HANNAH TAYLOR

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

Hi!! I am Hannah, I am a bridal hair specialist and educator in the UK. Ever since I was a little girl I knew I wanted to be a hairdresser. I think the fascination started when I used to go to the salon with my Mum and I would zone out while my Mum was having her hair done, I was never bored, I just loved watching them create things with hair, sometimes the hairstylist would actually have to ask me to sit back down because I would be in the way!!  At 14 I started working at a hair salon, working every Saturday, and some days after school, I worked there full time after leaving school and I stayed there until I was 22. I used to do all aspects of hairdressing but styling hair is always where my passion has been, no having to wait around for a colour to develop, I love the fact you can create something beautiful in just a matter of minutes. About 9 years ago I really started to focus more on styling hair and I set up a facebook business page for my wedding hair work, this really took off and it wasn’t long until I was doing weddings most weekends. About 4 years ago I started teaching one to one lessons, I held my first big masterclass, and since then I have been teaching bridal hair workshops weekly. I recently launched my own online education, teaching all things bridal which I am loving, and I’ve just got my own hair studio which I am very excited to open!

What bridal trends are you loving right now?

I am loving pearl hair accessories at the moment and more of an undone textured look, just the right balance of messy and neat, I think it is so romantic and will stand the test of time.

What new trends can we look forward to?

I think moving forwards, we will see more understated simple styles, such as knotted buns with lots of texture, I also see big bouncy hair making a comeback.

How do you stay inspired?

I think social media is a wonderful thing and It’s amazing to see so many artists around the world creating amazing styles that we can get inspiration from. Pages like yours are really inspiring, and there is nothing more rewarding than having your work shared, it really gives you a push to think outside the box and try and come up with something eye-catching.

I’m also really into journaling and brainstorming new ideas, it really gives me that push I need to stay motivated.

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

Firstly I would say if you stick at it, put in the hard work, it’s the most rewarding job, which really doesn’t feel like work.

I think it’s so important to stay at the very top of your game and learn as much as you can, whenever you can, to make sure you feel confident with it, because when you feel confident, you will create your best work.

Make time in your diary to practice practice practice.

Best advice to a bride regarding her hairstyle?

Rather than scrolling endlessly looking for a hairstyle you love, have a think back to the times where you have felt your most beautiful. How did you wear your hair? Was it up? Down? How do you feel the most comfortable?

It’s so important your hair makes you feel beautiful from the front, as well as loving it from the back and from the side profile.

When you find a stylist you want to book, don’t waste time as dates get booked up so quickly, and when trying styles, go to your trial with a top a similar shape and colour to what your dress is like, so you can imagine the overall look, also look for hairstyles that have a similar colour and hair type to yours when looking for inspiration.

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

I’ve just discovered KYK magic dust powder and it is honestly the best thing I have ever used! It makes styling hair so much easier. In terms of a tool I would say babyliss prima 3000 straighteners.

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

To focus on what you are doing, as long as you are trying your best in every way possible, then don’t compare your success to other peoples’ success, it’s easy to get sucked into comparing ourselves and it’s so bad for us.

What do you love to do outside of work? 

Spending time with my family, snuggled on the settee with a blanket watching movies is literally one of my favourite things to do, which I know sounds really boring. I love having gatherings with friends and cannot wait until life is back to normal and we can do all the normal things again that we used to take for granted.  

Guilty pleasures? 

Fast food, I would eat it for breakfast, dinner and tea if it was acceptable!