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Future Tense

Future Tense

Nov 2, 2025 | CREATIVE PROJECTS, CREATIVE PROJECTS HEADER, EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE, Partnership

Partnership

Future tense styling with a Creative HEAD shoot, in partnership with BaBylissPRO

Artificial intelligence may be able to simulate almost anything, but for this project, we’re going back to reality, styling hair that’s so polished, so pristine, so unbelievably perfect, it’s surely an illusion… But it’s not.  

In a Creative HEAD partnership shoot with BaBylissPRO, we fuse innovative technology for modern styling alongside the power of artistry and precision of hair professionals. This is hand-crafted hair – designed for future wear, powered by future tech. 

 Three inspirational hair artists, inspired by future-gazing, share their next-gen hair looks, all created with ground-breaking tools that serve as an extension of their own hands. No AI generation, no doctoring, minimal retouching.  

 

Serving as the perfect juxtaposition, the skin and bodies of the models sporting those hair looks have been transformed courtesy of AI, showcasing that collision between authentic and digitized, crafted realism and automated enhancement. 

 

The finest tools in hand.  

Hair artistry at it most captivating.  

Hand-crafted creativity is alive and kicking.  

This is the future… and it’s electrified. 

This stylist and men’s groomer – and newly crowned Most Wanted Session winner – has blossomed from a hungry salon junior into an internationally recognised (and busy!) session stylist, whose work has featured in the likes of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle. She started assisting backstage at Fashion Week 10 years ago and now is killing it with her boundary-pushing work with DJ and activist Bimini. She has a passion for individualism and carefully nurtures relationships with muses and artists to collectively bring their visions to life.

A Most Wanted Session Stylist Legend, Syd has spent the past two decades masterfully working his way up the ranks of fashion’s most exciting talents, creating looks inspired by London’s youth driven culture. A global ambassador for BaBylissPRO, and the stylist-of-choice on set for numerous global Fashion Week shows and fashion bible editorials, Syd is adored for crafting bold, dynamic looks with an instinctive understanding of texture and character. All delivered with a cheeky grin and a can-do attitude. Has anyone ever seen Syd without a smile? 

The Percy behind the Percy & Reed salon and haircare brand, this session veteran is a master in the world of music, styling some of the biggest artists across the past three decades. From the biggest publications to Fashion Week shows, video shoots to gigs, Paul has honed a reputation for simple, clean lines delivered with calm and charm. It’s no wonder artists such as the Spice Girls, Bjork, Kylie, Ellie Goulding and Calvin Harris have been in his hair hot seat. 
 

Taking inspiration from a messed–up Barbie to classic Thierry Mugler, Lauren crafted textured looks that were playful, experimenting with shape in both organic and manufactured ways – fitting for the project’s digital vs real concept. “Where I’m coming from on this shoot is part of my inspiration was the look. Conceptually, the whole idea of AI is that it’s going back into the past, to everything that’s been created before, and using that as a resource to learn and improve. I love that idea, I think that’s beautiful,” she says. “It’s the idea of pushing things forward. It feels like growth. As people, all our experiences and that knowledge that’s in our head and our body, we feel it every day… then that goes into our work. The progression in my work as an artist comes from that from that place. There’s no future without the past; I love that it’s pushing us forward.” 

“I went for a futuristic, past and present version of the disco era – lots of volume, but bringing in this sort of gritty, broken texture as well,” says Lauren. “Kind of like a Barbie that’s been shaved and put in the bin – but a cute version! This is a beautiful duality, bringing the past with you into your future and looking pretty.”  

Key Process

Using the BaBylissPRO Drying Wand with the pik attachment to blow dry the hair out smoother, Lauren used hairspray and the wand again on cool to set the ponytail. Some strategic padding was added to build up the shape, checking regularly in the mirror and with a 360 degree view to ensure it felt right with the model’s head shape. Once happy with the padding and the shape, she added in some prepped hair extensions, cutting some as she styled. That organic placement of hair around the crown and face? Done by using the airflow from the Drying Wand and hairspray to set it as it blew out in different directions. It wasn’t uniform at all, and not too neat anywhere. Then everything was set with the Drying Wand and some salt spray. 

Key Process: Using the BaBylissPRO Drying Wand with the pik attachment to blow dry the hair out smoother, Lauren used hairspray and the wand again on cool to set the ponytail. Some strategic padding was added to build up the shape, checking regularly in the mirror and with a 360 degree view to ensure it felt right with the model’s head shape. Once happy with the padding and the shape, she added in some prepped hair extensions, cutting some as she styled. That organic placement of hair around the crown and face? Done by using the airflow from the Drying Wand and hairspray to set it as it blew out in different directions. It wasn’t uniform at all, and not too neat anywhere. Then everything was set with the Drying Wand and some salt spray. 

Tool Tip

“I used the smallest BaBylissPRO Curling Tongs in two different sizes – 13mm and 16mm – and purposefully alternated the direction going down the hair shaft and across my sectioning pattern to ensure that there were no uniform curls. I didn’t want a perfect curl, like you might have seen back in the ‘70s at the disco. This is reused Barbie and she’s not going to be pristine…” 

Tool Tip: “I used the smallest BaBylissPRO Curling Tongs in two different sizes – 13mm and 16mm – and purposefully alternated the direction going down the hair shaft and across my sectioning pattern to ensure that there were no uniform curls. I didn’t want a perfect curl, like you might have seen back in the ‘70s at the disco. This is reused Barbie and she’s not going to be pristine…” 

 

“The inspiration came from my initial thought process – when someone says ‘futuristic’, I think ‘90s Thierry Mugler,” says Lauren. Delving through the archives, she fused her model’s head’s silhouette with an elongated alien-inspired shape.

Key Process

Using the BaBylissPRO Drying Wand, Lauren was able to slick the hair back and then set it with hairspray to nail that silhouette. On top of that, she added braids – “very simplistic, which I think is futuristic” – and the result was beautiful. “You wouldn’t walk around like that – that’s what makes it futuristic,” smiles Lauren.

Using the BaBylissPRO Drying Wand, Lauren was able to slick the hair back and then set it with hairspray to nail that silhouette. On top of that, she added braids – “very simplistic, which I think is futuristic” – and the result was beautiful. “You wouldn’t walk around like that – that’s what makes it futuristic,” smiles Lauren.

As a contributor to the evolution of the new BaBylissPRO Drying Wand – he tested the various iterations from the labs in Paris, feeding back the insight that only a busy working stylist could share – Syd had already been pondering thoughts of what futuristic looks like, especially in textures and shapes. “’Future’ is shiny and glossy. The hair shouldn’t be matte, it should be, like, pumped, as if it’s been enhanced by AI. Of course, it hasn’t,” he says.

We’re looking forward, so Syd made sure this hair goes backwards! It’s aerodynamic, nodding to the shapes you see in science fiction, from spaceships to architecture. Yet one specific reference screams out (#SorryNotSorry) above the others – the acid-blooded HR Giger-designed creature from the iconic movie, ‘Alien’. When you do finally see her, it’s terrifying – mouth open, teeth bared, a laser-focused predator. This 1979 film gave us a vision of 2122; doesn’t feel that far forward now…

Key Process

A long, curved headpiece made of chicken wire was covered with the mesh from a cut up hair donut. Most of the model’s hair was blow dried back into a ponytail, using the Drying Wand – this would ultimately sit hidden within the wire headpiece. A front section of hair from ear to ear was left out and loaded with thickening spray to later blast dry smooth. Syd then grabbed the BaBylissPRO Stilista to smooth over some top sections and to ensure a graphic and shiny finish, spot on for the concept. That front section was pinned over the wire piece. A little cheat meant some hair extensions were added underneath to wrap over the piece and camouflage that wire.

