Kelly scott - an exciting career in hairdressing
Published
03rd Apr 2013
by bathamm
Kelly Scott, artistic director at Strands Hairdressing and Redken platform artist, reveals what drives her career in hairdressing
What would you say to someone thinking of training as a hairdresser who is put off because they don't view it as a career?
If you don't view it as a career, then it never will be for you! If that's someone's attitude, then perhaps they aren't meant for hairdressing. It's an amazing industry and there are many opportunities to make a rewarding and successful career.
What attracted you to hairdressing?
I fell into hairdressing by accident. I was all set to stay in education but I was enticed away by my best friend who had started an apprenticeship and was having a great time. I thought I'd work with her for a while and then return to college the year after but I managed to get a job. I started at Strands Hairdressing and since then, I've never looked back. I've been with this company for 17 years and my eyes have been opened to a world I never knew existed. I'm now artistic director for Strands Hairdressing and I travel the world doing what I love.
At what point did you start to plan long-term?
On my second day at Strands Hairdressing, I was inspired by a product knowledge class with a Redken educator and I thought, 'wow, I'm going to do that one day!' Now I work as a Redken artist so I have the best of everything - I get to work in the salon plus travel nationally and internationally as a colourist working with a great brand.
What advice would you offer someone looking to carve a long-term, exciting career in hairdressing?
Whatever you want in this industry, you can have. Hard work, dedication and belief are key. Strands Hairdressing is a small salon in a little village in Hampshire but through hard work and passion for the industry, we have scooped a string of accolades including a title at HJ's British Hairdressing Business Awards. What's more, I'm working as an international Redken platform artist and one of our stylists, Billy Fry, who is part of the ghd style squad, recently worked at London Fashion Week - you really can achieve anything.
What career goals do you still have?
I still have so much I'd like to achieve. It's important to me to continue to grow our brand at Strands Hairdressing and to be involved in more international work. It's such a pleasure for me to work in other countries, experience different cultures and share my passion for hair and colour.