Rachelle Simmonds, together with Dafydd Rhys continued The Ken Picton salon’s winning streak in this year’s British Hairdresser of the Year Awards 2013, after winning the Wales & South West Hairdresser of the Year awards for the fourth time- with their Monochromatik collection.
How did it feel to win the 2013 Wales and South West Hairdresser of the year award?
It’s an absolute dream come true. When I was younger I dreamed of being able to go to the BHA’s and then a few years ago when I go to attend – I thought how much it would mean to one day win! Whatever industry you’re in – if you dedicate yourself and work really hair then you WILL achieve your goals!
What salon product could you absolutely not do without?
I absolutely love Shu Uemura’ s Essence Absolute. It‚Äôs a beautiful product and works for every client ‚Äì I use it by the bucket load! It‚Äôs a luxurious product and there‚Äôs really nothing like it. ¬†I also love the Wax Blast by Redken; it‚Äôs a really unique product that‚Äôs great for adding texture and definition to finer hair.
What is it you enjoy most about your work?
It’s a cliché, but it really is it true; there’s nothing better than giving a client a complete re-style – making someone feel great about how they look is the best feeling in the world.
What made you want to become a hairdresser?
I always wanted to do something creative as I come from an artistic family. I was in 6th form studying fashion and art and started working as a Saturday girl in a salon; I worked two Saturdays and decided that this was what I wanted to do. 15 years later here I am!
What is your funniest story from your time in the trade?
The most embarrassing moment for me happened at the L’Oreal Colour Trophy Finals a few years ago. I was wearing one of my mother’s vintage dresses (little did I know that it originally came with an under slip!) and it was only when I was on stage under the spotlights and saw the faces of my team mates did I realise that I was stood in the middle of the roundhouse with my underwear on full display!
