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The Value In Finding Creative Outlets Outside Of Hair

The Value In Finding Creative Outlets Outside Of Hair

The Value In Finding Creative Outlets Outside Of Hair

Five hair pros share how they switch off while keeping the creative fires burning

by KELSEY | DOCUMENTS

El Viaje Scents

In a world where most of us are ‘chronically online,’ it’s never been more important to seek out ways to switch off and stay away from screens. As naturally creative people, many hair professionals are turning their attention to other creative outlets outside of working hours. From fashion styling and dance to candle-making and gardening, hair pros have a whole host of passion projects away from the chair – with some even pursuing them as additional business ventures.

“Working in the hair industry demands a lot. We are up close and personal with our clients all day,” says Stephen Aiken, colourist at Pure Hair in Belfast, who has discovered a passion for creating fragrances and candles. “When I’m creating my scents, I get to be in my studio alone, enjoying some much-needed ‘me’ time—just myself with some music or even a podcast in the background,” he explains.  

Stephen Aiken

Stephen Aiken

Stephen was drawn to creating fragrances because of the fascinating chemistry behind them, where blending different scents can evoke distinct moods and atmospheres. What started as a love of buying candles and scents for his home led to a lightbulb moment of wanting to create his own fragrances based on his favourite aromas.  “There’s nothing better than getting home from a busy day at work, putting my feet up and setting the mood with the warm glow of a candle,” he comments.

What started as a small-scale project creating candles for himself, as well as friends and family, has grown into a business venture, with Stephen launching El Viaje, offering a range of charcoal incense, room sprays and wax melts. “There is so much involved in creating a scent, and the fun part is coming up with the combination—a little bit of this and a little bit of that to create the perfect blend. It’s the same as when I create colour mixtures for my clients,” he adds.

Likewise, for freelance hairdresser Justin Meckland, it’s been important to find a passive project which allows him to switch off and focus on another creative industry he loves – fashion styling. “Being a hairstylist has become part of my personality – since going freelance this was the perfect opportunity to explore my love for fashion styling on a deeper level and study online with the London College of Style,” Justin explains.

While he may admit to never fully switching off from his work as a hairdresser, committing to the styling course enabled Justin to set aside a day each week to turn his phone on ‘do not disturb’ and fully immerse himself in the world of fashion, completing weekly assignments and discovering more about the industry. “I’m constantly creating mood boards based on things like fashion through the decades, or drafting editorial submissions for projects, so the creative juices are always flowing,” he adds.

A world away from fashion styling but equally as mindful, salon owner Oliver Blackaby uses gardening as a source of creative expression.  For as long as he can remember, Oliver has had a deep love of gardening, but over the past two years it’s transformed from a casual hobby into a source of relaxation and even therapy. “Gardening, for me, is an art form,” he comments. “It’s about layering textures and colours, experimenting with plant combinations, and embracing the challenges of finding compatible plants that thrive together in light or shade.”

 

Justin Meckland

Justin on set styling

The results of Oliver’s hard work

In the past year, he has taken on some ambitious projects in the garden that have pushed him both creatively and physically. Last year, he relocated his fishpond to a new area and added a water feature. “The soothing sound of water has become a central part of my garden, offering a peaceful spot to meditate and unwind,” Oliver shares. “This year, I took on the challenge of building a nature pond, a sanctuary for frogs and other critters. This project breathed new life into a neglected part of the garden, transforming it into a vibrant, thriving ecosystem.”

Gardening has become more than just a pastime for Oliver, it’s a way for him to engage with life on multiple levels—creatively, physically and spiritually. “It’s where I find peace, challenge myself and connect with the world around me.”

For hairdressing apprentice Rhys Cockell, switching off and pursuing other creative endeavours has also helped him become immersed in another community, the Welsh Ballroom Community, which celebrates the Welsh ballroom scene in Wales. “Initially, it was my housemate who asked about going to some open sessions running in my city,” Rhys explains. “It was just after the final round of COVID lockdowns, and I thought it would be a way to break up the routine of going to work and coming home.”

Rhys had long admired Ballroom from a distance, through the lenses of Paris is Burning and watching Kendrick Mugler’s YouTube channel, so decided to go to the session. Since then, it’s become his main creative outlet and has actively been competing in the in the Kiki scene for around ten months. “Ballroom helps me switch off from work because the creativity for me is in different areas,” Rhys shares.

