Hayley Holmes

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

Hi, I’m Hayley and I’ve been hairdressing for over 25 years now. I started as a 15 year old helping in a small salon after school and on weekends, which then led to management in larger salons. After traveling Europe, I went solo and mobile for a few years until I built a salon at home. I absolutely love styling, It’s without a doubt my happy place. I’m glad that the pandemic has eased up on the wedding restrictions because people are now getting married everyday of the week!
My husband and I are originally from England and we recently qualified for Australian citizenship. We are just waiting for our ceremony and we are really proud and excited for this step in our lives.
I have two young children and after returning from maternity leave last year, I realized I needed to do what I love and went full time bridal. I changed my business name, had a total rebrand and it’s been the best move I ever made in my career. I get to meet so many new people that welcome me into their environment and treat me like we’ve known each other forever.

What bridal trends are you loving right now? 

Romantic and effortless are my favorite trends. Soft waves, middle parts, headbands, effortless updos, They’re timeless.

What new trends can we expect to see this season?

All types of waves; beach, soft or structured. Also sleek clean buns. Headbands are definitely the accessory to have right now.

How do you stay inspired?

Tutorials! Amazing stylists sharing their skills and great ideas, hacks and time saving tricks on Beyond The Ponytail IG lives. It gives me such a buzz to get out and try it, which leads to your own creation too.

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

Get a mannequin and practice practice! Trial and error can lead to your own signature style.
Reach out to those that inspire you and ask for their advice or how they achieve a look. I’ve had wonderful stylists always more than willing to offer advice. Jody Callan, Justine from Polished Style, Sinead Marian, and Bianca from Luxxloxx have many times encouraged and advised me from day one of Instagram. I hope I have made someone feel the way they did me.

Best advice to a bride regarding her hairstyle?

Be you. Choose a style that makes you comfortable. Remember that you will be looking back at your photos forever, you want to still see you in the photos and be in love with the style that you chose.
Listen to your stylists advice and try to choose an inspiration picture with a color that is most like your own.
Choose a stylist that shares your dream styles, look at what they post on their feed, does it match the style you’re after? They need to be in their comfort zone with your style too.

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

 KYK Magic Dust. It’s diverse! I use it on everyone. Great size, not sticky and it smells amazing BUT it can’t just be one haha I need Schwarzkopf Tame Wild too.
My go to tool is the Muk curling wand.

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

Keep learning, you never know enough but make sure you have the vacation break you deserve to recharge.
Share your own knowledge with others.

What do you love to do outside of work? 

 Travel! Absolutely anywhere. I love seeing new environments. And showing my children new places. It’s food for their brains. Our youngest is old enough to leave at home with his nanny now, so date nights with my husband have just become my new favourite thing to do!

Guilty pleasures? 

 Pasta, with a side of Rose. I’m a big pasta judge haha. I think I should have been born in Italy.