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Nicola Coughlan is Talk of the ’Ton

Nicola Coughlan is Talk of the ’Ton

Jun 18, 2024 | DOCUMENTS, DOCUMENTS HEADER, EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE

CATEGORIES > EXPLORE > DOCUMENTS

Nicola Coughlan is Talk of the ’Ton

Session stylist Halley Brisker lifts the lid on working with the Bridgerton star as its third series hits Netflix.

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Custom lace front wig for the Met Gala 2022, with colour by Jason Hogan

Dearest readers… Whether you are a Bridgerton fanatic, a member of the Polin fandom or have never watched an episode at all, you’ve most probably come across Nicola Coughlan at some point in the past few years. From Derry Girls to Big Mood, she has a knack of creating ‘wow’ moments that love to go viral. That’s in part due to her role as Penelope Featheringtonin the Netflix hit Bridgerton, and also because she enjoys an exploratory sense of style that captures attention online and on social media.

One of the more misunderstood parts of my job is the ‘style journey’ as I like to call it, which myself and other glam team members craft through the unique partnership we create with our clients. Almost everybody has a personal sense of style but when one also has a public-facing life, there often isn’t time to take care of hair, make-up and wardrobe choices when carrying out duties that come with the role. That’s where professionals come in…

Going red for the Barbie premiere in London

Met Gala 2022

However, where it gets particularly exciting is when my clients want to go a step beyond the expected and craft a style iconography. I’ve worked with a breadth of talent over the years; many like to execute minimal changes to their personal style and have us perform only that, as best we know how for them. Then others want to push the boundaries of style, which for any creative is a form of pure joy. Nicola has always been someone with a love of style and the courage to be dynamic. We met – along with make-up artist Neil Young, stylist Aimee Croysdill and nail technician Michelle Class – on a photoshoot for Refinery29 in 2020. Nicola was already established thanks to her role in the hit show Derry Girls, and was due to appear in the debut season of Bridgerton. We had no idea how big that show would become nor the importance of the role of Penelope Featherington within the Bridgerton universe!

 

 

 

 

 

“Nicola has always been someone with a love of style and the courage to be dynamic”

Halley Brisker

Halley Brisker

It often takes time to discover what our clients’ goals are when working with glam teams. In the nearly four years we’ve worked together as a team of creatives alongside Nicola, we’ve created looks that have incorporated extensive product knowledge – from the oily, sleek locks for the SAG Awards to textured, A-line bobs at The Baftas. Hair piece sourcing for faux bangs at front row shows for Miu Miu in Paris and braided hair bows for the Stylist magazine awards in London. We’ve experimented with colour too; Nicola went red for the Barbie premiere in London and with the custom-coloured lace front wig I created for Nicola at the 2022 Met Gala, Jason Hogan at Josh Wood Atelier painstakingly coloured it to complement a bespoke Richard Quinn dress.

 

Halley and the glam team at work behind the scenes

Stylist Magazine Awards, 2022

Throughout this incredible style journey we’ve gone on together, the thread that has been a relative constant has been Bridgerton, which has just launched its third season. That instalment sees Nicola’s character take centre stage in the plot, to become…  nope, I’m not giving anything away!

It’s no coincidence that as looks go, the hair finish in New York was one of our most straightforward; sometimes we ‘grow as we go’. Of course, I have no idea what the future looks like for Bridgerton or Penelope, but to see hundreds of fans turn out for Nicola was a special moment and a perfect opportunity to create simple, elegant looks for this milestone moment.

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“You can just turn up and shoot” – Say hello to Grid Studios

“You can just turn up and shoot” – Say hello to Grid Studios

Jun 12, 2024 | CREATIVE PROJECTS, CREATIVE PROJECTS HEADER, EXPLORE

CATEGORIES > EXPLORE > CREATIVE PROJECTS

“You can just turn up and shoot” – Say hello to Grid Studios

The new content creation space for hair stylists that’s obsessed with perfecting your light.

Located in the heart of London’s Old Street you’ll find new Grid Studios, specifically designed for hair and beauty creatives. It’s run by Danny Mendoza-Hall and Ben Ottewell, hair content creators par excellence… and they’ve even worked with Jordanna Cobella to access her in-depth knowledge of the industry to ensure it was spot-on for the modern stylist.

