We all know how hard it is to find 'the one' when it comes to hairdressers. We've learned our lessons the hard way. We've manically fake smiled our way through the end of an appointment when it's clear we've got it wrong before exiting sharpish and returning home to mourn the loss of a few split ends. Which is why, when you do find 'the one', you stay faithful. Jennifer Aniston knows this. Stylist to the stars Chris McMillan was first put in charge of her hair during her Friends years and is her go-to stylist to this day. He's called upon for red carpet events and photo shoots alike and it's clear the pair have a strong relationship. This week Jennifer Aniston took to Instagram to wish Chris happy birthday.
She emblazoned one selfie of the pair of them with 'I Love You' and just like that we were reminded of just how much our go-to hairdresser means to us. When else has how much we value our favourite hairdresser been more marked? When salons were closed down during Lockdown 1.0 we realised just how much we relied upon them. Now, in the midst of a second bout of lockdown, we're experiencing the same revelation all over again.
Hairdressing is about so much more than knowing how to cut and colour. It requires top-drawer intuition, an understanding of bone structure and tonality, as well as the guts to step in if a client's request is not in their best interests.
Despite the skill set of a good hairdresser being a thing of wonder, according to research by L’Oréal, the industry is seeing a noticeable decline in those choosing to train as hairdressers. Their campaign #HairTheLove seeks to increase the praise due to those who expertly sort out our barnets, and team Grazia has answered their call too.
#ChopTheVAT
There's another hairdresser-centric campaign that we should be jumping on board with too. The #ChopTheVAT campaign is asking the UK government to cut the VAT for hair salons from 20% down to 5% as they have done for the likes of the hospitality sector in the wake of 2020's two rounds of lockdown. According to the British Beauty Council it is estimated that 10% of all salons have already closed because of the financial strain put on them during lockdown and that 43% of salon owners don't know whether they'll be able to survive the winter without financial help. Use the hashtag on your social channels to spread awareness, and you can even download imagery to share here. Our hairdressers deserve it. Below Grazia team members pen a love letter to their own go-to hairdressers:
A Love Letter To My Hairdresser
Annie Vischer, Beauty Editor
'I've been lucky enough to hit on a number of incredible hairdressers that I could fully depend on in my time. Julie got there first. She began doing my hair when I was in my teens, and patiently softened my age of hair experimentation with her know-how. When I asked for my near-waist-length hair to be chopped to a noughties-esque Natalie Portman style jaw-length bob, she gave me a shoulder-length revamp and promised to take more off the next day if I still wanted it. I didn't. She showed me how to air-dry my hair and encourage waves, and taught me that just a little change here and there could make all the difference. She was a wonder (and still is! If you live in West Yorkshire, pay Eclipse Hair & beauty, 277 Dewsbury Road, Wakefield a visit!). She even did Natalie Imbruglia's hair in her 'Torn' music video.
Fast forward a few years and I make it to the salon twice-yearly. I have long hair and have to be persuaded into trying something new. The wonderful Mel Pellegrini, Senior Hair Stylist at John Frieda Salons, always knows exactly what I want, even better than I often do! I met David G at Hershesons last year, and he proved just what a good quality cut can do to long lengths! He's the reinvention artist there so I may let him have a bit of artistic license soon. Luke Hersheson himself remains the only hair stylist in the last decade to persuade me to do anything vaguely different with my hair, and have me head over heels for the style. Now that's an accolade.'
Laura Jordan, Fashion News & Features Director
'I have always been a total tart when it comes to hairdressers. I used to see it the way others do the dentist. I will leave getting my hair done until I really have to do it – or until others make me (friends once marched to a salon) – and take a chance on whoever is available.
All that has changed. My 'one' is Said at Hershesons, who is a total colour whizz. He gets completely that I don’t want my hair to ever look too "done". When I see him I leave looking like myself - albeit a blonder, better version of me.'
Rosamund Dean, Deputy Editor
'I have never been faithful to a hairdresser, promiscuously flitting between salons around East London, and never being truly happy with my hair as a result. Hannah at Bangs changed all that. In the chic surroundings of her Walthamstow salon, she introduced me to balayage and Olaplex, while patiently explaining what works with my skin tone, and what I can do at home for maintenance. For the first time, I finally feel in control of my hair and – therefore – my life.'