A long, curved headpiece made of chicken wire was covered with the mesh from a cut up hair donut. Most of the model’s hair was blow dried back into a ponytail, using the BaBylissPRO Drying Wand – this would ultimately sit hidden within the wire headpiece. A front section of hair from ear to ear was left out and loaded with thickening spray to later blast dry smooth. Syd then grabbed the BaBylissPRO Stilista to smooth over some top sections and to ensure a graphic and shiny finish, spot on for the concept. That front section was pinned over the wire piece. A little cheat meant some hair extensions were added underneath to wrap over the piece and camouflage that wire.

Tool Tip

Syd used the BaBylissPRO Drying Wand to blast the top section of hair back and over the wire piece, with the wand’s design allowing him to get closer access for a smoother, shiny finish.

Tool Tip: Syd used the BaBylissPRO Drying Wand to blast the top section of hair back and over the wire piece, with the wand’s design allowing him to get closer access for a smoother, shiny finish.

Here, Syd once again meshes something vintage with a forward-facing vibe – in this case, the classic ‘20s Marcel Wave

Key Process

“To make that technique futuristic now, a modern way, is by using a gel to set it so it becomes shiny, lacquered and hard,” says Syd. That hard edge was key: “I wanted the ridges of the Marcel Wave feel like a big surf wave,” he explains. “More graphic in shape and a bit uglier in the way that a Marcel Wave would be done traditionally.”

But that technique bleeds into something else entirely as you move down the hair. “I wanted to change that shape into a lighter, fluffy shape, but also with the change of texture; it’s wet on the body so that again, it stays futuristic and modern-looking,” says Syd. That fluff is courtesy of the classic rik-rak technique, with hair wrapped around a pin in a circle of eight movement and set using heat. It was then taken out of the pins and brushed out with fingers to get the width and the texture. The key to a spot-on rik-rak? “Practice, practice, practice,” laughs Syd.

“To make that technique futuristic now, a modern way, is by using a gel to set it so it becomes shiny, lacquered and hard,” says Syd. That hard edge was key: “I wanted the ridges of the Marcel Wave feel like a big surf wave,” he explains. “More graphic in shape and a bit uglier in the way that a Marcel Wave would be done traditionally.”

But that technique bleeds into something else entirely as you move down the hair. “I wanted to change that shape into a lighter, fluffy shape, but also with the change of texture; it’s wet on the body so that again, it stays futuristic and modern-looking,” says Syd. That fluff is courtesy of the classic rik-rak technique, with hair wrapped around a pin in a circle of eight movement and set using heat. It was then taken out of the pins and brushed out with fingers to get the width and the texture. The key to a spot-on rik-rak? “Practice, practice, practice,” laughs Syd.

Tool Tip

Syd used the BaBylissPRO Stilista styler to “really clamp in the rik-raking”, pressing the styler along each section hairpin to clamp in heat to set the bends into the hair.

Tool Tip: Syd used the BaBylissPRO Stilista styler to “really clamp in the rik-raking”, pressing the styler along each section hairpin to clamp in heat to set the bends into the hair.

A key driver behind this XXL look? “Curls are fun,” Syd laughs. “They feel modern, always. Massive hair makes everybody feel great!”

Key Process

To know Syd is to know that he’s always going to push to get something special… and on this shoot, that meant an unplanned third look from nowhere! But genesis of this extra special treat was a new curl innovation coming in the new year…

This nail this futuristic, fluid and modern finish, Syd needed the silhouette to “be like a bubble, because everything’s about shape”. Starting with the BaBylissPRO Curling Tong in 16mm, Syd stacked the curls, going from tight at the bottom to bigger at the top (using the BaBylissPRO Curling Tong in 25mm) to ensure volume. “I also used two wigs, because it needed loads of hair and loads of curl,” he grins. “I wanted to fill the frame. It felt very cool, very right.”

 

To know Syd is to know that he’s always going to push to get something special… and on this shoot, that meant an unplanned third look from nowhere! But genesis of this extra special treat was a new curl innovation coming in the new year…

This nail this futuristic, fluid and modern finish, Syd needed the silhouette to “be like a bubble, because everything’s about shape”. Starting with the BaBylissPRO Curling Tong in 16mm, Syd stacked the curls, going from tight at the bottom to bigger at the top (using the BaBylissPRO Curling Tong in 25mm) to ensure volume. “I also used two wigs, because it needed loads of hair and loads of curl,” he grins. “I wanted to fill the frame. It felt very cool, very right.”

 

As a superfan of David Bowie, it should come as no surprise that Paul’s concept of future-forward finishes is an exploration of androgyny and confidence. When it comes to the dichotomy of authenticity and AI fuel, he admits that he’s “totally split down the middle”. “I’ve always been a big fan of innovation, but I’ve always got old cameras and old cars – and vinyl and analogue are cool. I shoot nearly every day, creating imagery, and AI is going to massively impact my life,” he muses.

“On the flip side, I’m excited about some things that you can create that you couldn’t before, the doors it opens,” he adds. “The reality is, the better the AI gets, the better it will get at being more organic looking. However, human creativity isn’t always about getting things perfect. It’s the imperfections that sometimes make something more beautiful.” He references his beloved Bowie, who spoke of the genesis of his iconic Ziggy Stardust persona relying on making mistakes and then embracing those mistakes. “AI can only do perfect. Even if it’s trying to do something that isn’t perfect, it’s doing it perfectly” laughs Paul. “We’re not perfect, and that leads to creativity, to happy accidents, which can’t be recreated…”

 

Paul purposely cast an androgynous model to bring his concepts to life. “I love the idea of quite a tough hairstyle, based around over-groomed guys with that 50s vibe, but the make-up is then very precise and feminine,” he says. But why does a proto-Teddy Boy look future-facing? “Giving her that freedom to look tough and to own that masculine look, that’s very much the future. That toughness has a real beauty to it. If a hairstyle looks great on the person, it gives confidence… and confidence is sexy.”

Key Process

Starting with the foundation shape, Paul drew from that ‘50s classic combo of slicked quiff and curved DA at the back. This is all about that lift at the front, and the combed shape in the back – all delivered with the BaBylissPRO Drying Wand and its pik attachment. That wet look finish? Again, that’s Paul artfully playing with gender roles. “In the 50s, it would be such a guy wearing this – the slick is almost the grease of his engine that’s in his hair, right?” he laughs.

Starting with the foundation shape, Paul drew from that ‘50s classic combo of slicked quiff and curved DA at the back. This is all about that lift at the front, and the combed shape in the back – all delivered with the BaBylissPRO Drying Wand and its pik attachment. That wet look finish? Again, that’s Paul artfully playing with gender roles. “In the 50s, it would be such a guy wearing this – the slick is almost the grease of his engine that’s in his hair, right?” he laughs.

