Hj exclusive: gary hooker and michael young announced as international ambassadors for matakki scissors

Renowned hairdressing duo Gary Hooker and Michael Young have been announced as the new international ambassadors for multi-award winning scissor brand, Matakki. Don’t miss our exclusive chat with them below. With four leading salons and 25 years of experience in the industry, both Gary and Michael are often cited as leaders within the industry. The duo first bought a pair of Matakki scissors in 2015 and have been dedicated to the brand ever since. As the first international hairdressing ambassadors for the brand, they will be in salons and out on the road showcasing their talent and the products. As returning customers, Gary and Michael have developed a mutual respect and friendship with Matakki directors, James and Emma, further cemented by a mutual love of their late friend and Matakki ambassador, Allan Stone. Speaking about the ambassador role, Michael Young comments: “We’re both thrilled to be working with James and Emma in elevating the Matakki brand to new heights through an international audience. When you believe in a brand, you want to shout about it, so the international ambassador role is the perfect fit for us.” James Curd, Director of Matakki, comments: “Everyone in the industry knows about Gary and Michael because of their amazing skill and talent. It’s a great honour to have these two working alongside the Matakki brand and to know they have loved our products from day one.” To celebrate the new appointment, Gary and Michael sat down to answer a few questions about their impressive history and future trajectory...

Could you tell us a little bit about what attracted you to the hair industry?

Michael Young: “I always wanted to do something creative or expressive and if I’m honest I was leaning more towards ‘the arts’ – my plan was to enrol in performance art, but hairdressing came along before that happened and became my passion. I very quickly realised that the hair industry had everything I was looking for within a career.” Gary Hooker: “I started at the salon in Fenwick Newcastle at the age of 21 having tried a few different things first - I had been a baker for a short time and a sheet metal worker; very different, I know! It was actually through a couple of girlfriends that I was introduced into hairdressing and, like Michael, never looked back. I loved the creativity and the buzz in the salon was incredible.”

Could you tell us about the awards you’ve won over the years? Which was the best? Which took you by surprise?

MY: “HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards have always been a huge part of who we are as a salon group - winning multiple awards over the years has helped elevate not only H&Y but individuals with the group to award winning success. GH: “Being nominated for British Hairdresser of The Year has got to be hard to beat, especially as we are recognised as a creative couple. Our first nomination was in 2008 which was a pretty euphoric moment, but I’ve got to say that every nomination since has felt just as special. Hopefully 2021 will be our year.”

What attracted you to the Matakki brand?

MY: “Amazing scissors are a massive part of what allows us to be creative and expressive through our work. You have to feel comfortable with the scissors you choose – they become an extension of your hand, so the fit has to be perfect. We reach a wide audience through our work and it’s important to use a scissor brand that you believe and trust in – we get asked a lot (especially internationally) which scissors we use and are proud to say Matakki. GH: “We both picked up our first Matakki scissors six year ago and have never faltered from the brand. The quality and craftsmanship are second to none and, more importantly, they deliver great results.”

Could you tell us about your relationship with Matakki and the team?

GH: “Hairdressing is all about building strong relationships – whether it’s with your clients or manufacturers, a great relationship is worth its weight in gold. Matakki has a great team headed up by James and Emma who are all wonderful to deal with.” MY: “James and Emma are genuinely great people. There’s a great synergy there between us and so many similarities as couples; we share so many character traits, it’s scary!”

What’s your go-to pair of Matakki Scissors and why?

MY: “I’ve used a few over the years, but I’ve been using ‘The Assassin’ for a while which I really love. My new favourites are ‘The Hazuki’ scissors and texturisers which are pretty awesome.” GH: “I like to mix things up a little – I’m using ‘The Kinju’ scissors and my go-to texturisers are ‘The Dragon’ which are my second pair.”

What is your favourite memory from over the years?

MY: “That is a tough question to answer as there are so many great memories. I guess, having the opportunity to travel around the world doing what we love is an amazing thing. We’ve been to some incredible places doing hair that we wouldn’t ordinarily visit.” GH: “Headlining the main stage show at the Russian Hairdressing Awards in Moscow has got to be up there as a high point for sure.”

What have you got planned for the future?

GH: “Where to start! We are planning to relocate one of our salons which is a huge undertaking as it’s a very established business and must be handled like a military operation. The new site will ultimately become our flagship salon with a wider offering of services including hair, beauty and aesthetics – it’s all very exciting.” MY: “Over the past six years, my work as a hair photographer has grown massively, taking up a lot of my time now. It’s great to collaborate with other hair artists in helping bring someone else’s vision to life. I’m excited to see what 2022 brings and hopefully will be working with some amazing people.”

Where do you see the hair industry going in the next year?

GH: “Hairdressing has been through a tough time over the past 18 months – the lockdowns were incredibly challenging for salons up and down the country. Now that life is starting to return to normal, it’s all about strengthening your business which in turn will help to rebuild the industry. It’s important that we come back from this bigger and stronger than ever.” MY: “I agree – I do think we have re-emerged as a stronger, more recognised profession and, to be honest, I feel that clients have a new found love and respect for their hairdresser. Often, it’s not until you’ve had something taken away that you realise how much you miss it.”