This 100 sq m-plus studio boasts 3.5m high ceilings, an outside courtyard and a banging coffee bar. There are six fully equipped styling stations and a backwash unit with 360-degree access, perfect for every angle when filming. Yes, you’ll find everything you would expect to see in any top salon, but it’s all the extra touches that the social media savvy stylist needs today that impresses. There’s a shower room for capturing wet looks and products, multiple backdrops, materials, polyboards and all the A/V equipment you could need to host events and education. 

Plenty of natural light pours into the space, thanks to the 14m of south-facing windows. But the stand-out element might just be the custom-built lighting system. Hair creatives are always keen to show their work in the best light, and Grid Studio’s lighting system gives an even balanced daylight throughout the space. Its custom system automatically changes the colour temperature of the lighting to match the colour temperature of the daylight, so wherever you are in the space, the lighting and colour is perfect. The lights in the mirrors also change temperature! “We have put this lighting system in place so you can just turn up and shoot without the need to rent additional equipment, meaning you can significantly cut down on the costs of creating high-end content,” says Danny.

There’s also an own in-house production team – Grid Productions – that’s been creating hair content for years, working with some of the industry’s biggest brands. “Our goal was to make high-end content creation accessible both to brands and to hairdressers and beauty professionals,” he adds.

What’s on offer? First, there’s single chair rental, which works in a similar way to a freelance salon – you can rent a chair for the day, bring in your models and use the lighting, equipment and shoot area to create content. Alternatively, the entire studio is available to rent – that comes with all six stations, the backwash and the shoot area, just right for creating branded content and campaigns.

“We created this space to solve the problems we come up against when shooting both in salons and in studios,” says Danny. “Salons often don’t have the ceiling height, they have mismatched lighting, and are busy and noisy. We usually need to bring in loads of additional lighting, and shoot in cramped conditions. Studios don’t generally have styling stations or backwashes, which means you can’t properly capture the creation process. Again, you still need to bring in additional lighting, which is very expensive, making it unachievable for your average freelancer.”

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Is It Time To Keep Quiet?

Is It Time To Keep Quiet?

Jun 3, 2024 | INDUSTRY NEWS, INFORM, INFORM HEADER

CATEGORIES > INFORM

Is It Time To Keep Quiet?

More than half of stylists and clients favour of silent services – and they could earn you more money.

Danielle Garner
Samantha Cusick
Silent hair services are nothing new – in fact, they’ve been back in the news recently but fresh research suggests it might be time for more salons and stylists to turn down the chatter. More than half (56 per cent) of hair stylists – and 53 per cent of clients – would prefer “silent” services, according to a survey of 2,000 consumers and 100 freelance and salon hair stylists across the UK by Ripe Hair & Beauty Insurance.

Silent slots could also positively impact the bottom line. Offering silent services as an option could create a 25 per cent revenue boost to the industry, as clients said they would book more return visits if a quiet appointment could be guaranteed. Clients said they would book more frequently if silent options were available.

The findings showed that on average, return visits could increase by around 1.7 times per customer, per year. So Ripe did some maths: the typical client visits a salon 6.7 times a year, spending £55.40 per appointment and £371.18 annually, according to its own data. Silent services could increase this to 8.4 visits a year with a total annual spend of £465.36 – an uplift of 25 per cent.

More than half (56 per cent) of hair stylists – and 53 per cent of clients – would prefer “silent” services, according to a survey of 2,000 consumers and 100 freelance and salon hair stylists across the UK by Ripe Hair & Beauty Insurance. Silent slots could also positively impact the bottom line.

Offering silent services as an option could create a 25 per cent revenue boost to the industry, as clients said they would book more return visits if a quiet appointment could be guaranteed. Clients said they would book more frequently if silent options were available.

 

The findings showed that on average, return visits could increase by around 1.7 times per customer, per year. So Ripe did some maths: the typical client visits a salon 6.7 times a year, spending £55.40 per appointment and £371.18 annually, according to its own data. Silent services could increase this to 8.4 visits a year with a total annual spend of £465.36 – an uplift of 25 per cent. Consumer feedback in the survey included comments about “chat for the sake of it” and the desire to “switch off from the stress of the day”. “I wish there was an agreement you can make at the start of the appointment that the other person doesn’t want to talk,” said one client. Salons and stylists with neurodiverse clients have also discussed how noisy spaces can be overwhelming for many with social anxiety. Samantha Cusick, founder of Samantha Cusick London and Stā Studios, has introduced a silent appointment option on her salons’ online booking.