Tool Tip

For the perfect retro DA (‘duck’s arse’ to the uninitiated), the BaBylissPRO Drying Wand with the pik attachment was heaven sent, allowing Paul to literally comb the shape into the nape of the neck as he dried, setting the shape down to the all-important comb marks.

Tool Tip: For the perfect retro DA (‘duck’s arse’ to the uninitiated), the BaBylissPRO Drying Wand with the pik attachment was heaven sent, allowing Paul to literally comb the shape into the nape of the neck as he dried, setting the shape down to the all-important comb marks.

“Flip it and reverse it” – the iconic words of Missy Elliott nail the approach Paul took to his second look, flipping the concept and delivering a very feminine hairstyle with make-up that’s plain and simple (cue the bleached brows) to play again with that idea of futurism and androgyny.

Key Process

A pre-coloured wig was curled in sections using the BaBylissPRO Curling Tong in 38mm on a medium heat. Once on the model, it was back combed through the top section, again to “make it seem like a slightly unbelievable shape, which feels a little bit more futuristic” says Paul.

A pre-coloured wig was curled in sections using the BaBylissPRO 38mm Curling Tong on a medium heat. Once on the model, it was back combed through the top section, again to “make it seem like a slightly unbelievable shape, which feels a little bit more futuristic” says Paul.

Tool Tip

Each curl once formed with the BaBylissPRO 38mm Curling Tong, it was then set on a Velcro roller to keep the curl in place. “You want to leave it in for as long as possible to cool down for as long as possible, in order to get the hair to really sit up enough,” says Paul.

Tool Tip: Each curl once formed with the BaBylissPRO 38mm Curling Tong, it was then set on a Velcro roller to keep the curl in place. “You want to leave it in for as long as possible to cool down for as long as possible, in order to get the hair to really sit up enough,” says Paul.

A Creative HEAD shoot in partnership with BaByliss PRO

Hair: Lauren Bell, assisted by Avrelle Delisser; Syd Hayes, assisted by Ryan Wood and Katie Saunders; Paul Percival, assisted by Emma Vickery – all for BaByliss PRO

Portrait photography: Jerry Burke

Digital artist (portrait photography AI editing): Imogen Fox

Make-up: Natasha Sultana

Models: Tamara Adams (Premier Model Management), Alexia Gordon (Boss), Sophie Wattana (Zone)

Reportage photography: Harvey Williams-Fairley  

Videography: Noah Goodrich and Greg Michael (twobytwo)  

Editorial: Amanda Nottage (Creative HEAD)

Social media and additional video content: Haydn Hubert-Squibb and Zuri Mullings (Creative HEAD)  

Creative direction and production: Joanna Kidd (Creative HEAD)

Shot at Tank Studios, London

Aminata: Redefining Textured Hair on the Global Stage

Aminata: Redefining Textured Hair on the Global Stage

Oct 6, 2025 | CREATIVE PROJECTS, CREATIVE PROJECTS HEADER, EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE

Aminata: Redefining Textured Hair on the Global Stage

When Aminata Kamara took the stage at HAIR The Movement in Australia (14–16 September), she wasn’t just showcasing artistry, she was reframing the conversation around textured hair on one of the world’s most respected education platforms.

by ZURI | EXPLORE

Founded by industry legend Sharon Blain, HAIR The Movement is known for spotlighting the world’s most innovative stylists, but this year marked something different: a textured-hair artist not only invited, but headlining the Global Masters/Business Session. 

For Aminata, a London-based celebrity stylist with credits that span Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Prada, the invitation is more than a personal achievement. It represents a shift in how textured hair is seen and celebrated within the global fashion and beauty industries. 

“HAIR The Movement is about cutting through the noise and focusing on true, tangible education that people can apply to their work. It’s also about opening up the conversation around how people think and feel about textured hair, removing barriers that make it seem difficult, intimidating, or limited in what it can do,” she explains. 

Reframing Textured Hair in Education 

At the heart of Aminata’s work is a simple but powerful philosophy: HAIR IS HAIR. Despite the cultural myths and anxieties that have long surrounded textured hair, she insists that the fundamentals remain universal. 

“Yes, afro and curly hair have unique curl patterns, but structurally, a hair follicle is no different from that of Caucasian or any other hair type. Viewing hair as just hair, rather than treating textured hair as something unique or difficult, would be a huge step forward.” 

Aminata begins where others hesitate, with water. Often feared for causing shrinkage in afro and curly textures, she instead embraces it as the foundation of her styling. 

“Water is a great base for prepping the hair. It reveals the hair’s integrity and helps me work with it, rather than against it,” she says. Paired with product knowledge and precision, this mindset not only destigmatises textured hair but also empowers other professionals to approach it with confidence. 

Aminata’s sketches for HAIR The Movement

A Creative Process Rooted in Culture and Community 

Aminata’s inspiration flows from her surroundings: family, culture, and the diverse communities she moves within. Childhood memories of traditional styles resurface in her work, often reimagined with a modern edge. 

“My culture plays a big role. I often think back to traditional styles from my childhood and reimagine them with a modern spin. Living in a diverse environment also exposes me to different cultures, different people, and I like to bring those ideas together in a way that still feels authentic to my background.” 

Her process is both visual and tactile: mapping out looks, experimenting on mannequins, then translating those ideas into finished editorial and runway moments. 

Hair by Aminata, Makeup by Renee Sayed.

Dismantling Barriers, Building Bridges 

Despite the progress made, Aminata believes the greatest barrier in fashion and education is mindset. Too often, she notes, fear shapes how textured hair is approached, a mirror of wider cultural hesitations. 

“We need to be more open to embracing different cultures, ideas, and people, and simply see each other as human. Once you learn the basics and shift your perspective, so much changes.” 

Her mission is as much about education as it is about artistry. Through campaigns, backstage fashion week work, and content created with global creatives, she’s steadily building a bridge between textured hair and mainstream hairdressing education. 

Aminata Kamara 

A Milestone for the Future 

With Sharon Blain describing Aminata as “one of the most unique and inspiring artists I’ve met,” the recognition underscores the significance of her work. More importantly, it highlights textured hair as an essential part of the global conversation in hairdressing, not a niche or afterthought, but a celebrated craft in its own right. 

“I want people to understand that curly hair is limitless and beautiful. For too long, the language around it has been negative, born out of misunderstanding. But the future feels exciting. It starts with us coming together, embracing one another, and focusing less on differences and more on the similarities that unite us.” 

As she continues to expand her reach beyond fashion and into education and broadcasting, Aminata’s contribution at HAIR The Movement will be remembered not just as a personal milestone, but as a turning point for textured hair on the world stage. 

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This. Is. Iconic.

This. Is. Iconic.

Sep 28, 2025 | CREATIVE PROJECTS, CREATIVE PROJECTS HEADER, EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE

Promotion

Launch a colour collection, but make it brat… Inspired by a quad of today‘s most iconic and influential pop artists, Schwarzkopf Professional fuse commercial shades and colour worlds with cool service inspiration. Meet the Pop Icons

It’s a perpetual conundrum – colour is the key driver when it comes to salon profit and driving client loyalty, but to ensure the long-term future of your business, you’ve got to entice younger clients wary of colour to take the plunge.

