As we all know, Lockdown this time around is tough, and we are all having days where we feel super uninspired. The weather is cold and wet and we’re missing our friends, family and normal life. But you know what? Lockdown will be here for as long as it needs to be, and if you want a few days sitting in your pyjamas watching Netflix, that’s fine. You do you.
However, when you do have those days where you feel motivated and focused channel your energy into those things, we never normally have the time/headspace for.
Do things that are going to benefit you in the long run, such as haircare!
For the first time (okay maybe the third time) ever your hair isn’t exposed on a regular basis to pollutants, dry weather conditions and constant styling. You can leave your hair to its natural self and finally have the time to get into a really good hair care routine.
I caught up with Emily, a super talented hairdresser to give you some tips behind the perfect haircare in lockdown.
Tell us a bit about yourself, how did you end up with the concept behind your business?
Hey guys! My name is Emily, I’m 22 and I am a hairdresser from Liverpool and based in The Wonderlab Super Salon in Aintree.
I have been a qualified hairdresser now for just over 3 years after leaving school and I took the plunge to go self-employed when I was 19 and it was the best thing I’ve ever done!
My business has just gone from Strength to strength from there!
I’m so lucky to have an amazing client base & be offered to work with amazing brands through social media!
What do you offer?
Although I am a colour & extensions specialist, I also offer a wide range of services including blow dries and wanding.
How do you feel now we have entered into another lockdown, how do you keep yourself motivated?
I feel like this lockdown has been the hardest of them all! But I just try to as stay positive as possible, as long as my friends & family are safe all we have to do is stay home!
Saying that, it is tough to motivate yourself every day so this time I have focused much more on my fitness! Walking, cooking healthy meals & working out, I have an online personal trainer – jodiekinnearpt – and she’s amazing! I think having a personal trainer gives you the extra push to get it done!
Even mentally it just makes you feel so much better!
Another thing I’ve been working on is content for my page, I think reels have taken over and I’m obsessed, plus I’ve been working with some amazing brands too which is so exciting!
What tips and advice can you offer to look after your hair during lockdown?
I think lockdown is the best time for self-care! Hair masks & face masks galore! I would recommend trying out some of the Olaplex products if you’re looking for an amazing hair treatment & product!
No.0 & No.3 are amazing! I can tell you first hand I’ve seen the biggest difference in my own hair as well as clients!
You won’t look back from Olaplex!
I have a step-by-step reel on my Instagram, on how to apply so if you’re unsure how to apply check out my page for a guide!
You can buy Olaplex from Lookfantastic (use code LFTFDAWN for discount)
This one of for the blondes… Osmo!
Osmo is the answer to your prayer’s girls,
I swear by it!
So many of my clients use this and say they feel like there colour looks fresh & as if they have just had it done again!
It’s a shampoo & conditioner it is called ‘ Osmo No Yellow’ and it gives the appearance as though you have had a toner on your hair!
I would also say if you are wearing hair extensions, get them out! It’s the perfect time to get your hair in amazing condition! If you leave them in too long you will begin to damage your natural hair!
You can purchase tape remover & pliers online and use my discount code: Emilylockdown10% from Dianne Marshall.
What are your key tips for anyone starting out in this industry?
I’d say if you’re looking to start out in the industry you have to be consistent! Whether that’s posting on social media or practicing your skills, consistency is key!
I’d definitely say don’t be too hard on yourself, it can be frustrating when you’re not at were you want to be yet, but trust the process, everyone starts somewhere!
Do as many classes/courses as you possibly can! You can never know too much, you’re always learning!
I love taking courses with other stylists, it could be the smallest tip that could help you out so much! I’d also say find your niche, specialise in what your best at!
Give something to your page/clients/salon that is unique to you!
What is your greatest achievement? What are you most proud of?
I have had quite a few proud moments over the last couple of years!
Firstly, I’d say starting my business at 19, I put everything into it and it’s definitely paying off! I’d also say being asked to teach classes at Hugh Baird college to level 2 & 3 students! I absolutely love teaching and would love to grow in this area!
And finally, in 2020 I started to be gifted products from amazing professional hair brands which to me was a dream come true! Brands that I love sending me products!
I also had my first promotion job last year too which again I was so happy to have been asked, and it’s gone from there, I am now working alongside numerous well known professional brands!
Who inspires you in the industry?
I have so many people who I look up to in this industry, from people I work alongside to hairdressers all over the world! I love watching Jacob khan, Samantha Cusick, Sophia Hilton. Some from a business point of view too!
Sophia Hilton offers so many free tips on her page, she gives advice to salon owners/employees & also self-employed hairdressers! She really knows her stuff!
I also attended an online course with her in lockdown no.1 and it was amazing! I would highly recommend!
What are your ‘daily struggles’ and how do you overcome them?
I would say my daily struggles at the moment are just finding the motivation daily to get up & get dressed with nowhere to go! I assume everyone is feeling the same!
I try and find things to do every day whether it is a workout or get outside for a walk! I like to fill my days working getting content for my page! Posting whilst we are off work is hard as you don’t have pictures to post! But I enjoy creating my own content & filming reels/tutorials! I think when I’m struggling, I try to remember I will feel so much better once it’s done so I guess that motivates me!
What is next for you?
Hopefully, sometime soon I will be able to get stuck in with work again! I can’t wait to be back! I would like to continue working with the brands I’m currently working with/in talks with, it’s such a great opportunity and I hope it will just continue to grow! There are so many ideas I have when it comes to growing my business and where I want to be!
Before Covid I was due to start a monthly workshop in London doing a mix of teaching and clients. So, getting back to this is my goal. And who knows hopefully it could grow and I can work/teach from all over the country!
Check out Emily’s Instagram page here.
Beauty Editor at The Daily Struggle. Beauty and makeup loving Liverpool girl with a tendency to over share and over spend. Dawn writes everything from skincare reviews to the latest makeup looks.
