Darrel Starkey, a salon owner with 17 years of experience, is pushing the boundaries of creativity in hairdressing after embracing the art of wig-making. Recognising a gap in hands-on wig education, Darrel launched ‘Wig-Torship’, a two-day mentorship program designed to provide hairdressers with the skills and confidence to create and style wigs. More than just a technical course, Wig-Torship is a dynamic and engaging experience, reflecting Darrel’s firm belief that learning should never be boring.
To celebrate the artistry of wig-making and showcase the talent of his Wig-Torship students, Darrel hosted an exclusive event, Wig-hibition, on 25 February, at SE1 Studios. Supported by top industry brands such as Ergo Brushes and CloudNine, the invite-only gathering brought together industry professionals, trade insiders as well as students and aspiring hairdressers, for an immersive afternoon of creativity and craftsmanship.
Set in a museum-style arrangement, Wig-hibition featured an up-close look at the intricate, hand-crafted wigs created by Darrel and his talented team of students, brought onto the course to learn all about the art of wig-making. Attendees explored the journey behind each piece through interactive exhibits, a dedicated wig booth, hands-on workshops, live podcast and behind-the-scenes video content.
Reflecting on the success of Wig-hibition, Darrel said: "Wigs are more than just hair – they are a form of expression, confidence and artistry. Seeing my students push their creative limits and bring their visions to life has been truly inspiring. This event was a celebration of passion, education and the transformative power of hair."
Building on the success of Wig-hibition, Darrel is excited to continue sharing his passion for wig-making and education. With a commitment to creativity and mentorship, he looks forward to inspiring more stylists and further evolving the craft through Wig-Torship and future projects.