Think about the names that inspire them, and you’ll establish a list of the most iconic and influential pop stars – each one with their own aesthetic, their own attitude and their own rabid social media following. Now, consider some of the biggest cultural moments of the summer – THAT album cover, THAT low-key Hackney wedding, THAT XXL-hair-as-star-of-the-music-video – and you can see where there are opportunities to engage those younger clients with colour moods crafted with those pop icons at the beating heart. It’s what fuels the Pop Icons collection from Schwarzkopf Professional, designed to empower both hair stylist and client, bringing together commercial shades, on-the-pulse techniques with achingly cool styling to finish.

Armed with an industry leading portfolio including IGORA, BLONDME, Fibre Clinix and OSiS and supported by an education programme that interprets the iconic looks in a commercially relevant way, Pop Icons is an inspirational mix of creativity and expert simplicity, the very embodiment of the Schwarzkopf Professional ethos – FOR EVERY YOU. 

“From pop icon inspiration to personalised perfection – put your creative spin on colour with signature formulas and expert advice tailored to every client”

Lisa Farrall
Schwarzkopf Professional global ambassador
@lisafarrall

“Create your own colour world – bringing pop icon inspiration into custom shades that notonly express your client’s individuality but also boost your creativity and business behind the chair”

Lesley Jennison
Schwarzkopf Professional global colour ambassador
@lesleyjennison

From club classics to a finish that’s short n’ sweet, see the Pop Icons collection brought to life… 

You won’t need any good luck, babe with these ravishing red finishes. Driven by a fearless approach to style, this icon challenges norms and embraces authenticity with a theatrical flourish – a bold expression wrapped in glitter and unapologetic drama! Perfect for any Midwest Princess…

Crafted by Lesley Jennison & Lisa Farrall

This meshes a global colour with peekaboo streaks. Turn to OSiS Bounty Balm and Air Whip to build that thick waved texture.

Colour 1 – The Base
IGORA ZERO AMM 6-88 + 7-77 (1:2) with IGORA ROYAL Oil Developer 3% 10 vol (1:1)

Colour 2
IGORA ZERO AMM 6-88 with IGORA ROYAL Oil Developer 6% 20 vol (1:1)

Colour 3
IGORA ZERO AMM 7-77 with IGORA ROYAL Oil Developer 9% 30 vol (1:1)

After Care

  • Fibre Clinix Shampoo
  • Fibre Clinix Hair Sealer
  • Fibre Clinix Instant Infusion Concentrate
  • Fibre Clinix Vibrancy Leave-in Conditioner

Crafted by Lesley Jennison & Lisa Farrall

This white coverage confection blends in copper foils for a full throttle finish. Form some coils with OSiS+ Tipsy Swirl for next level curls.

Colour 1 – Highlights
IGORA ROYAL Fashion Lights L-77 with IGORA ROYAL Oil Developer 12% 40 vol (1:1)

Colour 2 – Grey section
IGORA ZERO AMM 5-0 + 5-67 (2:1) with IGORA ROYAL Oil Developer 6% 20 vol (1:1)

Colour 3 – Base
IGORA ZERO AMM 5-0 + 5-67 (1:1) with IGORA ROYAL Oil Developer 6% 20 vol (1:1)

Colour 4 – Lengths And Ends
IGORA ZERO AMM 7-67 with IGORA ROYAL Oil Developer 9% 30 vol (1:1)

After Care

  • After Care Fibre Clinix Vibrancy Shampoo and Conditioner
  • Fibre Clinix Hair Sealer

Girl, this icon’s so not confusing as she gives full-on club vibes for 365 days. Controlled rebellion emanates from her glossy shadows, as her constant evolution encourages your client to embrace change and explore new identities.

Crafted by Lisa Farrall & Annie Franklin

A global application using bowl and bottle is finished with a gritty texture thanks to a generous dollop of OSiS Grip, as well as OSiS Glow and OSiS Freeze. I love it!

Colour 1 – The Roots
IGORA VIBRANCE 1-0 with IGORA VIBRANCE Activator Lotion 1.9% 6 vol

Colour 2 – Mid-Lengths And Ends
IGORA VIBRANCE 1-0 with IGORA VIBRANCE Activator Gel 1.9% 6 vol

After Care

  • Fibre Clinix Vibrancy
  • Fibre Clinix Hair Sealer
  • Fibre Clinix Instant Infusion Concentrate
  • Fibre Clinix Hydrate Leave-in Conditioner

Crafted by Lisa Farrall

This colour block placement with plum crush and sonic blue delivers all the punk edge and attitude you could possibly want with a good dose of OSiS+ Air Whip for that devil-may-care curl.

Lightener
BLONDME Premium Lightener 9+ (30g) + ash additive (5g) with Premium Developer 2% 7 vol (40g) (1:1.5)

Colour – Roots
IGORA ZERO AMM 3-0 + 5-21 (1:1) with IGORA ROYAL Oil Developer 3% 10 vol (1:1)

Toner 1
IGORA VIBRANCE 0-89 + 0-99 (2:1) with IGORA VIBRANCE Activator Gel 1.9% 6 vol (1:1)

Toner 2
IGORA VIBRANCE 9-12 + 0-22 (1:1) with IGORA VIBRANCE Activator Gel 1.9% 6 vol (1:1)

After Care

  • Fibre Clinix Vibrancy
  • Fibre Clinix Hair Sealer
  • Fibre Clinix Instant Infusion concentrate
  • Fibre Clinix Hydrate Leave-in Conditioner

    You’ll be ready to please, please, please any blonde-craving client who wants to inject a little old school glamour (with a dash of youthful charm) into their look. It’s like a shot of espresso to your creativity, and to their confidence. This icon is all about personal growth and evolution while staying absolutely true to her identity.

    Crafted by Lesley Jennison & Lisa Farrall

    Thanks to the dual highlights and an all over blonde refinement, this is a blonde that will turn heads for days. And yes, OSiS Grip helps keep in those curls, but it’s the OSiS Sparkler that delivers the dazzle.

    Lightener – The Highlights
    BLONDME Premium Lightener 9+ with Premium Developer 2% 7 vol (1:2)

    Colour – The Highlights
    IGORA ROYAL Highlift 10-1 with IGORA ROYAL Oil Developer 12% 40 vol (1:2)

    Toner – BLONDME Refinement
    IGORA ZERO AMM 10-0 + Schwarzkopf Professional Color Enabler Hair Sealer + IGORA ROYAL Oil Developer 6% 20 vol (1:1:1)

    After Care

    • BLONDME Nourishing Shampoo, Hair Sealer, Conditioner
    • BLONDME Sealing Balm

    Crafted by Lesley Jennison & Lisa Farrall

    This low maintenance warm blonde with highlifts and tipouts serves a lighter finish that still delivers the fresh, fun hue with a playful edge. For a finish that looks like you’ve been out on the dancefloor, turn to OSiS+ Flatliner, Glow and Velvet.

