2015 sees Gary Hooker and Michael Young celebrate their 19th year in business together. The Hooker & Young brand is synonymous with style and they pride themselves in offering the latest hairdressing techniques to their loyal clientele. A host of industry and international awards back up the creative vision and bespoke talent. We caught up with them to find out some more…
1. You were nominated for British Hairdresser of the Year in this year’s BHAs. What inspired your Metamorphose collection?
We wanted to create portraits of light, almost like you’re looking at people through old glass windows. Using the moth/butterfly as our concept the ‘metamorphose’ collection focuses on transition and change of shape. Using colour to create pockets of light brings an iridescent texture and almost diaphanous feel to the hair where it appears to allow light to pass through.
2. 2015 marks your 19th year in business together, what plans do you have to celebrate?
2015 is about focussing on the business, making sure our training is at the top of its game and continuing to grow the brand. However, we plan to do something very exciting, and top secret in 2016 so watch this space!
3. We’ve seen you have just opened your fifth salon, what an achievement! What advice would you give to someone thinking about opening a second salon?
Go for it! As long as you have planned the salon well; thought carefully about the location, can recruit and train the right team members, and split your time equally between both salons without the brand being compromised then there should be nothing stopping you from taking a calculated risk! The hard part is managing your time. You will probably spend a lot less time on the salon floor and more time managing the business so make sure this is the route you want to go down before making the commitment!
4. What trends can you see being big throughout 2015?
The biolage trend is still going to be hot in 2015 so we will be tailoring this technique even more, with various tones and shade but keeping them personal to the client. One technique does not fit all so should be created for that individual. Shine lines is another technique, which is prove to be popular next year also.
5. What styles are your clients requesting at the moment? Can you give us a quick tutorial?
Hand painted colours are popular with clients because of the speed and the results they create. We’re also diffusing two or three shades on a global application; it is no longer about monochromatic colour.
6. Finally, if you were to have a total career change what would you go into?
Gary would love to open an animal rescue centre, and I would probably open my own restaurant. I love to cook so I think that would be the right direction for me.
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Check out their site at www.hookerandyoung.co.uk
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