Yesterday I made my way to London for an education in Men's Hair and I was definitely wowed by what I learnt.

Presenting Just Got Easier

Monday started with a bang! (and 15 minutes de-icing my car) but all the same it was awesome and I discovered just what makes a great presentation with the hair industry legend Debbie G 

Win £2,500 Bespoke Hair Education

Win a years worth of bespoke hairdressing education worth £2,500! I get the inside scoop and tell you how you can apply

The F.A.M.E. Team (Day 2)

Monday was a pretty awesome day! I got to spend the morning with the new F.A.M.E. Team, and why did I love it?

COLLECTION: Seclusion

Introducing SECLUSION with unbelievably stunning talent and expertise from Amelia Evans, Lucy Tuck, Luke Benson and Peter Burkill

COLLECTION: ClubStar Art Team with BaByliss PRO UK

I was lucky enough to be able to catch a glimpse of the action back stage at this phenomenal shoot and I am so excited to share the amazing collection with you

COLLECTION: Dark Romantic

Introducing DARK ROMANTIC with stunning silhouettes created by the black and white imagery using different textures, including braiding and crimping

An Industry Celebration

Every year the hair industries top experts gather for a celebration at The Fellowship for British Hairdressings Luncheon & Awards, and this year I was invited to attend the sold out event

COLLECTION: Metallica

Introducing METALLICA with its dark and edgy feel using the cooler side of the colour palette to create a moonlight inspired collection 

FAME Team 2015 : The Future

I have been privileged to have followed the F.A.M.E. Teams journey since I undertook my new role in March this year. This fantastic four have had a year action packed with mentoring days, stage presence and even a trip to South Africa. Today I got to spend their final day as part of this prestigious Team at the beautiful Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge with Errol Douglas MBE, and find out why  we haven't heard the last from Amelia. Lucy, Luke and Peter. 

TREND ALERT: Oil Slick Hair

Recently the hashtag #oilslick has been trending on Social Media and is a beautiful look that is influenced by the colours created from an oil slick.

HJ's 2015 British Hairdressing Awards

Last night was the prestigious Hairdressers Journal British Hairdressing Awards which changes the lives of 16 winners through this amazing accolade

A Morning with an Industry Legend

Monday was a pretty awesome day! The End Just kidding, well about "the end" part. Read about my awesome day with an industry legend

A Touch of Pink

Who hasn't heard about BLEACH Londons range in Boots? 

Behind The Scenes

I recently had the privilege of being in attendance of a beautiful collection for F.A.M.E. Team 2015 and I showed you the fabulous imagery here

The concept was like nothing I have seen before and along with the still images are moving cinemagraph imagery which definitely left me saying "wow"

I am very lucky to be able to attend some fabulous photo shoots in my job so I thought a little 'behind the scenes' would share just what goes into creating those beautiful collections you see in the glossy magazines and online

Meet Amelia Evans, Lucy Tuck, Luke Benson and Peter Burkill and prepare to be inspired

Let me know what you think and remember if you are an aspiring hairdresser, editor for a magazine or want information for your blog then get in touch. I love hearing from you and I have already met some amazing people through my blog so thank you

Credits:

Hair: Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s F.A.M.E Team Amelia Evans, Lucy Tuck, Luke Benson and Peter Burkill
Creative direction: Andreas Stavrou at StillMotionInc
Photography Stills: David Mannah
Motion: D&A Films
Styling: Bernard Connolly
Make-up: Krystie G

"Still Motion"

A few months ago I spent the day with the fantastic four Amelia, Lucy, Luke and Peter for their F.A.M.E. Team 2015 shoot in collaboration with ghd ( Read more here ) 

I love working with these four and they really are ones to watch in the industry. I am now incredibly pleased to show you the collection "Still Motion"

The Story: Still Motion introduces the concept of a digital and print platform in this collection inspired originality and timelessness. Still Motion embraces a fresh and captivating vibe, with beautiful emotive styling that is enhanced by cinemagraphic movement to create something entirely innovative

Hair: F.A.M.E. Team in collaboration with GHD

Photography Stills: David Mannah

Motion: D&A Films

Reportage & SBS’s: Ashley Martin

Styling: Bernard Connolly

Make-up: Krystie G

Let me know what you think, and stay tuned to hear more from this Team

Much love
LJ x

Preparing for a Trade Show

This year I was lucky enough to be front row for all three days of The Fellowship Stage at Salon International. That means I had the perfect view of everything the fantastic line up had to showcase. I was writing, taking photos and live twitter feeding throughout - oh plus I got a cheeky fringe cut in by the legend that is Bruno Marc from Marc Antoni.

