AMIE TAYLOR-KENT

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

Hello! I’m Amie, my business name is ‘Mon Amie’ which means my friend in french, it definitely suits me as I’m an extremely friendly person and I just love being around people. I live in Nottingham England with my husband and 8 year old son and our 3 cats. I’m a lighthearted optimistic soul who naively thinks the world is full of love and kind people. I have been a hairstylist for 20 years and a freelance hairstylist now for the last 15years. I trained in two beautiful high end salons, I’m grateful I did my time in the salon but you cannot beat working for yourself. Hairdressing wasn’t something I wanted to do, it wasn’t in my plan, I always had my heart set on being a doctor in the army. That makes me laugh out loud now, I couldn’t have fallen into a more opposite career and the thought of war fills me with dread! Who was I kidding? My sister always knew I was destined for hair though and it was her that pushed me at 17 to get an apprenticeship, I obsessed over my hair and makeup in my teens so to her my calling was obvious. I’m so glad I listened to her as I have found my dream job. It doesn’t really feel like work, I’m blessed I found my thing. 

What bridal trends are you loving right now?

I absolutely love the romantic, bohemian vibe, anything textured and loose and easy flowing, I’m a sucker for a low textured undone bun, I’m just drawn to them. I love to see a style that looks impossible to work out too, this excites me especially when you learn how to execute it in usually a very simple way. 

What new trends can we look forward to?

I think big ponytails and big hair are going to make a huge comeback for 2021. I’ve also started experiencing a lot of brides wanting a straighter look, neater lines and less curls around the face. Maybe curls will be out and straighter hair back in?!

How do you stay inspired?

Social media and my BTP family keep me inspired and on my toes. We are so lucky to have this wonderful platform and support network. The stylists on here are such a daily inspiration to me. Pinterest and Instagram are a jam packed full of inspiration and talent. I can easily lose hours on both of these apps. I’m also lucky I have lots of friends and family who love fashion and are always keeping me on the ball with inspiration.

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

I would say be yourself, network with people you’re inspired by and practice practice practice. Try not to worry too much about what everyone else is doing and go with your gut. There’s so much noise around us these days it’s easy to follow the crowd. Your vibe attracts your tribe as they say and this is so true. If something doesn’t feel right let it go and if it does grab it with both hands.

Best advice to a bride regarding her hairstyle?

I always say to my brides, “let’s enhance what you already have”, I always say be comfortable and stay true to you. Your husband wants to see the you he knows walking down the aisle but with extra wow. I love to take time getting to know my brides so I can help them be the best versions of themselves on their wedding day.

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

For me my straighteners are my number one tool, they are my most used and most valuable, dynamic tool. I could not be without them. I’m currently obsessed with my babyliss 3000 straighteners but I’m always on the lookout for another great pair. My favourite product ever has to be my dry texture craft spray, it’s just so good. I can create so much with these two things alone.

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

The best advice anyone gave me was to never stop learning. My boss in my first salon always said this to me and he was so right. He pushed us all to take extra courses and always encouraged growth. The hair industry never stands still, we have to move and bend and keep up he’d say. His words still ring true and I’m grateful I had him as my first inspiration in the hair industry.

What do you love to do outside of work? 

My favourite things in life outside of work are festivals, dancing to house music, being with my friends and planning dinner parties and long walks in the countryside, I also love quiet cosy evenings at home with my family watching . Quite a lot really!

Guilty pleasures? 

Takeaways in my PJ’s at home with my candles on and some trashy reality tv show.