    Colour 1
    IGORA ZERO AMM 10-2 with IGORA ROYAL Oil Developer 9% 30 vol (1:1)

    Colour 2
    IGORA ZERO AMM 10-19 with IGORA ROYAL Oil Developer 9% 30 vol (1:1)

    Lightener
    BLONDME Premium Lightener 9+ with Premium Developer 6% 20 vol (1:1.5)

    Toner
    IGORA VIBRANCE CLEAR

    After Care

    • Fibre Clinix Vibrancy Shampoo, Hair Sealer, Conditioner
    • Fibre Clinix Vibrancy Leave-in Conditioner
    • Fibre Clinix Smoothing Leave-in Conditioner

    Crafted by Lesley Jennison

    My, My, My this heavy-on-the foils colour finish delivers a modern, warm kiss of sun that’s fresh and forward while still giving us a little ‘90s love. The foiling technique alternates two different foil patterns for maximum brightness and lift to deliver ALL the dimensions. The finish? Well, that has a carefree vibe we’re crushing on, with soft and messy texture that’s serving effortlessly tousled. What an angel, baby.

    Pre-Lighten
    Foil A: IGORA VARIO Blonde Plus + IGORA ROYAL Oil Developer 3% 10 vol (1:2)

    Foil B: IGORA VARIO Blonde Plus + IGORA ROYAL Oil Developer 6% 20 vol (1:2)

    Alternating 1 x Foil A to 2 x Foil B

    Toning
    IGORA VIBRANCE 9-1 + IGORA VIBRANCE Activator Gel 1.9% 6 vol (1:1)

    After Care

    • BLONDME Shampoo and Nourishing Conditioner

    Ensure your colour services geared to younger clients are always iconic with Schwarzkopf Professional. To discover more about the portfolio and how to create these chart-topping looks, sign up for free at eacademy.schwarzkopf-professional.com

    London Fashion Week SS26

    London Fashion Week SS26

    Sep 24, 2025 | CREATIVE PROJECTS, CREATIVE PROJECTS HEADER, EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE

    London Fashion Week SS26

    A quick peek at the hair to share

    by AMANDA | EXPLORE

    Photography: Mattero Valle

    Dreaming Eli

    Danilo Giangreco for Revlon Professional

    Titled “My Name is Amore”, the show was a love letter to women everywhere, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Gothic-style St. Cyprian’s Church in Marylebone. Hair was styled to echo the theme of romance; ethereal, soft, and polished yet with an undone edge. Danilo created the ‘love-me-knot’, a look that suggested the intimacy of love itself, intentional, passionate, and touched with the tenderness of the morning after. Hair was knotted and braided into a halo-like shape, then twisted into a delicate bun with loose pieces left to fall, evoking both softness and sensuality. A perfect match for a show bursting with feminine softness and strength all rolled into one!

    Photography: Thomas Morgan for Authentic Beauty Concept

    Erdem

    Anna Cofone for Authentic Beauty Concept

    It was back to British Museum for Erdem – it’s become his unofficial #LFW home – as names such as Beth Ditto and Ambika Mod gathered to enjoy the breathtakingly romantic pieces, inspired by the 19th Century Swiss medium Hélène Smith. Her trances “carried her across centuries, continents and planets”, and she believed herself to have lived other lives – within the French court, as an Indian princess and as a traveller in the Martian skies. Plenty for Anna to get her teeth into when it came to stories for the hair. She referenced the classic ‘70s mystery ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’, alluding to the girls’ mussed-up, partied-out, next day hair. The hair looks embodied girls caught in fleeting moments – hair tousled and lived-in, with abstract waves and kinks.

    Emilia Wickstead

    Soichi Inagaki for Bumble and bumble

    This collection drew on the radical sensuality and striking contrasts of photographer Robert Mapplethorpe – beauty and brutality, softness and severity, art and desire.

    To mirror Wickstead’s meditation on contrast and quiet sensuality, lead hairstylist Soichi Inagaki using Bumble and bumble created hair that felt refined yet effortless, with soft movement as each model’s natural texture was accentuated. The result channelled the collection’s themes of duality, with hair that felt lived-in and intimate, yet carried the sculptural elegance and quiet power of a Mapplethorpe portrait.

    Photography: Joss Wild for Authentic Beauty Concept

    Susan Fang

    Anna Cofone for Authentic Beauty Concept
    The hair direction was inspired by the symbiotic relationship between nature and human design. Models wore a blend of natural, lived-in textures contrasted with sculptural, almost futuristic shapes; a vision of beauty set thousands of years ahead. Floating loops, sweeping side partings and weightless textures captured Susan Fang’s creative theme perfectly. Overall, an effortless, lived-in feel with a touch of the poetic.

    Vin + Omi

    Karoliina Saunders for R+Co

    Dishevelled, worn, messy beehives and explosive hair that looked shattered reflected the show’s concept of dysphoria, with tools to hand from Cloud Nine. Both styles were crafted using donated synthetic wigs, underscoring the show’s powerful message of sustainability. Backcombing magic starts with R+Co Sky Line Dry Shampoo; its powdered texture delivers that perfect, runway-ready volume. She kept the product line up minimal, using R+Co Vicious for hold and Rockaway Sea Salt Spray on the ends to achieve a worn-in finish, enhanced with razoring for those edgy, shattered details. She also razored the ends to achieve the same effect.

    AKOK

    Richard Phillipart for Authentic Beauty Concept

    On the top floor of Hamleys, tucked between plushie Pokémons and toy planes, designer Anamika Khanna unveiled her debut LFW collection for AKOK. Reinventing traditional Indian garments with a contemporary edge, the show was complemented by hair direction from Richard Phillipart, tailoring looks to each model’s individuality. Some styles carried a smoother, more refined texture, while others embraced a grungier, undone finish. Across the board, there was a carefree essence running through, enhanced by subtle braids threaded beneath the hair.

    Karina Bond

    Efi Davies for TONI&GUY

    Efi led the TONI&GUY Session Team in crafting a 3D silhouette within the hair, extending the back of the head shape to create a squared, top-heavy effect. Elements of Karina’s 3D printing technique were seen using studs in the hair, adding a futuristic edge. With ‘The Midnight Sun’, the label presented a contrast to the rise of illusory AI fashion, with pioneering innovation and craftsmanship that feel otherworldly yet exist in the physical realm.

    Richard Quinn

    Sam McKnight for Hair by Sam McKnight

    An haute couture updo, the look was an ode to glamour and elegance, with a sleek French twist and volume. With Naomi Campbell opening the show, what followed was a showcase of silhouettes, from caped column gowns to ‘50s tulle skirts.

    Edeline Lee

    Philipp Haug for Schwarzkopf Professional

    SS26 The theatrical elements of the clothes were contrasted with modern, sleek hair with strong partings in a ponytail or neatly tucked into the statement collars. A clean approach was taken to keep the focus on the clothes, styling hair away from the face and incorporating different hair length models. Minimalist ponytails and high-collar clothing were paired with strong side partings to evoke a sense of strength.

    Roksanda

    Anna Cofone for Authentic Beauty Concept

    A fantastic show blending sculptural beauty and high-gloss style to honour Roksanda’s 20 years of visionary design. Backstage, Anna shaped hair like modern art to carve fluid, high-shine shapes. With wide-tooth combs, sculptural lines and curves were etched into both short and long styles with sides kept sleek and square, crowns pushed back into graphic forms. Diffused drying sealed the structure, creating looks that were fluid yet bold, mirroring Roksanda’s dynamic silhouettes.