“We’re always seeking ways to empower our clients and create their perfect salon experience. ‘Silent appointments’ is a thoughtful initiative designed to honour our clients’ need for self-care and personal space, understanding that a salon visit is not just about physical transformation but also mental rejuvenation.”

She first checked with her salon audience on social media, with more than three-quarters (78 per cent) voting for the option. Clients can request a silent appointment when booking, which means stylists “negate any small talk, allowing for a serene and introspective experience with no awkwardness. This approach respects individual preferences creating an environment of mutual understanding and care,” she added. But how is that communicated in a busy salon without that awkwardness? “We have a discreet method, and it’s quite simple: we place a small vase on the workstation. This subtle signal helps the rest of the team to adjust their approach accordingly.”

Samantha says that client feedback has been “overwhelmingly positive”, with many appreciating the option to unwind or focus on ‘working from home’. “They particularly like that they can book the service online so again no need to feel awkward,” she explained. Should we shut up more for silent appointments? Let us know at @creativeheadmag.com

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Is Wellwashing Taking Over Our Industry? Why Creating A Culture Of Wellness Goes Beyond A Morning Meditation

Is Wellwashing Taking Over Our Industry? Why Creating A Culture Of Wellness Goes Beyond A Morning Meditation

May 29, 2024 | DOCUMENTS, EXPLORE

CATEGORIES > EXPLORE > DOCUMENTS

Is Wellwashing Taking Over Our Industry? Why Creating A Culture Of Wellness Goes Beyond A Morning Meditation

Wellbeing has become a buzzword in the industry, but when does it do more harm than good? Find out how to put staff wellbeing front and centre correctly.

Image: Brett Jordan
Defined as ‘the intentional or unintentional practice of promoting a wellbeing culture that has little or no positive impact on wellbeing outcomes,’ the concept of wellwashing is rising. Much like greenwashing, there are now visible ripples of it in our everyday lives, and
worst of all is that it’s happening in our industry.

The Pandemic shifted many aspects of the cultural zeitgeist, a work/life balance with a greater emphasis on mindful, positive habits being one key area. It allowed businesses to reflect on their practices and check in with the team properly, beyond a passing ‘how are you?’ in the break room between clients. The downside? As attention turned to the topic of wellness, it became a trend and everyone wanted a piece of the pie, but not necessarily for the right reasons.

Danielle Garner
Danielle Garner
“As someone who has strong ethical values and fights for what I believe in, I’ve previously turned down substantial financial contracts from large manufacturers due to their green-washing behaviour,” says salon owner, Danielle Garner. “Today similar brands, along with salons and individuals, can be seen well-washing team members, clients and our industry.”

Danielle’s salon, Wildflower, is known across the industry for being an inclusive, welcoming space where both the salon team and their clients can grow and thrive; after all, they did win Most Wanted’s Best Client Experience award in 2022. But Danielle is the first to admit that creating a culture of wellness cannot be dictated – it cannot be a one-style-fits-all all approach, otherwise, you will fall at the first hurdle.

More often, wellwashing comes from a place of feeling the need to ‘do something’, as opposed to a genuine desire to prioritise staff wellbeing beyond the surface level.

“When businesses do this, they can end up just checking the wellbeing box rather than investing in a strategy that has an impact far beyond improving and protecting the wellbeing of employees.,” says lifestyle and holistic coach, Sonia Magnier. “They are missing out on the real benefits of putting employee wellbeing front and centre.”

Conversely, properly Investing in your team’s wellbeing can lead to improved productivity, lower staff turnover and absenteeism, and a more positive company culture. Sonia has seen this first-hand with the clients she is working with and truly believes it makes a difference.

 

Sonia Magnier

Sonia Magnier

So, what can hairdressing businesses do that avoid falling for the typical wellwashing quick fixes? Sonia considers these to be things like a one-off workshop, which though can provide temporary relief, they don’t tackle the deeper issues that contribute to burnout and dissatisfaction.

To genuinely nurture a wellbeing-focused culture in your organisation, Sonia suggests considering these strategies:

It starts at the top
“Leadership needs to walk the talk and show a real commitment to their own wellbeing as well as employee wellbeing. Your team should see that your actions speak louder than words! A half-day wellbeing workshop is a great way to kick-start a wellbeing programme.”

Empower your employees with the tools they need
“Offer training on mental health awareness, stress management, and resilience. Give them the skills to tackle the ups and downs of the modern working world.”

