Apprentices are the future of the industry and often the first to spot what's coming next. From techniques and tools to clients and culture, today's apprentices are shaping tomorrow's salons. Here's what they're loving in 2026...
This week is HJ's Apprentice Week. Don't forget to keep up with all our content here!
Mustafa Mihaylov, Daniel's Salon, Chelsea
Dream Client
I'm most inspired when a client views their hair as part of a total look, connecting it to fashion and make-up. There is something so powerful about a client who trusts my vision; it gives me the confidence to really elevate the results. I also have a lot of respect for those who take the time to look after their hair in between visits, it makes my work stay beautiful for much longer.
Favourite Technique
I'm a perfectionist when it comes to the foundation of a service. For me, that starts with precise sectioning before I even pick up a brush. When it comes to colour, I love using brickwork patterns for highlights to ensure a seamless, natural blend. I also believe the backwash is where the luxury experience truly begins. I specialise in a deep head and nape massage, using a combination of effleurage, petrissage, and friction to help the client totally reset. I finish every look with a signature round brush blow-dry for that classic, polished movement.
Favourite Service
I’m a huge advocate for intensive hair mask treatments and the ‘Hair Spa’ experience. It’s about more than just the product; it’s about advising the customer on what their hair truly needs. I love the balance of assisting on professional colour services while delivering high end, luxury styling.
Playlist Pick
My creative energy is fuelled by a very specific aesthetic. I love 80s industrial and Balearic music, anything that feels monochrome and futuristic. That vibe definitely translates into how I see hair.
What I'm Struggling With...
The technical side is one thing, but I find the consultation is the most important skill to master. Learning how to have a truly helpful, deep conversation to get the vision right is a constant focus for me. I’m also constantly refining my hairline highlighting, it’s a delicate area that requires a lot of focus to get perfect.
Libby Slyman, ARKIVE by Adam Reed
Dream Client
I love creating bright, seamless blondes that feel effortless, natural, and lived-in, while still looking luxurious and high-impact. My dream clients are blondes with long healthy highlighted hair! I always feel that long hair gives me the perfect canvas to blend, tone, and refine every detail for that ultimate glossy finish.
Favourite Technique
Cutting through the comb on a one-length haircut is my absolute favourite technique. There’s something so satisfying about the precision, control, and clean lines it creates. It allows me to achieve a flawless, sharp finish while maintaining softness and movement - simple, sleek, and timeless.
Favourite Service
My favourite service has to be short haircuts. They push me out of my comfort zone, challenge my creativity, and really get my brain working! Every short cut is unique and requires careful consideration of face shape, bone structure, and personal style, which makes the transformation so exciting and rewarding.
Playlist Pick
Olivia Dean, Man I Need. It’s the perfect feel-good track to set the vibe in the salon. Chill, soulful, and uplifting, it keeps the energy calm, positive, and flowing while I work.
What I'm Struggling With...
Getting salon ready with my timings! Plus, learning to multi-task for salon efficiency.
Blossom Donakey, Dot Hair Liverpool
Dream Client
I’d love to work with one of the Kardashians. Seeing one of my looks on screen fully styled would be such an exciting milestone.
Favourite Technique
My favourite technique is backcombing foils when creating balayage. Since learning it in my training, it’s something I always come back to. It creates the cleanest blend and definitely makes a difference to the end result.
Favourite Service
I love cutting in long layers and then finishing with a flicky blow-dry. It feels very fashion-led and editorial to me as it’s all about movement, shape and making the hair feel styled rather than just ‘done’.
Playlist Pick
Anything by Olivia Dean, but Rein Me In is always a go-to.
What I'm Struggling With...
Hair-ups have been the hardest skill for me so far. Knowing where to start feels a bit overwhelming, but my confidence is building every time I practise. I’m starting to enjoy the challenge more as I go, and seeing the end results creates a drive for the next one.
Bethany Rose Constable, The Gallery
Dream Client
My dream clients are those who come and sit in my chair and aren’t worried about the price of the service, they’re all about the energy the service brings.
Favourite Technique
My favourite techniques are scissor over comb and creating that perfect one length haircut – they are both adjustable, hands-on and built by feel.
Favourite Service
My favourite service is a short haircut because the transformation is powerful and my brain is engaged throughout.
Playlist Pick
My go-to playlist would be house music because it's uplifting and motivating to work to.
What I'm Struggling With...
I have noticed that I have lacked confidence on my hairdressing journey when I have compared myself to others whilst my skills are still developing – and self-doubt can hold me back.
Amelia Benford, Mark Leeson Salons
Dream Client
My dream client is Molly Mae. I love her style and how she switches from being an ultra-authentic reliable mummy to a luxury business-savvy brand owner. Her hair is always on point and I’d love to be her stylist.
Favourite Technique
My favourite technique is the V-ombre, which is a Mark Leeson exclusive technique that Mark actually taught me. It’s a blended foiling technique applied at angles which creates super seamless, super cute colour blending. It’s very client friendly because it gives such amazing results.
Favourite Service
My favourite service has to be baby-fine highlights with a soft root tap giving a soft, blended feel. It’s a favourite because its always a vibe, regardless of the colour spectrum as it doesn’t just stop at blondes.
Playlist Pick
My playlist pick is Skye Newman, but come the weekend I’m always up for a bit of house music on a night out with my girlies!
What I'm Struggling With...
Probably gents cuts. I’m still learning and in the ‘trusting the process’ phase but its part of my training strategy and I’m hoping that I’ll be more confident in this area soon as the skills I’m learning are transferable to the short haircuts on my ladies which is great.
HJ's Apprentice Week is sponsored by Denman.
