Can you tell us a little more about you and your styling background?

Hey, I’m Ellie, I am based in the UK, Devon. Although I wasn’t exactly what you would refer to as a ‘girly girl’ I was always into styling hair when I was younger. When I was in senior school I loved experimenting with styles on other people and just practicing braids. This is where my passion started really. Once I had enough doing my own hair, I dragged in family and friends to let me play with their hair until they had enough too! In 2016 I finally decided to pursue my passion and commenced a hairdressing qualification. My main passion was always braids and updos, so I never actually utilised my mainstream hairdressing skills as I went right into doing bridal and I have never regretted it since!

What bridal trends are you loving right now?

I am loving the textured, undone, natural looking hair styles. Although products and prep are essential to create ‘effortless’ looks, I really like that brides are letting go of traditional styles and opting for what they like, rather than what they feel they should have. 

What new trends can we look forward to?

I think we will continue to see the undone looks but I also think that we will see more creative styles being requested, more accessories with simpler styles.

How do you stay inspired?

Social media is a huge inspirational space for me, I have certain stylists/pages I love and will always save images to look over at a later date. I use hashtag searches on Instagram to find pages I may have not discovered yet. I get lost in Pinterest too, who doesn’t! I also like to follow along what is trending on catwalks to see if there are any emerging new trends, including accessories I can expect to see.

What advice would you give to a bridal hairstylist just getting started?

My main bit of advice is to just practice, create and never stop. You can never know enough, be it about products, styles or just your general style. Try and focus on what you love doing and ensure you pull those clients in by being smart on social media and marketing. Try not to compare yourself to others, ambition is good but just enjoy yourself at the same time. 

Best advice to a bride regarding her hairstyle?

I always find that until my brides have their dress and overall style picked it is so hard to set a style in your mind that you will have, as this can change so much depending on what overall look you are going for. So don’t get too set on anything until you have an idea of the other details. I would also suggest looking at styles with the same hair colour and really think about how you want the front to look too! 

What is the one product/tool you can not live without?

I must always have a Dry Texture Spray in my kit, it can add volume, give hold and texture all in one. I also love my Curl Bar set of varied barrel sizes, with one tool and different heads I can create so many different styles, perfect for weddings. 

Best advice you have ever been given in the hair industry? 

I think the best thing I have learnt is to attract the right clients and keep consistent. Try and step outside your comfort zone with opportunities, if it scares you a bit it is probably a good thing! 

What do you love to do outside of work?

I love getting outdoors and finding new places, I love my food and adore my family and friends. 

Guilty pleasures?

I have an unhealthy relationship with dark chocolate digestive biscuits, shopping, going away from home, even just a night in a local hotel and I LOVE massages!