Sophie Henderson, Senior Fashion Market Editor
'Having now lived in London for almost seven years, I have finally taken the leap from my beloved salon based in the North to find somewhere closer to home. Having tested out a few spots around the capital that just didn’t get my high maintenance hair needs, I was so thrilled to finally find my holy grail of hairdressers, BLEACH London. Their team of experts taught me lessons I haven’t learnt in almost 15 years in the hairdressing chair, including that a rose shade of toner is better than purple for keeping my locks a creamier blonde in-between appointments. Hello happy hair!'
Polly Vernon, Editor-At-Large
'I never believed in "the one", until I met Jason Collier. He’s far better at understanding what my hair needs to look like than I am, he gets its optimal length and level of redness, he tweaks it all to match the changing season and my current mood, and he’s really patient, gentle and calm with it. I adore him.'
Anna Dewhurst, Deputy Picture Director
'I knew my hairdresser Shenis Kilicaslan was was "the one" 16 years ago, when she held my hair back as I vomited my hangover up in the salon toilets on a Saturday morning. She was also the only stylist to do exactly what I asked for – even when my backcombing requests got a little out of hand.
I was only once unfaithful, as I was desperate for a colour change and she was away. My hair ended up orange and guess who had to book me in for an emergency appointment to tone down that colour?! We’ve been through all sorts of life changes together and now my husband and son and I all come to her together. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with our combined locks. And no one else would ever make me laugh as much.'
Melissa Henry, Digital Sub Editor
'For years now I've been promiscuous; men, women, quickies and summer flings but for the past few years, with Jason Collier, I know I've settled down. He's prepped me for my wedding day and soothed and fixed my missing post-baby hair.
Jason taught me to love my locks and always reassured me in my darkest times, 'love, hair grows'.
Bonnie McLaren, Entertainment Writer
'I absolutely adored my hairdresser on the Isle of Wight, Lauren Gaze at The Hair Lounge, who was the best at getting my hair the whitest shade of platinum blonde (she was always amazing to chat too as well). But now I live in London I stumbled across my favourite hairdresser by chance, when I desperately needed my hair to be dyed at short notice. And the rest is history. Every fortnight I go to get my haircut - excessive I know, but short hair is a nightmare - by Henry at [Splash Salon {href='http://splashsalons.com/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' class='add-referrer-link'}). It’s cheap - a miracle in London - everyone in there is lovely, especially Henry who always knows how short to cut my hair, and you don’t have to book an appointment.'
Anonymous, Enigmatic Team Member
'This Valentine’s Day is sadly my first without my favourite hairdresser. She was always lovely and affordable and did a great job, and the salon was welcoming and could usually squeeze me in at short notice.
So accommodating were they that one of the other stylists asked me out, and we enjoyed a few dates before everything fizzled out. It was an amicable end, but returning to the salon - and my beloved hairdresser - just got a bit too awkward. My search for a new hair-one is ongoing.'
Shop: Some Favourite Blow-Dry Buys
Blow-dry hair products
1 of 6TIGI Catwalk Root Boost Spray, £15.95
Introduce texture and lift to flat hair with the TIGI Catwalk Root Boost Spray.
2 of 6Bumble and Bumble All-style Blow Dry Balm, £23
Protect your hair against heat and extend the life of your blow dry with this clever-working creme.
3 of 6Kérastase Styling L'Incroyable Blow Dry Créme, £21.90
Ideal for those of you with thick, unruly hair, this reshapable heat-styling cream will help tame your strands and eliminate frizz.
4 of 6Oribe Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray, £46
This lightweight blow-dry spray helps repair split ends and speeds up your blow-dry time. Dreamy...
5 of 6Balmain Paris Hair Couture Large Round Ionic Brush, £40
Create a big, bouncy blow-out with Balmain Paris' round brush, which features a slick ceramic barrel and soft bristles for frizz-free hair.
6 of 6Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Densifying Shampoo, £9.99
Bouncy blow-dries look best on luscious, thick hair. If your strands are fine or thinning, try using the Viviscal shampoo and conditioner to create the appearance of fuller hair.