Tracy hayes - a career in colour

Tracy Hayes, is head of technical training at professional haircare brand Fudge and has a wealth of hairdressing experience to call on. How did you enter hairdressing and what was the attraction for you? I began my hairdressing career when I happened to be in Dusseldorf Germany and looking for work. I always wanted to work in the beauty industry, but wasn't sure in which area, so it was perfect timing when I was introduced to a colour technician who worked for Vidal Sassoon in Dusseldorf and I became her assistant. What were your first impressions of the industry and the possibilities open to you? I loved everything, from the transformations that occurred daily, to the interesting and diverse set of people that I began working with. This was a big eye opener for someone from a very small town in the UK, as I was suddenly working with all different nationalities. I could see from very early on that I was being offered an excellent and tough training programme, but would achieve the best. How did your career progress? After two years of training sorely in the colour department, I transferred back to the UK, to enter Sassoon’s staff training where I qualified to a colour technician. I then transferred to the Leeds salon for a year. How did you start to work towards achieving your goals? A lot of hard work! But working with such a creative team at Sassoon it was all fun. I began teaching and through this avenue I began travelling the world teaching at all levels. I was made creative director of colour in the UK, so was involved in developing the collections, working on shows, shoots and step by step DVD's. I remained there for many years before I left to work for a number of companies, experiencing different aspects of the hairdressing world. I then joined PZ Cussons as the Fudge global colour technical trainer, where I am now working directly with a colour brand, so a whole new experience for me, which is exciting and very fulfilling. What advice would you offer someone looking to carve a long-term, exciting career in hairdressing? Wherever you are, go to the best salon in your area for your training. Work as a team player, which will give you invaluable experience. Listen to your teachers and expect lots of hard work and have fun along the way! What have been your career highlights to date? I really don't know where to start. The hair industry is never ending and full of surprises. You think you have achieved everything, and then a surprise evolves and you're taken on another journey. My passion is to travel, so I'll never forget my first time travelling to Japan with Sassoon's, and I always feel privileged to continue to travel and meet so many wonderful people that have a passion for the hair industry.