Team spirit 2012: how do i get involved in a session team?

Behind every successful session stylist is a talented support team, providing essential assistance backstage at shows and behind the scenes on shoots. The ideal way for industry newcomers to get a foot in the door of the high-pressured world of fashion styling is to work as part of a session team which provides unparalleled access to leading industry names and imparts essential skills. 

But what does it take to form a successful session team, and what are those top industry talents looking out for when scouting for talent? We speak to some of London Fashion Week's leading lights about how they put together their session teams. 

"Passion and technical ability, but I also want to make sure that there are absolutely no egos. Working backstage is all about being a team player - we all have our strengths and weaknesses. For me, it's about putting together a team where each member complements each other." 

"Getting involved in backstage work is a big commitment and isn't necessarily for everyone. If you feel that you learn best under pressure and want a bit of excitement, then backstage is for you. I spent five years assisting until I started to earn a fee, but the experience was essential to the opportunities that I have now. One thing I will guarantee is that you will come out motivated and excited and that you can share what you learn with your salon - the biggest reward is being able to inspire." 

"I always bring my team together for a session in advance of the show where I brief them thoroughly, run through techniques and share my ideas and the vision of the designer. Most importantly, I treat them with respect. Little things like buying lunch, keeping in touch on the phone and lending equipment make a huge difference - I try and remember what it was like for me, and act accordingly."

"Being a session stylist is one of the most valuable experiences you can have as a hairdresser. You learn amazing skills from the best of the best, improve your work ethic, learn discipline around meeting deadlines and looking after your kit - the list is endless. Having a session stylist working in the salon can have huge benefits for the salon owner and their business. That stylist should be charging up to twice the usual rate to reflect their extra skill and experience, plus they can teach the rest of the salon team. It's also a great talking point with clients and can create a real PR buzz, both inside and outside the salon."

"We hold a 'session skills' day prior to Fashion Week - this allows the newest members of the team to develop their skills, meet everyone and share experiences. If I have a show with a complicated look, I will speak to everyone beforehand about the techniques - that way more experienced stylists can help manage the junior members and I can lead the team as a whole. We're a tight-knit group and always socialise after the shows. I think it's beneficial when you're backstage to know everyone on a personal level so you can get the best results." 

"Working backstage enables you to grow and develop as a person, as well as a hairdresser. You learn to communicate and work as part of a team and you become considerate of others - not only in your team but also in make-up, styling and production. Being surrounded by so much talent is inspiring and drives your creativity. Working with so many different models you learn quickly what textures and products work best on what hair types - it's an extremely valuable experience that will not just help your salon work but also future photo shoots and competitions."

"You need people who are reliable and who you know will be able to take on a brief and work well under pressure. I go for people who I feel confident will work well in a team, but also those who are eager to learn and get involved. I need to know they will put in the hard work that is required and maintain a positive attitude throughout. A good knowledge of fashion history and current trends is also helpful."

"If you're serious about being part of a session team, it's important to plan ahead as much as possible and be prepared to make sacrifices with both your time and social life. Stylists and their managers should be aware that you can be out of the salon a lot and that the travel can become expensive, so it's a good idea to have some savings behind you before you get started too." 

"Our philosophy is that the experience and information that session stylists acquire should be shared with the rest of their team. Anyone who learns from us should take back that knowledge to their salon and tell everyone else about it. Clients love this kind of information too and it shows that the salon is forward-thinking and fashion-led. Session work drives education as well as creativity, provides great opportunities and helps you to improve techniques - it is developing the craft into an art."

"It may seem as if session hair has little relevance to salon work, but in reality the skills you learn are adaptable. The way you use products, finish hair and understand texture and balance can all be translated into daily salon work. Of course, the knowledge and appreciation of fashion gives expertise too, that can be used when talking to clients about partings, fringes and finishes - everything you learn can always be adapted and is always relevant. We are hairdressers after all!"

Chris Appleton of George's Hairdressing, Leicester, has assisted backstage in London, Paris and Milan with leading names including Sam McKnight and Malcolm Edwards. Here he shares his tips for getting started in the world of session styling and making the most of your experiences.