After arriving on Saturday - coffee in hand and a quick flat to heel change of shoe - I took my place for the show. 

1. Be prepared

These shows are the perfect opportunity to get tips and hints from big names in the industry so make sure you come armed with everything you need. Phones are perfect for recording and capturing beautiful looks but a pen and paper never goes a miss at these events. A quick jot down of everything and anything can mean the difference between knowing where to place a hair piece or how to produce a show stopping avante garde look

Oh and food! Never under estimate how busy you might be at a show like this. That sandwich break you think you will have you probably wont so bring lunch. My top tip - if you are staying in a hotel their biscuits can make the difference between tummy rumbling and feeling slightly fulfilled

2. Dress Code

That beautiful outfit you have seen in Topshop will be perfect and those high heels would look great with it. Just remember you will be on your feet all day and you might look hot but when you are walking like a baby giraffe because your toes are crumpled and your feel are killing you wont look quite as glamorous

3. Plan

This is the perfect opportunity to visit some great brands and see some fabulous shows. Don't just rock up and hope for the best. Plan who you want to see and consider getting to the stage earlier. Limited seating will mean those shoes you have still chosen to wear (against my advice) will be subjecting your feet to even more standing

4. Be Professional

Any trade exhibition you visit should be considered an interview. You are passing by industry experts so remember to impress. You never know when you might meet them again. Swearing and talking loudly over a coffee in the cafe isn't how you want to be remembered

5. Be surprised

You have chosen who you want to see and you have seen all the brands you want to so what next? Go and see someone you haven't. Better than that go and support an upcoming team or individual. Everyone appreciates a full crowd and I was wowed by all of our younger or less well known experts

6. Ask

Our membership is a great opportunity to network, and there are lots of other great organisations in every industry so don't be afraid to ask for more details. You cannot be expected to know everything so don't feel silly - ASK!

7. Enjoy

You have been looking forward to this exhibition all year and now it is here - ENJOY!

F.A.M.E. Team Finalists are Announced

On Tuesday 22nd September I made my way down from Members' Night in Stockport to the Wella Studios in London for the eagerly anticipated Semi Finals for F.A.M.E. Team 2016. With only 4 places available this really is a competitive opportunity to showcase their talents to a panel of judges.

I was very excited to attend this competition and the talent filling the rooms was tremendous. However, before I go on I should fill you on The Team and why it is so renowned in the industry.

The F.A.M.E. Team is 4 individuals who undertake a year of mentoring days with top industry names providing a platform for future recognition. They can expert to learn from workshops, photo shoots and large trade shows which in turn develop their skills, confidence and expertise. I feature the Team a lot and that is mainly because I am very lucky to be able to attend a lot of what they do and January will see me working alongside 4 new individuals which is very exciting!

Okay so the Semi Finals ... well it was all about finding out who these hairdressers were and what their skills were. Judging was on their haircutting ability; how they could recreate their photographic image and also what they could produce in terms of hair up. The aim is to showcase what they can do and how they work under pressure. Shows can be stressful and the F.A.M.E. Team will often be under time constraints to produce work ready for call times.

Further to this it was about getting to know them so formal interviews provided a background for the judges to understand why and what they were about.

That evening a stage show was put on where everyone worked in teams of 4 to present their cut and hair up to a sold out audience (with me smiling at the front on my "reserved" seat). This also provided an opportunity to see how they were able to prepare as a Team and how they could work as a group. It was fascinating to see what they produced and how they worked well with people they had just met.

The show was extraordinary and the room was a flurry or those supporting and cheering on colleagues, family and friends. the current Team I worked with were also on stage which is always a pleasure.

I can now announce the finalists who will be on stage at Salon International in a few weeks, and I really encourage you to come along and see us if you are there

Rosie Binns, Ethos
Matthew Gavin, Christian Wiles Hairdressing
Jamie Benny, Rush
Casey Coleman, Ocean Hairdressing
Melissa Timperley, Sassoons
Alfie Pfeffer, Headmasters
James Earnshaw, Francesco Advanced Academy
Zoe Williams, Ken Picton

A massive congratulations to all 8 and good luck for next month!

I am also looking for an enthusiastic person(s) who wants some PR experience. Come join me for some or all of the weekend to see what it is all about and meet some fab people!

Stockport welcomes a night of inspiration

Last night I was lucky enough to be invited to attend an exciting industry evening at Alan Howard.

The Fellowship has fast become a big part of my life with my role as PR & Marketing being a position I love and enjoy. Our Members' Night has been an eagerly anticipated event in London for many years and last night it took to the stage in Stockport for the first time. Teams prepped their models backstage as the auditorium filled with excited individuals there to support and be inspired by the work introduced on stage. 

