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.
Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education?
There was definitely an expectation - I fell into the trap and did my GCSEs and A-Levels. I got into my second year and realised it was just not for me, but I was encouraged to stay on the track I was on. I got my my A-Levels and university offers, and thought "I can’t imagine anything worse for me than being trapped in uni" I wanted to do something instantly and that’s when I found hairdressing at age 19.
What was your first job?
I was a Disney Princess for kids parties! It was really fun and good for my confidence. [Who was your go to Princess?] My go-to was Belle, and towards the end I did a lot of Rapunzels and Annas!
Why did you become a hairdresser?
My auntie owned a salon and when I was 14 her business partner went on maternity leave so for four weeks of that summer I went in as a junior to mix colours, talk to clients, etc. It fit me down to the ground. I’m a people person, I love chatting to people and I wanted to do something that made other people happy. I’ve always been creative. I’ve played with fashion so the thing I enjoy most is the colour, I’ve learnt to appreciate cutting and the artistry behind it but from the get-go colouring is where I was most comfortable.
What do you love about the industry?
I love the hair in Fashion Week and the concept of the theatre of hair. It's the last piece of the puzzle in everything, where it’s all cohesive; hair links everything together. I’m excited about the way Fashion Week hair pulls everything together. I’m now part of the Fellowship Youth Board for under 25s which helps us have a say on the industry and promote our view on things that are happening – our future is being decided for us.
Read Next: Backstage at London Fashion Week
What would you like to change about the industry?
Hairdressing can be so progressive but at the same time there’s instances where it’s very cliquey. There are a lot of assumptions made about my skill or experience level and the work I want to do. I want to help break down stigmas about young northern people who want to be included in this industry but are not. There’s a lot going on in the north. I love coming to London for Fashion Week and shoots but I’d like to change how many young northern people are doing what I’m doing.
Who inspires you in the industry?
Definitely Jordanna Cobella. Her prediction of trends and how she anticipates them and her salon speak to me. Ashleigh Hodges, being the youngest female president of The Fellowship is such a huge milestone -she came up a similar way to me so that's really inspirational. And I love Marlon Hawkins, his braiding work, the intricacies, and the way he works is so interesting to watch. The way he creates hair is not like something I’ve seen before.
Do you have any career goals?
For years and years I’ve said I’ll do a British Hairdressing Awards collection and now I've won the BHA Bursary for 2025 it’s unreal and a big check off my list. A highlight would be getting onto the FAME Team for the Fellowship. I like to sell the things I believe in really well so I picture myself being an ambassador for a company that has the same ethos as me about how we should treat hair. If something works for me I work hard for it.
HJ's New Wave: Olivia Brady
Role: Creative Director/Manager
Age: 24
Pronouns: She/Her
Salon: Honeycomb Hair
Location: Doncaster, South Yorkshire
TikTok: @oliviarosebradyhair
Jordanna Cobella, British Hairdresser of the Year Nominee Collection 2024