    Rory Docherty

    Richard Phillipart for Authentic Beauty Concept

    A lived-in, summer-fresh look by Richard and his team, inspired by the prints and designs on the clothes, hand drawn by Rory and featuring sea anemones, pebbles, stones and the movement of water. They wanted to evoke that same fresh crisp summer feeling in the hair. Starting with Authentic Beauty Concept Glow Spray Serum, he layered on Nymph Salt Spray for that effortless, air-dried texture. Solid Pomade up front and the Strong hold spray kept every raked strand perfectly in place

    Cos Sakkas for TONI&GUY

    Cos led the TONI&GUY Session Team in capturing the allure of movie icon Sharon Tate, evoking the spirit of late ’60s California glamour. The look features a voluminous beehive silhouette paired with soft, face-framing strands, a modern interpretation that pays homage to her signature elegance and the bouffant styles of 1967. Retro yet contemporary, the hair complemented Paul Costelloe’s Boulevard of Dreams collection, a vibrant ode to femininity, freedom and effortless glamour.

    Harri

    Danilo Giangreco for Revlon Professional and American Crew

    Danilo worked with American Crew and Revlon Professional to embrace the models’ own style, making them feel like their true selves on the runway, celebrating natural curls, all textures, mullets and extra-long hair, embracing individuality and what made each of the models unique. The concept for the show was creatives walking to work and the line-up featured a mix of models and working people. The hair looks played into the ongoing, genderless hair trend of balancing softness with edge working across masculine and feminine aesthetics. For men’s hair, full fringes and curtain bangs remain a strong hair trend in 2026 adding character and personal expression to layered cuts. 

    Oscar Ouyang with NEWGEN

    Kim Rance

    The NEWGEN space was buzzing, and backstage carried the same energy; lively yet calm, organised chaos with a playful edge, and yes… feathers everywhere! These feathers, sourced as by-products from chickens and turkeys, were woven into both the outfits and the hair, giving the show a slightly feral, eccentric “public school boy” vibe. Former It List winner, Kim Rance, was on hand, curling, brushing and artfully tucking in feathers to create the look of a mischievous pillow fight aftermath.

    Left: Patrick Wilson (photography by Matteo Valle) Right: Issac Poleon (photography by Alexis White)

    SPOTTED!

    Hairstylists hit the runway at Harri, with session stylists Patrick Wilson and Issac Poleon walking rather than doing hair (Danilo Giangreco for Revlon Professional had that job!)

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    The Natural World

    The Natural World

    Aug 26, 2025 | CREATIVE PROJECTS, CREATIVE PROJECTS HEADER, EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE, Partnership

    Partnership

    Cute, cool, and authentically au naturel – hair this simply stunning requires a magic mix of craftsmanship and product performance… and we’ve brought it! 

    For this Creative HEAD shoot in partnership with Authentic Beauty Concept, we tasked two hair artists to craft six looks – all with ‘natural’ in their DNA, whipped up using their favourite products and showcasing their unique styling moves. A loose bun, a little kick, a textured braid – this is elevated ‘everyday’ hair with a modern play, exquisitely styled to look perfectly effortless.

    This menu is a natural selection that clients will covet, offering gorgeously beautiful hair that looks oh-so real and authentic, always. 

    Melissa Timperley

    Founder of Melissa Timperley in Manchester and adored for her work with textured hair and her modern approach to education, Melissa embodies just what Authentic Beauty Concept is all about. Stunningly crafted looks that meld a stylist’s creativity with a client’s desire for a natural finish that they can replicate at home.

    Anthony McMeiken

    Creative director of Jesmond’s Sassine, Anthony is an artisan who ensures his luxury salon brand delights guests while gifting them their-hair-but-better natural vibes. As an educator for Authentic Beauty Concept, he knows just what to grab to get that high shine swish that looks natural and effortless.

    Danielle Vinson, Louise Nimmick, Victoria Rowland and Jo Eykyn

    Say hello to this cadre of Authentic Beauty Concept brand guardians, gathered to enjoy an incredible community opportunity. On hand to help ensure the finished looks serve that natural aesthetic, they’ve also had the chance to soak up the atmosphere of an editorial shoot and learn those inside hair hacks from Melissa and Anthony’s tool kit!

    The wave in this finish is the merest hint of pattern, an apparition that’s soft and subtle and always high on shine. Clever use of an S-shaped waver on some pulled out pieces – around the cheekbones, for example – enhance the finish, bending some ends in different ways to create a slightly more polished look.

    Crafted using: Authentic Beauty Concept Replenish Spray Conditioner, Hand & Hair Light Cream

    The hero here doesn’t wear a cape – it comes in a tube! “The Hand & Hair Light Cream is my favorite. We use it a lot at Fashion Weeks,” says Melissa. “It can just be popped in your handbag, and it’s great for sealing in any ends and also adding definition to your ghost waves.”

    The wave in this finish is the merest hint of pattern, an apparition that’s soft and subtle and always high on shine. Clever use of an S-shaped waver on some pulled out pieces – around the cheekbones, for example – enhance the finish, bending some ends in different ways to create a slightly more polished look.

    Crafted using: Authentic Beauty Concept Replenish Spray Conditioner, Hand & Hair Light Cream

    The hero here doesn’t wear a cape – it comes in a tube! “The Hand & Hair Light Cream is my favorite. We use it a lot at Fashion Weeks,” says Melissa. “It can just be popped in your handbag, and it’s great for sealing in any ends and also adding definition to your ghost waves.”

    Think ‘blowouts’ and you’ll be forgiven for picturing a gravity-defying bouffant, but that’s not what this is about. Yes, you want a little grit, a little memory, but most of all, this laid-back blow dry is about accentuating the glow of a beautiful colour as well as building in a little shape. This is loose, languid, laissez faire – never over styled, never overdone.

    Crafted using: Authentic Beauty Concept Glow Cleanser and Conditioner, Glow Spray Serum, Amplify Mousse, Airy Texture Spray

    Anthony used two different brush sizes, so that the curls didn’t look too samey or uniform. “Some of the curls are a little bit more formed, and some of the sections are a little bit looser and just a little bit flicked,” he explains. “And we really concentrated on that mid-level body, so not too much body in the hair, but not too flat. It really doesn’t feel over styled; it’s semi-polished, not too raw. Finish with a little Airy Texture Spray just in at the roots, for that bit of extra grit in the hair for hold.”

    Think ‘blowouts’ and you’ll be forgiven for picturing a gravity-defying bouffant, but that’s not what this is about. Yes, you want a little grit, a little memory, but most of all, this laid-back blow dry is about accentuating the glow of a beautiful colour as well as building in a little shape. This is loose, languid, laissez faire – never over styled, never overdone.

    Crafted using: Authentic Beauty Concept Glow Cleanser and Conditioner, Glow Spray Serum, Amplify Mousse, Airy Texture Spray

    Anthony used two different brush sizes, so that the curls didn’t look too samey or uniform. “Some of the curls are a little bit more formed, and some of the sections are a little bit looser and just a little bit flicked,” he explains. “And we really concentrated on that mid-level body, so not too much body in the hair, but not too flat. It really doesn’t feel over styled; it’s semi-polished, not too raw.”

