Q&A with the Pulp Riot Squad…
Laura May Stevens
@lauramaystephenshair
Can you introduce yourself and give us a summary of the work you do in the industry?
Hi! I’m Laura! @lauramaystevenshair on Instagram! I’m a hairstylist and creative hair colour artist based in Nottingham. I’m also part of the Pulp Riot squad which is super exciting to be a part of! I specialise in creative colour and vivid hair colour as well as balayage and colour corrections.
How have you seen hair colour trends change over the years?
Trends are changing so quickly now, so it’s very important to stay current as an artist by constantly researching and learning, whether it be at seminars or classes. The main trends that have stuck out for me is lived-in colour – balayage that blends seamlessly and gives longevity to the client. I have also noticed clients have become more adventurous, whether it be adding a pastel shade to an existing blonde or going for full rainbow creations
Why do you think multicoloured hair styles are becoming more popular in the mainstream?
We are becoming a generation of expression and people want to express their personalities, not only in their clothes but their hair, too! Direct dyes, such as Pulp Riot, are now such high quality and leave the hair in the best condition possible. They also don’t stain, meaning the versatility of the next colour is wider.
Techniques for vivid colours also are growing each week, meaning more stylists are wanting to get more creative!
To what extent do you think Instagram has had an impact on driving hair trends and techniques?
I think Instagram plays a massive part. With the discovery page there are endless videos on hair styles and colour masterpieces being created daily. Instagram TV is amazing for learning new tricks and watching other artists create their magic! I also feel Instagram in the hair world is such a great network for meeting new friends for life, making connections and exchanging and sharing knowledge in the industry.
How common would you say it is now for clients to use Instagram to find the look they want?
Every day! Instagram is a great tool as we can use hashtags to quickly find a photo to compare colour, and is great for clients to find the muse for their next look.
How important do you think it is for hair stylists to keep an eye on what is trending on Instagram?
So important. It’s where all the clients are sitting every night, scrolling through and looking at trends.
Do you think social media has changed the way the hair industry works?
Definitely – but for good and bad!
For good, it’s served us the perfect platform to show our work off to attract clients and connect with other artists. We feel constantly inspired every day from it and I honestly do believe it helps you grow as a hairstylist.
However, it has its downside. Over-edited and enhanced photos give clients unrealistic expectations that, as hair colourists, we have to battle each day. We are constantly being shown transformations of hair colours that have taken over eight hours to create and we as a commercial stylist have around three! But it’s nice to be kept on your toes, eh?!
In what ways do you think hair stylists can benefit from using social media when promoting themselves?
I think it’s fab for hairstylists’ promotion. Not only can you get your work out there as an artist and attract new clientele, but you can create an image for yourself as a brand. Creating yourself to stand out from the crowd!
What up-and-coming trends do you think will next be an Instagram hit?
I am noticing contrasting colours more and more on Instagram and I’m living for it ! I also love the smokey and murky tones of vivid colours that are more unconventional. And once we head out of winter, spring will be back with the pastel shades to brighten us back up again!
Lexie Shay
@hair_by_lexie_shay
Can you introduce yourself and give us a summary of the work you do in the industry?
My name is Lexie Rabbett, @hair_by_lexieshay on Instagram. I am an Australian stylist, now living in Leeds and working out of Hive Hair Salon. I am passionate about creative colour and abstract cutting as well as lived-in boho hair!
How have you seen hair colour trends change over the years?
I’ve been seeing more and more Mullets and 70’s inspired do’s! But I feel like now-a-days trends and styles have become more “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. And I am here for it!
Do you think multi-coloured hair styles are becoming more popular in the mainstream?
Definitely! People have more confidence in expressing themselves in the way they feel more comfortable.
To what extent do you think Instagram has had an impact on driving hair trends and techniques?
I don’t think Instagram is only driving and impacting the hair world but in every industry. I do think that it’s been the best thing for creatives to help share their work and get themselves noticed.
How common would you say it is now for clients to use Instagram to find the look they want?
Instagram offers stylists a portfolio to showcase their work to clients – and the world. It’s becoming more and more similar to tattoo artists. People do their research to find the artist and styles more suited to them. It’s the best thing for both clients and artists!
How important do you think it is for hair stylists to keep an eye on what is trending on Instagram?
Keeping up to date is the best thing for stylists to do. Get on board or get left behind. Clients are getting smarter with everything being online these days. Be sure to stay one step ahead.
Do you think social media has changed the way the hair industry works?
Of course it has! For better and for worse, but it all depends on how you wish to utilise this tool. It either gives clients unrealistic expectations, or you can use it to educate them and others.
In what ways do you think hair stylists can benefit from using social media when promoting themselves?
You can use Instagram to gain the clients that you want. Whether you put out that you love naturals, rainbows, cutting or session styling. You put it out, that’s what you’ll get!
What up-and-coming trends do you think will next be an Instagram hit?
Texture. Loads and loads of texture. I think 90s chunky highlighting inspired looks will be making a comeback. Mullets are already here, so 90’s and early 00’s punk styles will be next!
Gemma Amura
@gemmaamura
Can you introduce yourself and give us a summary of the work you do in the industry?
I’m Gemma Amura, owner of South Wales based salon, It’s Science. I have been an educator for the past 8 years and love nothing more than sharing my experiences and passion for an industry that stole my heart.
I am an educator for Pulp Riot. Being in the Riot Squad means I get to deliver education to fellow hairdressers and show them how it’s helped grow my colour business – and in return, will grow theirs.
How have you seen hair colour trends change over the years?
The past few years I’ve seen HUGE CHANGES. Balayage and ombre hit as trends, yet have have now become classic techniques. Clients are learning our terminology and therefore the demand on us is higher than ever! It’s no longer about just the hair…it’s also how well it looks in a photograph.
Terminology has also taken a huge turn; I find myself asking our guests “do you want to look like a mermaid or unicorn”! Multi-coloured hair has become mainstream, and what was traditionally kept for stage work is now in the general public.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpEdM9EFCHU/
Do you think social media has changed the way the hair industry works?
Social media has had a huge impact. Instagram is showing us everything and anything is possible! A trend hits and now we, as stylists, need to know exactly how to recreate it in multiple different ways before our guests request it! It’s a platform where art is displayed and can be more visually pleasing the greater the account. This has totally changed hairdressing as we know it!
Our clients not only use Instagram as a reference, they book through it, too! I tried to stop that but it’s the way it is now. Our clients book through our website or Instagram; our phone barely rings!
We encourage our clients to use Instagram as visuals. During the consultation, I take a photo of their hair and show them how I can edit, so they understand some photos are not 100% real. As a rule of thumb, we do not edit ours.
Stylists HAVE to keep up on Instagram. Gone are the days when I used to snooze after my alarm went off – it’s now social media time! If a celebrity takes on a new trend over night, we need to ensure we know how to do it by lunch time.
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