In this edition of ‘Ask the expert‘ we catch up with Skyler Colour Director, Lloyd Court to learn more about his journey within the hair colour industry, as well as his career highlights and muses on the future of hair colouring.
What is your first memory of appreciating really great hair?
When I was young, I used to go to the hair salon with my mother and I think when I would spend 3-4 hours there, I would start to notice what I liked and what I didn’t like. My mother was a serial highlighter so I used to spend quite a lot of time in the salon and would read all the hair magazines.
When did you decide that becoming a stylist was going to be a full-time profession?
I was in secondary school when I was doing coursework on hair salon pricing. It was then that I looked into salons in London and once I saw everything that hairdressing had to offer I think that was the moment I decided to embark on a profession. In fact, that was the date I sent my application to Seanhanna!
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How do you think social media has shaped the industry?
I think social media has shaped the industry beautifully. I think any way for people to share and inspire each other is amazing and the community online of hairdressers is great! I can connect with people that are on the other side of the world!
I think unfortunately everyone gives social media a bad rap because there is some negativity but I think overall the impact it has made has been incredibly positive. It has also surpassed guests’ expectations but I think if you do a complete in-depth consultation then you have nothing to worry about!
What is one thing you wish that you had been told before embarking on a professional career in hairdressing?
Patience. I really wish that I was told earlier on that patience in this career is a vital. I think when I first started out I was really impatient and wanted everything straight away. As I’ve gotten older I’ve figured out that patience is a virture and good things come to those who wait (and practice!). It doesn’t always work though. I’m still sometimes incredibly impatient. (Which I’m sure my team will attest to! – sorry guys!)
Tell us more about the awards you have won
I don’t really want to talk a lot about awards but more about rewards. And in reality my biggest award by far was the opportunity to open my own salon with Skyler McDonald and Sean Hanna. It has been the most rewarding thing that has ever happened to me. And it totally tops any award I could have or have won.
But since you’re asking, I did win two awards at the Seanhanna awards last year, I have also received Bangstyle Supreme image of the month. I was also shortlisted for the FAME Team 2018 but unfortunately did not get through. Next year though ?
What is the best piece of advice you can give to stylists just starting out in the hair business?
It takes hard work and determination to get where you want to be. Be patient. I think Whoopi Goldberg said it perfectly “IF you wanna be somebody, and you want to go somewhere. You better wake up and pay attention” ?
Where do you find inspiration to keep your hairdressing fresh and innovative?
I have the opportunity to work with amazing hairdressers in shows and seminars but quite honestly it is my team that inspire me every single day. Each one of them are fantastic colourists and all give such amazing ideas and a fresh approach to colour. Totally inspirational.
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What is your aspiration for the next 10 years?
Well we hope to have a few more Skyler London salons in 10 years. That would be amazing! I also hope to finalise at the British Hairdressing Awards. On a more personal note (if you care), I would love to learn to drive!
Who influences you to be a fantastic stylist and why?
I have many huge inspirations in the hairdressing industry and to name all of them would take up the whole page! A few of my biggest influences are: Skyler McDonald, Sean Hanna, Sam McKnight, Angelo Seminara, Eduardo Paulo. (I seriously could go on for hours) My team are also a huge influence, they are all so amazing at colour and they definitely make me better at what I do.
What would you say is the work that has made you the proudest?
On the whole, the most product work to date is the salon. Photographically last year I produced a collection that I was incredibly proud of. I love creating looks and colours for guests in the salon – it makes me proud every day to make my guests happy.
Where do you see the future of colour heading?
I think that the future of hair colour is going to be a really interesting one. If we look at salons the way they are now, almost every colour guest that comes in is a colour correction! They’re always looking to switch it up, which makes it incredibly exciting for us colourists but sometimes products are limiting! The introduction of smartbond has really changed what we can do, but I am excited to see the future of hair colour being more innovative products! 5 years ago we wouldn’t dream of doing the things we do now! I’m so excited!
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