Track the effectiveness of your initiatives
“Listen to what employees have to say and take their feedback on board. Hold leadership accountable for keeping the wellbeing communication going.”

It’s also valuable to remember that wellness is a personal journey, so each person involved in the brand or salon must have the flexibility to work on their wellness. “You can’t enforce yoga or meditation classes if the individual isn’t in the right head space,” says Danielle. “As a business, our HR offering includes six therapy sessions that can be taken at any time. But it’s not my place to comment when a team member needs to make that first appointment. All I can do is make sure they are aware of the opportunity and be there when they need it.”

To genuinely prioritise your employees’ wellbeing, it’s important to commit to long-term initiatives that prove that you care. Not only will you dodge the dangers of well-washing, but you’ll also create a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce. 

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Smaller, Lighter And With No Heat Damage – This Is The Hair Dryer You Need

Smaller, Lighter And With No Heat Damage – This Is The Hair Dryer You Need

May 29, 2024 | INDUSTRY NEWS, INFORM

CATEGORIES > INFORM

Smaller, Lighter And With No Heat Damage – This Is The Hair Dryer You Need

Promotion – Dyson

Dyson knows how to innovate. Meet the pro-exclusive Supersonic r Professional hair dryer.

When Dyson unveiled the Supersonic Professional hair dryer nearly a decade ago, it was a game-changer. Lighter, quieter, like nothing else on the market, the Supersonic empowered stylists to create beautiful hair with a focus on maintaining its health and shine, always. But innovators never stand still…

Revealed at New York Fashion Week, there’s a new tool just for the pros that has everyone talking once again. It’s smaller and lighter, and is packed with new technology to avoid heat damage to hair. This is the Dyson Supersonic r Professional hair dryer. Its genesis has the stylist at its heart. Seven years of ongoing surveys and interviews with nearly 700 stylists has fuelled Dyson’s designs. Having identified the challenges hair pros were facing, engineers were keen to design a tool that would respond to “real world demands” while still delivering on stellar styling experience and stunning results.

model using Dyson r

Its research found that a stylist will typically see between four and 16 clients each day, spending on average 30 to 60 minutes styling per client, adapting the angle of their arm and hand up to 30 times during one styling session. That all adds up; just look at the prevalence of strain-related injuries among stylists. So Dyson labs have been busy creating something that will look unique, perform brilliantly, empower you to style beautiful hair, all without the arm ache! This is what you need to know…

Dyson r

New ergonomic design

The Dyson Supersonic r Professional hair dryer has been designed ergonomically in an ‘r’ curve and, at 325g, weighs less than a can of hairspray. The shape allows stylists to reach where it’s normally difficult, for better control when styling hair, and better comfort. It’s 30 per cent smaller, 20 per cent lighter, and more manoeuvrable to deliver fast drying, alongside smoother, frizz free and shinier results on hair!

New heaters = even heat

The new curved heater ensures the dryer heats the airflow more evenly, with no hotspots. For stylists, this means you can rely on more even temperatures (including when using the attachments), a higher temperature for faster drying and styling, with no heat damage. The dryer checks the temperature constantly using Dyson’s intelligent heat control – seen in its other hair tools, too – measuring air temperature more than 20 times a second.

Attachments with sensors… and a memory! There’s a range of attachments that have integrated RFID sensors, which communicate with the dryer, automatically adjusting the motor and the heater to deliver what the Dyson engineers have set as the ‘optimal’ airflow and temperature. For example, the diffuser is set to low flow and low temperature to reduce frizz and enhance curls without disrupting the curl pattern. By contrast, the rough dry mode uses maximum power heat and flow to minimise drying time. But stylists can tweak these settings to best suit each client in their chair, depending on the hair type and style of each client… and the dryer will remember that setting the next time the attachment is added! Not only that, the 3D mesh filter at the bottom of the dryer, designed to capture salon pollutants, now lasts up to two times longer in-between cleans.

Larry King working
Larry King

The Dyson Supersonic r Professional hair dryer will not only give professionals the ability to execute amazing work, but also at high speed and the highest quality

Larry King, Dyson global styling ambassador

Smaller, lighter, faster, no heat damage – and exclusively for professionals. The Dyson Supersonic r Professional hair dryer is tomorrow’s tool, today. Elevated styling, stunning results, beautifully healthy-looking hair… r you ready to see what you can do?

To secure your own Dyson Supersonic r Professional hair dryer, visit dyson.co.uk/commercial/hair-care

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