Hairdressers Journal Goes Live
“How to attract more young people into the industry”
Sponsored by Wella Professional
Hairdressers Journal hosted yet another great virtual interview on what’s new and interesting in the hairdressing industry. HJ’s host Akesha Reid spoke to Luke Benson, a Session Stylist and former London Hairdresser of the Year.
They discussed Luke’s unusual start in the hairdressing world; he describes it as happening almost by chance – by way of a botched at-home bleaching attempt – rather than something he had always wanted to do. But once Luke started going to fashion shoots, and events such as the British Hairdressing Awards (which Pynck attended this year), he says his career progressed quickly.
The focal point of this conversation was about engaging young people in the hairdressing industry, and overcoming the stigma that is unfortunately sometimes still associated with it. Luke pointed out that working in an industry that isn’t office-based holds a lot of attraction for young people, as well as the fact that hairdressing is an ever-changing and dynamic career. He describes how he fell in love initially with the fun, fast-paced atmosphere of a hairdressing salon, and emphasises that having fun at work is very important for his young colleagues. He said he often learns new skills and tips from his younger colleagues, and insists that knowledge and learning should go both ways.
The pandemic has made the role of hairdressers in society even more significant. Most people sorely missed having their hair done during lockdown, and Luke and Akesha discussed how the easing of restrictions and subsequent opening of salons in some parts of the UK has brought it home to clients quite how much they rely on regular hair appointments. A fresh haircut is often directly associated with a new lease of life and a burst of self-confidence.
Finally, Luke said he thinks the days of associating hairdressing with a last-resort career for school leavers are over. He emphasised the immense technical skill required to be successful in the industry, and said he wasn’t worried about social media influencers and reality stars taking over the fashion shoots he would usually cater to – as people will always want a traditional cut and colourist they can rely on.