Having been a manager of a salon previously I think nights like this are so important for developing skills. Many of those who presented models had never done anything like this and I was incredibly impressed with the level of expertise and confidence. I highly recommend getting involved at one of these events! 

Ten teams have 4 minute presentations with inspirations including Alexander McQueen; animal skins and even ceramics. There was bold silhouettes, and matte colour placements as well as strong geometric shapes and each look was complimented by styling. The aim is to impress the room and get yourself noticed and it provides the experience needed l put on a show. 

Along with this we were treated to a wonderful interview with Darren Messiah of K H Salons. The fabulous Karine Jackson asked Darren about his professional career and it was really interesting hearing about how he balances his personal life with his 21 salons. He was insightful and knowledgeable and I loved hearing how supportive he is of his Teams, who even presented three models on stage last night too. 

If you are an upcoming hairdresser and want to get involved or find out more get in touch. Perhaps you are wanting to get involved in the PR of this amazing industry I might be able to help :) 

Where are the F.A.M.E. Team headed?

At the end of this month one of the amazing Teams I get to work with are jetting off to South Africa for a very exciting show. I thought it would be great to catch up with them to find out what they are looking forward to and what we can expect from them on stage

Introducing The Team 

Amelia Evans is Senior Stylist at Russell Eaton in Leeds and like me is a massive fan of The Story So Far - who she has actually got to meet! Amelia loves working with strong shapes and simplicity in her cutting styles and has loved every minute so far of being on F.A.M.E. Team this year. She also has two cute additions at home Toby and Phoebe 

Luke Benson is an Artistic Director at D&J Ambrose in Middlesex who loves a bit of classic MoTown and 90's Slow Jam R'n'B. Luke is very thankful for all of the individuals that have influenced him both personally and professionally over the years. He is always pushing himself to learn more and he really thrives in the industry and being part of The Team!

Lucy Tuck is a Creative Director at Marc Antoni in Woodley, Reading and had The Weekend on repeat on her playlist. Lucy describes her cutting style as classic, with precision lines and loves to push herself creatively. She also loves a holiday and some sunshine and I spend a lot of time wishing I was wherever she is (as it is normally raining here)

Peter Burkill is an Educator and Salon Director for HOB in Camden, London. Pete has an eclectic style and loves everything the industry has to offer and is constantly developing his industry skills. Massively passionate about what he does! His cat also deserves a mention Indy

Antony Licata is the Project Leader for The Team and makes sure everything is organised and planned for their busy calendar. With an expert industry background with Mahogany Hairdressing he is fantastic at what he does - plus he also runs marathons ... in fast times!

What are you most looking forward to?

Luke "The opportunity to showcase young British hairdressing out in South Africa is amazing and we cannot wait to represent The Fellowship on stage!"

Antony "To bring Amelia, Lucy, Luke and Peter together for a concentrated amount of time is exciting. We are going to produce 2 shows that will make us and The Fellowship incredibly proud!"

Lucy "This is such a good opportunity for us and we feel so honoured. I cannot wait to get on stage and showcase our creativity and I am so grateful for The Fellowship for giving us this opportunity"

You all get on so well, and I love spending time with all of you at your shoots and mentoring days, are you looking forward to working as a team out in South Africa?

Luke "We get on really well and being together for the show will be amazing! Our Team relations will become so much stronger ... if they could get stronger"

Lucy "Sharing this experience with Amelia, Luke, Peter and Antony will be amazing. I am honestly so excited!"

Amelia "I can't wait! We are going to put on such an amazing show and we work so well as a team already it will make us even stronger"

What can we expect from the show?

Pete "Our show is a mix of different influences from the creatives around us and all the amazing experts we have worked with. I cannot wait to bring our vision 'contrast' to life"

Antony "The creative journey of 'contrast' will be fantastic on stage and it will demonstrate the editorial creativity with precision cutting and colouring skills working in perfect harmony. It is a show not to be missed!"

I know Antony has been very busy preparing for this exciting trip. How will you are spending your time in South Africa before the show?

Amelia "We have lots to do while we are preparing for the show. Preparing the models for stage and running through the show as a team. It is really exciting"

Luke "We have been working hard beforehand too as we need to make sure we have the music for the show and the make up looks in preparation for showing the team out there"

Antony "The Team have worked really hard making sure they are prepared for the show and I have loved supporting them along the way. It has been very busy as we are working with a Team that aren't in this country so we have to make sure we have everything ready before we set off"

This show is going to be incredible and I am lucky to spend a lot of time with these 5 and they truly are awesome. For more information on the show click here