The Ballroom scene brings together a wide range of cultures and identities, meaning Rhys is influenced by the varying interpretations of the categories, which helps him stay creative. “A lot of the time we are creating effects (costumes) out of a shoestring budget or last minute and that to me is where the creativity lies. Ballroom teaches you to really go in on an idea.”

Rhys in motion captured by @hannahtottlephoto

 

Whether from the comfort of your home or garden or joining other communities to participate in activities, the value of switching off cannot be understated. Not only beneficial for mental health, but it can also spark inspiration and allow you to express yourself outside of the salon environment. It’s an opportunity to nurture your other talents – and the results speak for themselves. Case in point, Richard Phillipart’s impressive embroidery.

What started as a way to stop looking at screens after work has blossomed into beautiful artwork. “Embroidery requires both hands and demands your complete attention, there is no way I can find myself on a screen if I’m doing needlework,” he explains.  “So much of my time is consumed by hairdressing that I wanted an outlet that had nothing to do with the industry. My mum crossed stitched, and as a very gay child I would practise with her but nothing like the work I’m creating now. When looking for a craft to keep me off screens I thought this skill may still be in the recesses of my memory and I could tap into it,” he adds.

Richard is still trying to find his artistic style in this medium, as it’s traditionally a woman’s craft, so inspiration in a modern, less flowery style is limited. “I started out recreating paintings by famous artists like Picasso and Dali but felt constrained trying to recreate existing imagery. Lately, I’ve been exploring more modern art styles that allow for interpretation such as psychedelics, graffiti and cartoons.”

Richard’s epic embroidery

What is most apparent is there’s no one set passion project that you should or shouldn’t follow. Consider this your sign to nurture your inner child and tap into your interests, who knows where it could lead…

The Last Word on… Launching Your Own Hair Brand

The Last Word on… Launching Your Own Hair Brand

The Last Word on… Launching Your Own Hair Brand

What does it take to build a haircare brand? Salon owners and stylists share how they transformed their passion into products...

by CAITLYN | EXPLORE

Image credit:  Ian Schneider from Unsplash 

It may sound like total vanity – to launch your own hair brand and see your name on a bottle! – but for many salon owners, the idea comes from a desire to offer something they couldn’t find in the existing market. Katy Grimshaw, founder of Spectrum One salon and its namesake hair extensions, recalls how her frustrations as a freelancer led her to take the plunge. “The quality of other brands wasn’t great, and I wanted to build something reliable that other hairdressers could trust,” she says.  

Similarly, Deborah Maguire and Katie Hemming, co-founders of hair supplement brand Seed & Soul and LoveHair Salon, were driven by their expertise in hair health and their understanding of clients’ needs. “We knew that we could offer something truly beneficial, especially for women dealing with hair loss, and that pushed us to create something with real value,” shares Deborah. 

Stylist Kieran Tudor, co-founder of CENTRED, was inspired to create his brand after helping his wife and co-founder, Laura, recover from hair loss. “There wasn’t a natural solution that encapsulated both internal wellbeing and hair care, so we created the products we wished existed.” 

Phil Smith, founder of Phil Smith Hair and Smith England salon, found his inspiration to create a brand from seeing others succeed in the industry. “I met Umberto Giannini on holiday in 1997, and when I saw his success, I thought ‘Why not me?’. That started the journey of creating my own range.” 

Transitioning from an idea to a full-fledged brand needs more than just passion – it requires a deep understanding of your craft, something all these founders gained through their work behind the chair. Salon owner Paul Bryan, founder of haircare line StaticJam, emphasises how years of salon experience informed his product development. “Every day in the salon gave me new insights into what clients really need,” he argues, citing clients coming in with hair that lacked strength, moisture, or both. For Katy Grimshaw, being a stylist helped her refine her hair extensions. “My time in the salon taught me exactly what hairstylists like me wanted from a product. It made all the difference in shaping Spectrum One extensions.” 

But expertise alone doesn’t make the process easy. Once a brand is launched, the real work begins – managing the daily operations of both a salon and a product line. Phil Smith knows this challenge well. “Running two businesses at once is hard, there’s no way around it. You have to constantly juggle responsibilities.”  

“I couldn’t balance it all without the help of my team,” agrees Katy. “Running the salon and the brand simultaneously requires a lot of support.”  

For any stylist or salon owner considering their own product line, the advice from these founders is clear: start with a solid foundation and stay true to your vision. “It’s all about finding your niche and sticking with it,” Kieran Tudor advises. “Focusing on what you do best is crucial for success.” 

Paul Bryan emphasises the importance of a strong unique selling point. “If you want to stand out, you need to solve a problem and build your brand around that solution.” 

