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: Charlotte O'Flanagan (aka Charlotte Paints Hair) a Colour Specialist in Solihull
Salon/Co-working space: Charlotte Paints Hair
Location: Solihull
Age: 30
Pronouns: she/her
TikTok: Charlottepaintshair
Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education?
I did two years at Sixth Form, I shouldn’t have done it but my school and my parents said I need to do my A-Levels. I used to say I wanted to be hairdresser and everyone said I wouldn’t earn a lot of money or that it wasn't a very good job. Where I live, people think go to university is the only way you’ll have a good career. I was 15 when I left school (my birthday is at the end of August), my Mum was definitely worried I’d change my mind and wouldn’t have a back up.
What was your first job?
I worked at Hollister but I worked in a hairdressers as a Saturday girl when I was 14.
Why did you become a hairdresser?
I’m not very academic, I'm very creative. I love colour and felt that was the only way I could be creative. I'm not good at drawing andwhen I started doing hairdressing I realised it was my passion. I’m 13 years in and some peple get bored at a certain stage but I still love it. Now that I own a salon it’s different because I’ve gone into different avenues, like teaching masterclasses and helping young girls make a start in the industry.
What do you love about the industry?
I love the people you meet and the opportunities. I feel like it’s never the same, it's always changing. The industry has evolved so much from when I first started. Now people would never say don’t go into hairdressing. People look at me and can see that I’ve done well.
What would you like to change about the industry?
I feel like with awards and competitions it's quite hard to get new people on the scene. I do see at events the same people whilst the new up and coming stylists are struggling because everyone’s already big on socials so how can they get their name out there? When I started my social media I became known in my area quite quickly. My girls piggyback on my social media because they're struggling to build their own. A lot of people we see on socials are doing things like funny videos but that doesn’t mean they’re the best hairdresser.
What’s your favourite hair creation?
Last year at Colour World I did a soft pastel rainbow on my friend who was my model. It was so fun and the response after was amazing. One picture boosted my socials and I got credibility - it made me love it even more.
Who inspires you in the industry?
I take inspiration from everyone in the industry from high end well known professionals to trainers. You can learn and grow from everyone around you in all different ways. The younger generation that I train are always coming up with new, fresh and exciting ideas and trends that I take inspiration from too!
Do you have any career goals?
I would love to expand my salon and potentially open a second one. I want to get into education more and help others learn my techniques as well as building up the new generation of stylists.