    Think nature, think rugged beauty – you can’t spell ‘wilderness’ without ‘wild’, and the idea of this fuller curl is to wholly embrace the natural texture and even amp it up just that little bit in places you feel it needs it. Some sections will be straighter, and that’s a-okay. This finish is one to ride into the sunset with…

    Crafted using: Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Curl Enhancer, Working Hairspray, Airy Texture Spray, Hydrate Smoothing Serum

    To prep, Melissa used the Hydrate Curl Enhancer on wet hair, “squidging until you hear a squelch!” and then twisting each section depending on which way the root falls. “Apply to wet hair, it’s a really great trick for curly hair,” she says. “It acts as an anti-humectant to stop the curls going frizzy as you touch them” Want another great trick? When combing through and dressing out the curls, use the Airy Texture Spray… but then wait a little bit (“like when you put deodorant on,” grins Melissa). “Don’t touch the hair straight away, allow it to cool on the head, and then you can go through. What that means is the heat from your hands isn’t moving the product into parts that you don’t want.”

    Think nature, think rugged beauty – you can’t spell ‘wilderness’ without ‘wild’, and the idea of this fuller curl is to wholly embrace the natural texture and even amp it up just that little bit in places you feel it needs it. Some sections will be straighter, and that’s a-okay. This finish is one to ride into the sunset with…

    Crafted using: Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Curl Enhancer, Working Hairspray, Airy Texture Spray, Hydrate Smoothing Serum

    To prep, Melissa used the Hydrate Curl Enhancer on wet hair, “squidging until you hear a squelch!” and then twisting each section depending on which way the root falls. “Spray on wet hair, it’s a really great trick for curly hair,” she says. “It acts as an anti-humectant to stop the curls going frizzy as you touch them” Want another great trick? When combing through and dressing out the curls, use the Airy Texture Spray… but then wait a little bit (“like when you put deodorant on,” grins Melissa). “Don’t touch the hair straight away, allow it to cool on the head, and then you can go through. What that means is the heat from your hands isn’t moving the product into parts that you don’t want.”

    For a while the top knot replaced the ponytail as the cool girl’s go-to off duty. Then suddenly those knots morphed into ever-increasing buns that looked precisely like the effort they took. Nope, not with this knot – it’s a return to that DIY, on-the-down-low vibe that looks achingly cool without even trying. Two simple sections tie above and below, a little pull in a places, and you’re good to go. 

    Crafted using: Authentic Beauty Concept Amplify Mousse, Nymph Salt Spray, Airy Texture Spray, Dry Shampoo

    Use Dry Shampoo to soak up any excess moisture in the hair before taking two pieces from the nape and almost draping the hair over. You then use those two pieces as almost the elastic for the ponytail. “So, twisting them, bringing them up and over the hair around in your knot, and securing them back underneath,” explains Anthony. “No bands or anything – it’s all done just with the hair, in that kind of effortless, undone manner.”

    An extra tip from Anthony? “Pop a little bit of Amplify Mousse on the back of your hand, and with a make-up brush or a soft tint brush, just brush the mousse lightly in on any flyaways around the nape. It’ll dry and hold it in shape as well without being crunchy.”

    For a while the top knot replaced the ponytail as the cool girl’s go-to off duty. Then suddenly those knots morphed into ever-increasing buns that looked precisely like the effort they took. Nope, not with this knot – it’s a return to that DIY, on-the-down-low vibe that looks achingly cool without even trying. Two simple sections tie above and below, a little pull in a places, and you’re good to go. 

    Crafted using: Authentic Beauty Concept Amplify Mousse, Nymph Salt Spray, Airy Texture Spray, Dry Shampoo

    Use Dry Shampoo to soak up any excess moisture in the hair before taking two pieces from the nape and almost draping the hair over. You then use those two pieces as almost the elastic for the ponytail. “So, twisting them, bringing them up and over the hair around in your knot, and securing them back underneath,” explains Anthony. “No bands or anything – it’s all done just with the hair, in that kind of effortless, undone manner.”

    An extra tip from Anthony? “Pop a little bit of Amplify Mousse on the back of your hand, and with a make-up brush or a soft tint brush, just brush the mousse lightly in on any flyaways around the nape. It’ll dry and hold it in shape as well without being crunchy.”

    Tinkerbell has flown the coop – these barely there braids are your hairline’s new must have accessory. Teeny, tiny, delicate plaits with the ends left with their natural texture… oh, and a knotted braided twist at the back that acts as the ideal counterweight to your itsy-bitsy face framers. No wings, no wands, just a whimsical touch that’s playfully perfect.

    Crafted using: Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Curl Enhancer, Nude Powder Spray, Working Hairspray

    Perfect with day two texture, for the main knotted braid at the back, Melissa took two sections of hair, applied a bobble, and then flipped the bobble through the middle. “Then take your next ones, apply it over the top, and you keep going down,” she says. “What’s great about this is it keeps the length of the plait. When you do a normal braid, it shrinks the hair up. By doing it this way, you get to keep all the length.

    But you want a bobble free zone with your delicate fairy braids – Melissa’s tip? “Apply the bobbles or ties through the ends. Take Nude Powder Spray and apply it while the bobble’s on. Then take slip the hair tie out and just backcomb the edges slightly – that will give you a much cooler vibe than having an elastic at the end, and the Nude Powder will really grip that into place.”

    Tinkerbell has flown the coop – these barely there braids are your hairline’s new must have accessory. Teeny, tiny, delicate plaits with the ends left with their natural texture… oh, and a knotted braided twist at the back that acts as the ideal counterweight to your itsy-bitsy face framers. No wings, no wands, just a whimsical touch that’s playfully perfect.

    Crafted using: Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Curl Enhancer, Nude Powder Spray, Working Hairspray

    Perfect with day two texture, for the main knotted braid at the back, Melissa took two sections of hair, applied a bobble, and then flipped the bobble through the middle. “Then take your next ones, apply it over the top, and you keep going down,” she says. “What’s great about this is it keeps the length of the plait. When you do a normal braid, it shrinks the hair up. By doing it this way, you get to keep all the length.

    But you want a bobble free zone with your delicate fairy braids – Melissa’s tip? “Apply the bobbles or ties through the ends. Take Nude Powder Spray and apply it while the bobble’s on. Then take slip the elastic out and just backcomb the edges slightly – that will give you a much cooler vibe than having an elastic at the end, and the Nude Powder will really grip that into place.”

    Think dewy mornings and you’re along the right lines for this finish. Yes, it’s a wet look, but not as you know it. This is softer, more lived-in, a subtle slip rather than a slick to land on a result that’s wearable yet firmly editorial too. No crunch, all creativity – and that essential natural dose of chic.

    Crafted using: Authentic Beauty Concept Enhancing Water, Cosmic Blow Dry Jelly, Glow Spray Serum

    Anthony turned to a clever “make-up blender on a stick” that was dampened down with a little bit of Enhancing Water first and then applied the Cosmic Blow Dry Jelly to the back of his hand. “Just taking up a tiny piece at a time, we smoothed that through section by section, really applying it heavier at the roots and letting it fade out towards those mid-lengths, working all the way up the head shape,” he explains. “We get this tighter feel, that everything at the root is really saturated and styled. And then using the Glow Spray Serum in the mid-section gives a nice transition from ‘super wet’ into ‘almost wet’ then into that ‘barely there’ texture towards the end.

