HOB Salons Creative Team Member and Educator Jake Unger was a finalist in this years HJ’s 2014 Newcomer Hairdresser of the Year. We asked Jake what advice he would offer those of you wanting to get into the Hairdressing Industry, and how he discovered his hairdressing talent.

1. Massive congratulations on being a finalist for the Newcomer of the Year award – what was your inspiration for your collection?

Thank you. This shoot highlights my interpretation of fashion, taking inspiration from the late 70’s underground club scene to deliver a strong yet beautiful collection.

2. When did you first discover that you wanted to be a hairdresser?

I accidentally discovered that this was the industry for me. When I was 15 I started working in a barbers shop as a part time job. From there I was exposed to other ideas and inspiration from fashion and realised that I wanted to be a part of all aspects of hair and learn women’s hairdressing too.

3. If you could offer one piece of advice for someone wanting to get into the industry, what would it be?

I would firstly advise someone to do their homework and research different companies as to the type of imagery they produce. Don’t look for crazy haircuts; look for quality and class, similar to how a designers collection would look on the catwalk- not necessarily mad crazy hair and colours. Always look to companies that offer the best training. At HOB we have our own Academy where we are able to offer all our staff that work in our salons constant training to keep them inspired and progressing. For our Apprentices, they are given all the training they need and are then given a job at the end of this programme in one of our 24 salons in the HOB group.

4. What’s your favourite SS15 trend? Anything we should be watching out for?

For short hair, following on from Moschino SS15 collection, this hair trend will really start to kick off in the summer months as women will want to feel free and not have to worry about styling their hair. This style lends itself perfectly to the warmer season, abandoning the long safe fringe and instead teaming short hair with more daring bold squared fringes that have a hint of texture. Take inspiration from Frankie Bridge, evolving her long exaggerated fringe and taking the leap to short, she is really rocking this look. With short hair it’s all about texture and Anne Demeulemeester shows this in abundance with her SS15 collection and of course let’s not forget Miley Cyrus’ short sides which every short hair girl looks at when choosing to take the chop.

5. Where would you like to be in 10 years?

Luckily enough I am very content with where I am now working in The HOB Academy and being part of the HOB Creative Team. I am already working in a position where I have the opportunity to travel the world and teach on amazing platforms. Looking ahead for the next 10 years, I would like to be heading up for shows, taking part in more shoots, hopefully winning a few more awards and definitely some more summer holidays!