Inspire! event hosted online by the fha and guests

This year, the Freelance Hairdresser's Association (FHA) chose to adapt and hosted their annual Inspire! event for the freelance mobile hairdressing community live via Zoom. The day's lineup covered all aspects of hairdressing with a star-studded group of guests jumping on camera to educate viewers.

The morning's events provided lots of valuable advice

Kicking off the event was Patrick Cameron, an honorary member of FHA. His Education in Isolation weekly series has been reaching over 300 000 hairdressers globally. While showing the audience demos on long hair, Patrick shared how lockdown pushed him to reinvent himself. Patrick also spoke about dealing with negativity on social media, his passion for education and the FHA as well as pricing tips. Patrick commented; "As hairdressers we're all about communication. We're passionate about staying connected an giving our very best to our community and clients." Throughout his session Patrick stuck to this sentiment. He demonstrated 3 looks for the bridal updos that he is well known for. Importantly, these looks came with clear and easy instructions alongside techniques that could help form a solid base for further looks and experimentation. Next came Alan Edwards for L'Oreal Professionnel. He showcased cutting and colouring skills through 5 looks based on techniques from his recent Contemporary Classics collection. Each of the styles were unique in their colour placement giving them individuality thanks to Alan's stardust technique. He finished with a series of commercial textured asymmetric cuts using colours inspired by David Bowie and his Ziggy Stardust album cover. The zig-zag makeup from this was translated onto hair through a curved panel of the same shape. The final guest of the morning was Claire Jones, Regional Education Developer for Matrix. She provided commentary on the importance of client consultation, something she believes will be essential in this time post lockdown. Claire discussed the science behind a consultation and product diagnosis as well as the importance of asking the right questions. She also stressed that hairdressers are the expert. It is important to be proud of your expertise with clients and analyse their hair properly, ensuring that clients leave feeling informed.

During the lunchtime the discussions continued.

Founder Sheila Abrahams was joined by Jez Barnett to talk about products and treatments. John Huscroft was also in attendance and focused on insights for the future of the industry alongside Edward Hemmings who spoke on coming changes and education and Cath McGuinness from Wella Professionals who shared what's new from the brand and their future plans for the support of freelancers.

In the afternoon, Inspire! viewers received more insight with a range of hints and tips.

The sessions began with Peter Mellon, owner of Medusa salon in Scotland and Wella guest artist alongside Wella Education Consultant, Jon Walker. Peter demonstrated both prep and techniques for a series of salon-friendly styles including how to set the hair for results that last. He finished off the segment showing a wet-to-dry editorial chignon. To end the day, Indola and ambassadors Andy Smith and Paddy McDougall alongside their Technical Manager, Shayne Meadows showed the Indola Autumn 2020 StreetStyle Collection for the first time.  Andy and Paddy talked through the new collection with mannequin heads. Paddy pre-coloured the hair prior to the event and spoke about his versatile panelling colour technique which allows for personalised results. Andy then cut and finished the look on camera . The collection is centred around tailored cuts with playful details topped off with a sleek rounded finish.

The success of the day was seen by 200 hairdressers who joined online.

The Inspire! event lived up to its name with several viewers signing up to join the FHA. Members and guests felt the positive impacted. Claire Jones said "I'm so excited to be at the forefront of this new way of learning. This is the future and I'm sure we'll be seeing lots more of this type of online education". Sheila Abrahams commented "Inspire! 2020 was a phenomenal success and we are delighted that so many people joined us." She expressed gratitude to the supporters and guests who took part and reflected on the experience. "One thing we've learned during lockdown is the importance of getting together to share, talk and stay connected - and Inspire! gave us all of that. We couldn't be happier with how the day went and are excited to continue to build on its success with more online events and education to come."