NHF Inspire Team Members

Rebecca says "Taking up the position of Artistic Director is so exciting for me, and it will be wonderful working with so many talented individuals. The team have really grown this last year. The skill sthey have learned and mastered from Charlie Taylor and Akin Konizi have been invaluable and I know they will continue to develop.

The future holds so many great things for the team, and with such knowledgeable and inspiring mentors, success for NHF Inspire can only continue to grow. I can't wait to start working with the team and drive NHF Inspire to the next level.

Helen is the Creme salon owner, manager, senior stylist and staff developer. Helen's work has appeared in the local Yorkshire press and she is often involved in regional competition judging, she has also coached many of her own team to success in the competitive arena.

Holly says, “Hair is great because it is to do with everything around us, how we feel, how we look and if I can make someone look and feel fantastic then I’m happy!” Outside of the Art Team she has worked for the Clynol Protégé Team 2006 and onstage for Clynol at Salon International. The work undertaken for the Clynol Protégé team featured in Hairdressers Journal.

Claire has undertaken many opportunities for NHF Inspire including presenting seminars at the annual AGM’s, Salon International, and entering the British Hairdressing Awards as well as various photo-shoots and make-over’s for magazines. Outside of the NHF Claire has taken part in Bridal fairs, various Wella shows, photo-shoots and Project X. Claire and her salon were short-listed for the British Hairdressing Business Awards 2006.

Projects undertaken with NHF Inspire include working at Salon International, working alongside Lee Stafford at The NHF AGM and presenting onstage. Gary says that hairdressing runs through his blood, “I love every aspect of it. I live, breathe and sleep hairdressing.” Outside of the NHF Gary has worked with Wahl’s Simon Shaw and with Corioliss on-stage at Salon International and a UK tour. Over the years Gary has worked alongside the likes of Robert Eaton, Errol Douglas and Lee Stafford. The salon has been a finalist in many awards, including the UK Salon Design Award for the British Hairdressing Business Awards 2007.

Hairdressing for 10 years, her expertise is cutting and colouring, and she says she has always been into hair from a very young age. “I have always been inspired by shapes and fashion, and I really feel that hair is the main aspect of fashion. Fashion would not work without hair!” Heidi’s time in the team has included stage work, presentation skills and photo-shoot experience. Heidi is also involved with photo-shoots with her local regional publications gaining front covers and feature spreads.

He has had over 15 years experience in hairdressing and still loves learning new techniques, tricks and tips. Colin loves making client’s look and feel fantastic, as well as being able to share his skills and creative streak in shows and seminars. Colin is the owner of Medusa Hairdressing in Edinburgh and has created many collections with the Medusa Art Team. Colin has also finalised twice for Scottish Hairdresser of the Year at the acclaimed British Hairdressing Awards and has been a regional finalist at Wella Trendvision and L’Oreal Colour Trophy. Colin has worked at many Fashion Week Shows and fashion events, he has also been very lucky to work with a number of celebrities such as Catherine Zeta-Jones and Lily Cole.

Katy loves to experiment with different hair styles, pushing it to the limit, knowing that the possibilities of hairdressing are endless and finds it’s a fantastic output. Katy is a highly trained all round hairdresser and make up artist. She feels most comfortable under pressure and loves being on stage and also being on shoots. Katy has taken part in many educational courses and has been involved with working with the cast of Hollyoaks and photographic shoots, alongside her NHF Inspire activities.

Kayliegh has completed a diploma with Great Lengths hair extensions and has been on a number of other industry educational courses. She is very passionate about hair as she sees hairdressing as an art and it allows her to be creative. Kayliegh especially likes how you can transform someone almost instantly and always like to give her clients the best experience. She is very interested in fashion and fascinated how the industry is forever changing through fashion influences.

Matthew has built up an impressive portfolio throughout his career, showing real vision for creative work. He is a salon educator and is very eager to share his knowledge and skills. Matthew has worked backstage at fashion shows including Harrogate Lingerie show, Graduate Fashion Weeks in Battersea and Leeds, and shows in Barcelona, the UK and Europe producing edgy catwalk creations. His biggest achievements to date includes working backstage at the BBC, winning the 2009 North East final of the L’Oreal Colour Trophy to gain a place at the Grand Final, and being chosen from hundreds of hairdressers to become a L’Oreal I.D artist.

Joanne cites shooting for the British Hairdressing Awards and working with wedding magazines such as Beautiful Weddings, as the highlight of her time. She enjoys using wigs and extensions to create Avant Garde and hair-up styles. Joanne has appeared on TV, on a BBC Northern Ireland documentary on the Fantasy Hair Competition in Blackpool and also representing the NHF on ITV’s ‘That Anthony Cotton Show’ where she created a fun French-themed fantasy hairstyle. Joanne is extremely active in the award and competition arena and is also a member of the Irish World Championship Team and the Fellowship for British Hairdressing.