We spoke to Inanch Emir on her journey to becoming an established extensionist and why working in the hair industry is so rewarding…
What has been your career journey so far?
I had a Saturday job at 14 years old in a local salon getting paid £10 a day. Back then it was almost frowned upon to be a hairdresser, people thought you didn’t have the brains. So I did two years of BTEC Business at college and then I did my hairdressing course there. My teacher used to go to central London to get her hair done and she said to me, come with me because it’s a completely different salon experience there. I went with her and fell in love with the salon. I asked if they had any jobs going, and they said ‘Can you start Tuesday?’ I was 16, I went in for a trial, and got the job. I was there for 14 years, then opened my own salon.
What’s a typical day in the life like for you?
Extensions, extensions, extensions. I do six days a week now. During Covid, I got my medical license for my hair loss clients and started going to people’s homes. Now I’m in the salon three days a week for all my regular clients. The other three days I do my celebrity clientele and those that don’t want to come into the salon.
Why is hair important to you?
I love how it makes people feel. I had a 14-year-old girl who was being bullied because she had alopecia and when I did her hair, both her and her mum started to cry. She said, “I’m really happy to go to school Monday because I’m not going to get bullied.” It’s the happiness in people’s faces and the confidence that it gives them that makes me feel good about my job.
What has been the biggest challenge?
Starting up. The first year we opened, there were bombings in London. Clients were cancelling, it was a scary time. I’d invested everything I had, moved out of my house, and moved in with my parents. It was a very stressful time. Then when things started to calm down and clients started to rebook, Covid happened.
What inspires you?
My clients. Yes, I look at magazines and fashion and architecture, but in general, my clients. You’re only as good as your last haircut, so I always feel inspired to be better.
What’s next for Inanch?
We’ve got quite a lot in the pipeline! There are a few trips coming up in Dubai and LA. I’m going to be doing some hair systems and a tour with a hairdresser from New York. We’re starting in London and then we’re taking it all over Europe, training people how to do hair extensions.
1990: Started working at Michael Van Clarke salon
2005: Opened own salon, Inanch London
2022: Had a call from Angela Bassett to make three wigs for her role in Black Panther
