Female Hairdressers Offer Advice for the Next Generation

Try to focus on yourself and love every minute of it. Keep your game high and stay up to date with trends and techniques. Make yourself available to assist because it will give you experience, experience will give you confidence, and confidence will allow your true self and true style to take place.

Efi Davies, TONI&GUY, British Hairdresser of the Year

Hairdressers are often there at important moments in women’s lives and what we do goes far beyond technique. When someone sits in your chair, they’re often trusting you with a moment in their life, not just their hair. Learning to listen, to understand, and to treat every person with care has been one of the most powerful lessons of my career. Confidence can start with something as simple as a haircut, and that’s a responsibility I never take lightly.

Elle Foreman, Tribe Salons, Clapham Common

The biggest lesson hairdressing has taught me is the importance of empathy. Hair is deeply connected to confidence and identity, especially for women experiencing hair loss. Taking the time to listen and support each client reminds me that our work is about far more than hair – it’s about restoring confidence and wellbeing.

Inanch Emir, Inanch London

Never compare yourself to anyone else, be the best version of yourself. Be proud of who you are and be a good friend to everyone. Champion your clients and champion your colleagues.

Sally Brooks, Brooks & Brooks London

The biggest lesson that hairdressing has taught me is that being part of such a creative and welcoming industry, there is room for all of us to grow and do well. Watching your fellow hairdressers do well gives as much joy as your own achievements.

Karis Amy, Studio U, Winchester

My advice to other women in hairdressing is simple: say yes to opportunities and learn along the way. Be transparent, be honest and most importantly, be yourself. When you lead with authenticity and build trust with the people around you, you’ll always move forward.

Michelle Summers Davies, Michelle Davies Hair, Pembrokshire

The advice I would give to other women in hairdressing is to know your worth, but on both sides of the coin: know your strengths and make sure you’re charging correctly for those strengths, but also know your weaknesses. There is no weakness in acknowledging where you can improve and taking the steps to become better. My advice on a business level is very simple. Know the foundations that go into running a business and know the costs you incur to carry out your services before you charge.

Grace Patel, founder My Colour Cost

“I love being a woman in the industry who can mentor other younger powerful woman to be the next gen leaders, it’s such a female heavy industry in salons and I’m proud of that, we create beauty and empower each other. For me it’s so important to champion each other - but not from afar!! A true approach where you love each other’s socials and support one another. I personally want to see the rise of the celebrity female hairdresser and we can only do that by keeping on being a force to be reckoned with. I hope my presence is felt by other girls out there and they know I have their backs!”

Tracey Ann Smith, Artistic Director at MOOD and Coloraqua

“Being a woman in the industry is incredibly rewarding - we get to lead, create, and inspire eve-ry day. What inspires me most is the chance to pay it forward. I’ve been lucky to learn from amazing mentors, and I love sharing that knowledge, guidance, and encouragement with the next generation so they can see what’s possible, grow, and thrive.”

Chris Grimley, Textured Hair Specialist, Owner of Fusion Hair Co and Texture Curl Academy

“Hairdressing has always been powered by strong, creative women, and I’m incredibly proud to be part of that. As salon owners, educators, and mentors, we have the opportunity to inspire the next generation by sharing knowledge, opening doors, and encouraging others to believe in their potential. What makes our industry so special is the compassion and support we show each other, balancing busy careers with family life and understanding one another. I believe in em-powering girls and women, helping them push to the best of their abilities while letting their own style shine through. Supporting mums and everyone in the salon to be their best and en-couraging them to wear their own style with confidence, ensures no one ever lets anyone dull their sparkle.”

Marlene Lamont, Stylist & Owner of Urban Hair & Beauty

"Being a woman in the industry has always been incredibly inspiring. We’re surrounded by crea-tivity, leadership, and innovation at every level, and it’s exciting to see so many women shaping its future. I try to empower my peers by sharing knowledge, encouraging bold ideas, and creat-ing opportunities for growth, whether through mentoring, education, or simply celebrating each other’s successes. It’s all about lifting each other up and pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve together.”

Suzie McGill, International Artistic Director Rainbow Room International

Hairdressing has always been powered by women, and it’s inspiring to see more women actively supporting and championing each other’s success. I believe empowerment comes from sharing knowledge, creating opportunities, and encouraging people to step confidently into leadership. But progress isn’t just the responsibility of women — the men in our industry also have an important role to play in recognising and uplifting the talented women around them. Because when women are supported, visible and given the space to lead, the entire industry evolves.”

Ashleigh Hodges, The Fellowship for British Hairdressing President

"Being a woman in the industry is incredibly rewarding. I love that we get to be creative every day, push boundaries, and inspire each other. I try to empower others by sharing skills, encour-aging confidence, and celebrating individuality, especially when it comes to working with all hair types, from sleek to curly and textured. For me, it’s about creativity, passion, and lifting each other up.”

Alex Thaddeus, Owner of Alex Thaddeus Hairdressing