Authenticity is key, adds Deborah and Katie. “Be genuine and believe in what you’re creating. That’s how you build something that resonates with both clients and stylists.” 

Finally, it can be a risk – it’s an expensive undertaking – so consider help. “You need to have financial backing. Find an investor early on so you can focus on building the brand without worrying about cash flow,” adds Phil.  

 

Katy Grimshaw, founder of Spectrum One Salon and Extensions

Paul Bryan, founder StaticJam and Paul Bryan Salon

Phil Smith, founder of Phil Smith Hair and Smith England salon

Deborah Maguire and Katie Hemming, co-founders of hair supplement brand Seed & Soul and LoveHair Salon

Kieran Tudor and Laura Tudor founders of CENTRED

Owning My Brand: How Jodie Breeds Learned to Handle Her Own PR 

Owning My Brand: How Jodie Breeds Learned to Handle Her Own PR 

Owning My Brand: How Jodie Breeds Learned to Handle Her Own PR 

Why managing her own public relations has been empowering, cost-effective and essential for growing business

by CAITLYN | CONNECT

“From apprentice to salon owner, it’s been a whirlwind journey carving out my place in the hairdressing world. I started at TONI&GUY, working my way up through the ranks before opening my first salon at just 22. With a passion for colour and extensions, I quickly made a name for myself, winning awards and eventually becoming an educator for a leading extension brand. 

“When I started my family, I realised I needed more flexibility, so I moved into freelance work for a few years. It gave me the balance I needed between my career and motherhood. Recently, I took a big step and opened Haus of Finesse in the heart of Houghton le Spring. It’s not just a salon; it’s a co-working space with room for six freelancers in hair, beauty and education – a supportive environment where others can also grow their businesses. 

 

“With this new venture, I knew it was time to bring PR back into focus, both for my personal profile and for the salon brand. Social media is crowded, and I wanted to create a different angle to stand out and attract more opportunities. To do that, I decided to handle my own PR instead of hiring an agency. Cost was a big factor – I need to keep control of all my expenses. As an educator, I’m always eager to learn new skills, and PR has been no exception. I joined Hype Membership, which is a platform designed to empower freelance hairdressers by providing them with the tools and knowledge to manage their own public relations. Founded by Emma Seldon, who has over 20 years of experience in hair industry marketing, the membership offers a range of resources, including training modules, templates, and access to a supportive community. Learning the ins and outs of PR has been fascinating, and being able to apply it myself has felt incredibly empowering. 

“One of the best parts of learning to do my own PR is the flexibility it offers. I can put my little girl to bed and then get to work in the evening. The membership platform I use has an online hub that’s easy to navigate, with modules broken down so I can go at my own pace. The support and encouragement from Emma, along with the resources on the platform, help me stay on top of every PR opportunity without feeling pressured by tight deadlines. 

“Putting myself out there hasn’t always been easy. There’s always that self-doubt—wondering if I’m good enough or if I’m worthy of being featured. I’ve found that it’s really about pushing myself forward, hoping someone sees the hard work and dedication I put into everything I do. The community I’ve found in Hype Membership has been invaluable. Knowing I’m not doing this alone makes all the difference. 

“Connecting with other like-minded professionals through the membership has truly been a game-changer. We share tips, celebrate PR wins, and show that as freelancers, we don’t have to face these challenges by ourselves. Taking control of my own PR has been a journey, but it’s one that’s helped me grow my business and build my confidence in ways I never expected.” 

 

Haus of Finesse, Houghton le Spring, County Durham.

Hype Membership: Supporting hairdressers to do their own PR

Membership will open again in January.   Join the waiting list here: https://hypemembership.co.uk

Couple Turned Co-founders: How A Personal Journey Inspired A Holistic Haircare Brand

Couple Turned Co-founders: How A Personal Journey Inspired A Holistic Haircare Brand

Couple turned Co-founders: How a Personal Journey Inspired A Holistic Haircare Brand

Kieran Tudor, a stylist turned founder, alongside his wife Laura, created CENTRED to redefine hair health with a focus on internal wellness.

by CAITLYN | DOCUMENTS

For Kieran Tudor, co-founding CENTRED with his wife Laura wasn’t just about creating another haircare brand, it was about solving a deeply personal problem. “CENTRED was born from the journey of hair recovery. I helped my wife and co-founder, Laura, after she suffered from severe hair loss and burnout back in 2017.” 

