Welcome to HJ's New Wave where we speak to up-and-coming stylists to find out what drives them, what's inspiring them and what they'd like to see change in the industry.
HJ's New Wave: Lady-Yvonne Coleman
Role: Hair Stylist
Salon/Co-working space: N/A
Location: South West London, Earlsfield
Age: 33
Pronouns: She/her
TikTok: @lyc.pro
Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education?
Yes – sometimes I wish I hadn't gone to university. It feels like it was a waste of time for me. There was an expectation from my Dad; he wanted me to be an architect so I ended up studying architecture. It was a good thing to study and I learnt a lot about design. So I'm glad I did it but looking back it wasted a lot of years.
What was your first job?
I worked in a bridal shop in Elys in Wimbledon - I did a lot of retail!
Why did you become a hairdresser?
When I was younger my Mum used to do people’s hair at home and I found it really interesting. When I was four or five there was always people in the house having roller sets, colour and cuts. I loved it, I loved hair. A lot of my aunties had wigs too and I loved taking off their wigs and trying to brush them. For me it was always natural, I was always good at it and able to do my own hair. My mum would often go to the salon and I’d follow and we’d sit there for hours. Back then in Afro salons everything took so long, it was a community and going there was like being part of a family. It was a natural progression going into hairdressing. After I got into hairdressing I taught barbering at Wandsworth Prison until 2023. That experience had it’s moments where it was more about the teaching of a life skill to somebody that made me feel warm inside. At other times you felt like a prisoner yourself. An interesting part of it was that everything you taught your students had to come from you and your wealth of knowledge – you can't rely on videos. You are their everything.
What do you love about the industry?
I love that it’s so versatile and you can specialise in anything. I specialise in Afro hair but I can do all types of hair. I love the fact that I don’t have to do absolutely everything for people to think I’m good. I love that that I can just hone in on my individual skill and be great at it that people from all over the world want to use me. It’s taken me everywhere, especially my bridal work. I feel lucky that they choose me but I’d like my skill to take me to other places where I’m doing something other than bridal.
What would you like to change about the industry?
I saw Olivia Brady say it can be quite cliquey and I agree. For me, as a self-employed hairstylist you can feel left out. I would like for there to be more opportunities for freelance hairstylists to come together and be part of a collective. Especially as an Afro hairdresser. You see things online and want to be part of it but don’t know how to be part of it.
What’s your favourite hair creation?
Vernon Francois' creations inspire me. His work is absolutely incredible and it’s amazing to see his creations on the red carpet each time. It’s so inspiring to see Afro hair in a different light on the red carpet and in fashion.
Who inspires you in the industry?
Growing up I would always buy black beauty and hair magazines and Charlotte Mensah and Errol Douglas were in there and they inspired me growing up. I wanted my work to be in those magazines. Now I would say it's hard to pick one person because there are so many hair stylists that do some many different things. Especially online you see a lot of people doing great things. I would say over the last year or so I've been admiring Aminata Kamara.
Do you have any career goals?
I would like to be able to talk about my craft on stage and for my name to be out there. I'd like my skill to be recognised more and to educate others on a larger scale. For me I need to pivot out of just doing services because I have so many skills that I’m able to do a lot more.
