Since
arriving in the UK from Sweden 20 years ago, colourist Christel has worked as a
Creative Colour Director for top London salons, as well as a global brand
ambassador and educator for TIGI and Wella Professionals. In 2016 she launched
her own salon STIL, in London’s Notting Hill, adding a
second branch in 2022 in upmarket Fulham.
Why hairdressing?
Somehow, I have always known I wanted to be a hairdresser. When I was six my mum took me to the salon while she got her hair done. I thought it was the most incredible environment – all the women looked so cool and fabulous.
Where did you train and how long did it take?
I did three years of hairdressing college in Sweden then moved to London because British hairdressing is the best in the world. I had to do another year of training before I could go on the floor and work. In my opinion, the UK has the best career path for hairdressing apprentices as you go to college one day a week and work the rest of the time in the salon – and that’s what sets you up to learn all aspects of being a hairdresser.
Why hairdressing?
Somehow, I have always known I wanted to be a hairdresser. When I was six my mum took me to the salon while she got her hair done. I thought it was the most incredible environment – all the women looked so cool and fabulous.
Where did you train and how long did it take?
I did three years of hairdressing college in Sweden then moved to London because British hairdressing is the best in the world. I had to do another year of training before I could go on the floor and work. In my opinion, the UK has the best career path for hairdressing apprentices as you go to college one day a week and work the rest of the time in the salon – and that’s what sets you up to learn all aspects of being a hairdresser.
Describe your career path
I have always loved education and after teaching students in big salon groups I started working for big brands, training hairdressers in colour techniques and products. As Global Creative Technical Director for TIGI I travelled the world as an educator, took part in shows, did hair backstage at Fashion Week and worked in the labs developing new hair colour products. Eventually, I decided to open my own salon and in March 2016 my husband and I launched STIL.
How would you describe your hairdressing role now?
My role as a hairdresser now is split between working in STIL, doing creative projects, mentoring staff, training assistants, and driving and building our business. I love what I do as I have to wear a few different hats and I’m constantly challenged in a positive way every day, which helps me grow and learn. My all-time favourite is colouring hair and being with my amazing clients. I could do this 24/7!
What do you love most about your job – and what would you change?
I love working with my team and watching them grow. I love seeing clients, working on creative projects, educating and driving our business and brand forward as we have so much to create and achieve. The downside is that I never feel like I have time to do anything other than work and I’m constantly battling with admin!
@christelbarronhough
I have always loved education and after teaching students in big salon groups I started working for big brands, training hairdressers in colour techniques and products. As Global Creative Technical Director for TIGI I travelled the world as an educator, took part in shows, did hair backstage at Fashion Week and worked in the labs developing new hair colour products. Eventually, I decided to open my own salon and in March 2016 my husband and I launched STIL.
How would you describe your hairdressing role now?
My role as a hairdresser now is split between working in STIL, doing creative projects, mentoring staff, training assistants, and driving and building our business. I love what I do as I have to wear a few different hats and I’m constantly challenged in a positive way every day, which helps me grow and learn. My all-time favourite is colouring hair and being with my amazing clients. I could do this 24/7!
What do you love most about your job – and what would you change?
I love working with my team and watching them grow. I love seeing clients, working on creative projects, educating and driving our business and brand forward as we have so much to create and achieve. The downside is that I never feel like I have time to do anything other than work and I’m constantly battling with admin!
@christelbarronhough
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#ThinkHairdressing
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