My salon international - hooker & young
With their appreciation for all things fabulous, it is no surprise that Hooker & Young are amongst the most wanted stylists in the world. Dedicated to their craft, Gary Hooker & Michael Young are multi-award winning stylists with four salons in the North East of England who have just been nominated for British Hairdresser of the Year 2008.
Hooker & Young's creative flare and passion for colour is in constant demand throughout the Britain and overseas.This pair are highly recognised and respected for their exquisite attention to detail, and their finishing skills are unrivalled.
What's your favourite Salon International memory?
GH: It comes from the very first time I visited Salon International. I had been in hairdressing for three months, and never been to London before when I decided to travel to Salon alone. I saw a show by Irvine and Rita Rusk that was magical; like an illusion and it was at that point I realised hairdressing was definitely for me!
MY: In 1999 I was involved in a show in the main theatre that involved up and coming stars and I was happy to be invited. The feeling of walking on stage and sensing everyone's expectations is amazing.
What do you get out of your Salon International visit?
GH: I find it a great place to catch up with friends and colleagues as well as meet new people. I also like to people watch and when I'm on stage I have to concentrate on what I'm doing and not watch the crowds!
MY: Salon International inspires me and I love it. I take time every year (no matter how busy we are!) to go round all the products, furniture, stages - everything. I find it a real insight into the future of hairdressing.
What will you be doing at this year's exhibition?
GH: Running straight to the British Hairdressing Awards gallery. As nominees for British Hairdressers of the Year we will be looking to see what the other collections are like.
MY: This is the first year we have been nominated so it will be good to experience Salon from a different point of view. I don't think we will be doing too much stage work but will be in the Press Office.
Who and what inspires you most at the exhibition
GH: Seeing new people doing fantastic things - especially those from smaller salons that don't always get the opportunity to do show work.
MY: The British Hairdressing Awards gallery! The excitement, anticipation and standard that surround it are almost unbearable!
What's your top tip for first time visitors?
GH: Don't socialise too much! And stay somewhere local as taxis can cost a fortune!
MY: Give yourself enough time. Don't try and squeeze it all into one afternoon or one day. Also, don't forget about the smaller stands, as these can be as exciting as the bigger ones.
What's in your Salon International Survival Kit?
GH: A good model, an assistant and lots of water!
MY: Lots of money (I can't resist an impulse buy), business cards and a notebook and pen to take details and inspiration down.
What's your Salon International soundtrack?
GH: It would be the HedKandi CD's - ideal for chilling our before you go to sleep or for getting you ready before going on stage.
MY: Anything by Goldfrapp - perfect tunes to use as backing tracks and really get the crowds going.
Sum up Salon International in three words.
GH: Exhilarating, Inspirational, Exhausting.
MY: Innovative, Exciting, Busy