Faced with the challenge of supporting Laura through hair loss, Kieran realised there wasn’t a natural solution that addressed both internal wellbeing and hair health. This led to the development of the Inside Out Method, now a core part of CENTRED’s product philosophy. 

 “After developing a protocol we used to recover Laura’s hair, we set out to create our range of products that we wished existed but didn’t, he explains. In February 2020, after 18 months of research and development, CENTRED was launched, with a mission to help others going through similar challenges. 

Kieran’s journey was fuelled by witnessing the emotional and physical toll hair loss took on his wife. Seeing the daily struggle Laura faced helped Kieran understand the stress and anxiety hair loss can bring and inspired him to fill the knowledge gaps and provide a solution not only for Laura but for his clients too. 

“Unlike clients who I would see every 6-8 weeks, I saw Laura holding clumps of hair every single day and asking me what to do! Not only did I feel quite helpless, but it also really hit home the emotional and psychological impact that hair loss can have,” he shares. 

Kieran’s years of experience as a hairdresser became crucial as he and Laura developed the CENTRED product line. “When it came to formulating the products, that’s when being a hair professional really helped,” he explains. Kieran’s hands-on experience allowed him to case-study products and test samples to ensure they met the highest standards. “I had really high standards and expectations, as did Laura, so we were determined to develop products to the highest standards, or we wouldn’t have done it at all.” 

“I think when you’re working behind the chair and recommending your products to your clients, you have to know you’re giving them the best, not cutting corners on ingredients,” Kieran adds. “This direct feedback from clients allows me to continually refine the products and stay true to the brand’s values. For us now it’s also about supporting hair professionals as much as possible.”  

Launching CENTRED came with its own set of obstacles, especially given the timing of its debut. “At the beginning, it was all around raising awareness which was difficult in 2020 as we had just a minor thing of a global pandemic taking over so much of the attention.”  Undeterred, Kieran and Laura focused on personal connections through 1-on-1 Zoom consultations to help clients during those early, uncertain days. “We set out to support our customers in those early days with virtual consultations, helping us to connect with people and build some real trust and loyalty.” As CENTRED grew and expanded into retail, Kieran learned another important lesson: not to spread the brand too thin.  

For other stylists looking to start their product line, Kieran offers this advice: “Find your niche and messaging early on and stick to it. It may feel like you’re repeating yourself, but it is better to do one thing really well than 10 things in a mediocre way.”  

Kieran and Laura’s journey of dealing with hair loss firsthand and launching CENTRED is a powerful example of how personal experiences can lead to innovative solutions, especially when you have prior expertise. For stylists and salon owners considering their own product line, Kieran’s advice is clear: focus on your niche, stay committed to your vision, and never stop learning. 

Want To Work At London Fashion Week? Karoliina Saunders Has The Answer

Want To Work At London Fashion Week? Karoliina Saunders Has The Answer

Want To Work At London Fashion Week? Karoliina Saunders Has The Answer

The celebrated stylist launches an exclusive education series, offering the opportunity of backstage access to London Fashion Week 2025. 

by CAITLYN | INDUSTRY NEWS

Celebrated stylist Karoliina Saunders, renowned for her work as a session stylist and salon owner, has joined R+Co UKI as their new guest artist. Bringing her expertise to the forefront, Saunders will be leading an exclusive education series called ‘Salon to Front Cover,’ designed to train stylists in the world of high-fashion hair.

With extensive experience in the fashion and hair industry, Karoliina has worked with some of the most notable names in hairdressing, including Guido and Eugene Souleiman. As the Head of Session at the Fellowship for British Hairdressing, she has cultivated a reputation for creativity and leadership in both salon and session styling. 

The ‘Salon to Front Cover’ series is designed to give stylists critical skills in transitioning from salon work to high-fashion editorial and runway styling. The series is divided into two courses: 

  • Essentials – Focuses on backstage etiquette, kit essentials, and key techniques. 
  • Enhance – Emphasizes creativity, advanced techniques, and the latest trends from fashion weeks. 

Stylists who complete the courses will have the chance to audition for a coveted spot to work backstage with Karoliina at London Fashion Week 2025, offering real-world experience in high-paced fashion environments. 

“I am thrilled to join R+Co as a guest artist,” says Karoliina. “This is a brand that aligns with my passion for creativity and innovation, and I’m excited to share my knowledge with the R+Co community.” 

With Karoliina Saunders leading the ‘Salon to Front Cover’ series, R+Co is set to offer one-of-a-kind education and career-shaping opportunities to stylists ready to step into the fashion world.  

Find out more here.