PAIGE LAUREN
Can you tell us a little more about you and your styling background?
My career within the hair industry began 11 years back. I have always been surrounded by the hair industry with my mother and eldest sister being hairstylists. I always remember going to work with my mum in the school holidays as a little helper and her clients letting me take hair rollers out and passing hair tools. This was from around 8 years old, I loved it. I have always had a flare for being creative with hair from such a young age and I believe this was highly influenced by my mum. I knew throughout school that hairdressing would be my career for the future. I work within a family run salon and have my own bridal hair studio within. It’s such a great atmosphere, with most of us being family and even the stylists who are not, we are all like a BIG family. I have always been the bridal hairstylist within the salon over the years and I eventually decided to create my own business based around my own brand and styling. This is where Paige Lauren Bridal was born. It has been my ultimate dream to have my own business, show my creative skills on a next level and be recognised by people all over the world, including you!
What bridal trends are you loving right now?
I am absolutely loving romantic and effortless hairstyles, the type I create myself! I can see ponytails becoming more and more popular with wide variations from voluminous, sleek, curly, wavy and many more! I love a pony style!
What new trends can we look forward to?
So so many. The inspiration I see over social media daily is that the variety of popular hairstyles is huge! I think boho, romantic and effortless styles are here to stay!
How do you stay inspired?
I am constantly searching for different looks on pinterest and instagram to challenge myself with. Also, I regularly ask for models to come into the salon for me to have creative freedom style for free! I just love putting my time into learning, exploring new ideas and being creative. Also, fellow stylists keep me inspired with their gorgeous work to see. It really gives me that push to become better and better.
What advice would you give to a bridal hairstylist just getting started?
Remember we have all started from the beginning! Do not expect to be an expert in your first week, month or year. Just keep digging, educating yourself and practising. Patience is key and be proud of every style you do, whether you like it or not. It’s a step closer to being the stylist you want to be.
Best advice to a bride regarding her hairstyle?
Be realistic when searching for your hair inspiration images. This is taking into consideration your own hair type, length and colour. Colour is a big consideration when searching for hair ideas. For example brunettes saving blonde hair inspiration isn’t realistic as you will never have that style recreated to your expectations due to the colour! Also, if you have no idea where to start when searching for hair ideas I always ask my brides how they feel their best or how they have their hair on a big night out or special occasion, Is your hair down or up? Then go from there..
What is the one product/tool you can not live without?
If there was one product I could only ever use, it would be osis session hairspray. Although I have so many products I could not live without! With regards to tools, it would be my Cloud Nine curling wand. It is so quick and effective, I love it!
Best advice you have ever been given in the hair industry?
Believe in yourself and don’t compare yourself to others. Although this is hard it really has pushed me to go further with my career.
What do you love to do outside of work?
Family time is so important to me. I often go out of town exploring with my partner and son, we love walking in the countryside. Also, I fell in love with weight training in 2013 which led me to compete in bodybuilding competitions in 2015. Although I don’t compete anymore as I love food and my social life, I still love to train at least 4 times a week!
Guilty pleasures?
Sickly puddings! I love gooey chocolate fudge cake or brownies!