Toni Gogola
Can you tell us a little more about you and your styling background?
When I was little I wanted to be a hairdresser and at 14 I worked in a local salon on the weekends and school holidays. However when I left school I went into retail instead. I loved working with people helping them choose the perfect outfit and merchandising the store. My career then moved into banking, customer service, sales and management. I have always been super creative but only picked up a pair of straighteners to style someone else’s hair in 2018. I was turning 40 that year and decided I wanted a complete change and needed to be creative. From the first 1:1 training session I had I was completely obsessed with everything wedding hair!
What bridal trends are you loving right now?
I love low relaxed updos with lots of texture and face framing pieces. I will always love braided half up half down and updos too as this is where I feel I can be really creative and paint a picture with hair.
What new trends can we expect to see this season?
Clean updos and Hollywood waves are very popular with my bridal trials. Although boho relaxed styles are definitely here to stay.
How do you stay inspired?
Instagram is my biggest inspiration! I save lots of styles I see where I would like to create my own version of something I’ve seen. BTP was the first hair inspiration account I discovered and from there I followed so many amazingly talented bridal stylists. Hannah Taylor is a huge inspiration and support to me as well as Kasia Fortuna.
What advice would you give to a bridal hairstylist just getting started?
Practice, practice and practice! Always style with a mirror in front of your client and check how your style looks from all the angles. Don’t be afraid to redo something you aren’t happy with and always overestimate how much time you need.
Best advice to a bride regarding her hairstyle?
Look for styles with similar colour and texture to your own hair. If you always wear your hair down look for down styles and vice versa for up. Ideally show your stylist inspiration photos of their work that you like.
What is the one product/tool you can not live without?
Oh gosh just one? There are so many but I couldn’t live without my straighteners Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium Prima 3000 Hair Straightener.
Best advice you have ever been given in the hair industry?
Trust the process. Sometimes the prep can look like crazy but trust the process.
What do you love to do outside of work?
I live near lots of beautiful beaches in Devon, UK so my children, husband and I spend as much time as we can at the beach.
Guilty pleasures?
Crime podcasts! I listen to them while practicing, cooking and cleaning.