    Think dewy mornings and you’re along the right lines for this finish. Yes, it’s a wet look, but not as you know it. This is softer, more lived-in, a subtle slip rather than a slick to land on a result that’s wearable yet firmly editorial too. No crunch, all creativity – and that essential natural dose of chic.

    Crafted using: Authentic Beauty Concept Enhancing Water, Cosmic Blow Dry Jelly, Glow Spray Serum

    Anthony turned to a clever “make-up blender on a stick” that was dampened down with a little bit of Enhancing Water first and then applied the Cosmic Blow Dry Jelly to the back of his hand. “Just taking up a tiny piece at a time, we smoothed that through section by section, really applying it heavier at the roots and letting it fade out towards those mid-lengths, working all the way up the head shape,” he explains. “We get this tighter feel, that everything at the root is really saturated and styled. And then using the Glow Spray Serum in the mid-section gives a nice transition from ‘super wet’ into ‘almost wet’ then into that ‘barely there’ texture towards the end.

    A Creative HEAD shoot in partnership with Authentic Beauty Concept 

    Photography Lily Craigen  

    Hair Melissa Timperley and Anthony McMeiken, assisted by Jo Eykyn, Louise Nimmick, Victoria Rowland and Danielle Vinson, all for Authentic Beauty Concept  

    Fashion Morgan Elizabeth Hall, assisted by Anna Milnes  

    Make-up Roseanna Hackett using Saie Beauty, assisted by Sophie McGowan  

    Models Lerissa Pillay (Zone) and Olivia Shelton (Milk)  

    Editorial Amanda Nottage, Creative HEAD 

    Digital, social media and BTS photography Haydn Hubert-Squibb and Zuri Mullings, for Creative HEAD 

    Creative direction and production Joanna Kidd, Creative HEAD 

    Shot at and around Street Studios in London 

    “We Believed Pricing Should Reflect The Time, Products, And Expertise Involved, Rather Than Gender”

    “We Believed Pricing Should Reflect The Time, Products, And Expertise Involved, Rather Than Gender”

    Jan 9, 2025 | CREATIVE PROJECTS, CREATIVE PROJECTS HEADER, EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE

    “We Believed Pricing Should Reflect The Time, Products, And Expertise Involved, Rather Than Gender”

    Co-founders Jenna Husbands and Alicia Hammersley‑Fenton have converted a disused railway arch in Worcester into a sustainable hair salon with inclusivity at the forefront 

    by MADDI | CREATIVE PROJECTS

    Mosu hair salon exterior

    Nestled in a transformed railway arch in Worcester, Mosu’s sustainable ethos is palpable from the minute you set foot in the door. Neutral tones, Oway products lining the walls, minimalist furnishings and palm fronds framing the space all help to create a sense of calm and serenity. Co-founded by Jenna Husbands and Alicia Hammersley‑Fenton, Mosu is a progressive, inclusive, and sustainable hairdressing space. With its genderful ethos and attention to every detail, Mosu has quickly become a community favourite. 

    What inspired you to create Mosu? 

    “Our goal was to ensure that every client received the same high level of care and consideration. With Jenna’s expertise in the hair industry – specialising in short hair and male grooming – and Alicia’s background in client experience and brand development, we initially saw a gap in the market for men. Our original idea was to create a premium barbershop, offering an elevated experience with services like cutthroat shaves and facials. 

    “However, we realised we were unintentionally limiting our vision. That’s when we decided to create a completely gender-neutral space, embracing a more progressive and inclusive approach. Adopting gender-neutral pricing was a key part of this vision. While we were initially nervous about how it would be received – especially in a small city like Worcester – we believed pricing should reflect the time, products, and expertise involved, rather than gender. The response has been overwhelmingly positive.” 

    What drew you to the railway arch as a location?  

    “This part of Worcester is an up-and-coming area that required vision, and we saw incredible potential in transforming the space into something special. It took us two years to secure the lease, as the structure came with its own complexities. Along the way, we watched other businesses open in spaces we had considered, but we always felt that the arch was worth the wait. As our flagship hair space, it makes a bold statement and reflects the uniqueness of our brand.” 

    Mosu hair salon transformation

    What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the renovation?  

    “The biggest challenge we faced was during the build itself. Converting a disused railway arch brought unique complexities and required a lot of plan refinement to secure the lease. When construction finally began, progress was unexpectedly halted, and we had to bring in additional trades to address and rectify significant work. This delayed our initial launch by a year. 

    “Fortunately, our flexible jobs allowed us to contribute as much as possible to the process ourselves, though it still placed a significant strain on us. Looking back, the challenges we overcame made our opening day even more meaningful.” 

    How did you incorporate sustainability into both the renovation and daily salon life?  

    “Every decision we made – during both the renovation and in daily operations – focused on creating a premium, eco-conscious space. 

    “We opted for a 100 per cent renewable energy supplier and invested in energy-efficient appliances, including infrared heating, a heat pump tumble dryer, and an inline water filter. During the build, we prioritised sustainable materials like Kabric, responsibly sourced wood, and durable, high-quality fixtures designed to last.” 

    “We’ve vetted every supplier to ensure we’re making the most sustainable choices, from cleaning products to toilet paper. We share our efforts on a dedicated page on our website, so clients can see how seriously we take this commitment.” 

    Mosu hair salon interior
    Mosu hair salon exterior
    Mosu hair salon interior
    Mosu hair salon before
    Mosu hair salon exterior
    Mosu hair salon interior
    Mosu hair salon interior
    Mosu hair salon interior
    Mosu hair salon interior
    Mosu hair salon Oway products
    Mosu hair salon interior
    Mosu hair salon transformation
    Mosu hair salon interior
    Mosu hair salon bathroom
    Mosu hair salon Oway products
    Mosu hair salon interior

    Describe the atmosphere you’ve created at Mosu…  

    “From the beginning, we wanted to create a space that feels warm, inviting, and reflective of our ethos. We’ve used earthy, neutral tones and natural materials to add a sense of calm, balanced with clean lines to keep things fresh and modern. We offer quiet appointments for those who prefer a peaceful experience, along with a curated selection of design, travel, and food books for a moment of mindfulness. 

    “Our playlist, a blend of electronic and mellow beats, completes the atmosphere, making Mosu a space where clients can truly relax and feel at ease. We’re always so pleased to hear clients’ first impressions when they step into the arch. The structure’s high, curved ceilings create a unique space with an airy yet comforting ambience.” 

    What are some of your favourite areas or features?  

    “While we love the open-plan workspace and its welcoming vibe, one feature that’s especially meaningful to us is the bathroom! Creating an accessible WC within the unique constraints of the arch was challenging, but inclusivity was a priority from the outset. Standard commercial washroom packages were shockingly utilitarian and expensive, so we spent countless hours sourcing equipment that balanced functionality with style. We used earthy tones, eco-friendly plaster from DetaleCPH, Carrara marble tiles and matte black fixtures to create a cohesive, modern look. 

    “The positive feedback we’ve received about the bathroom means so much to us. It’s a small but important example of how we’ve approached every detail with care.” 

    Mosu hair salon bathroom

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