Life through a lens: darren ambrose's iconic images

Darren Ambrose is a multiple award-winning hairdresser and the 2015 British Hairdresser of the Year at HJ's British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional. He is the co-founder of D&J Ambrose and a Wella Professionals global creative artist. Here are six of his all-time favourite images.

Darren Ambrose Images – Ethereal

“This was one of my shots that was awarded British Hairdresser of the Year in 2015, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional. The collection showcased strong and ethereal women. This style has rows of texture and knots teamed with braids and tonal shading. Jenny Hands made the collection look more like paintings than photographs.”

Desperate housewife

“There’s always a narrative behind my images and this one had a 1950s ‘desperate housewife’ feel. We dressed the hair out in front of the camera and our photographer Jenny Hands snapped this amazing image on the first take.”

Morning after vibe

“This image was taken on a test shoot for a modelling agency. We set up by a large window so there was lots of natural light. We keptthehairwet and twisted it to add texture. The model was just getting into position and my photographer Ben Madgwick captured this ‘morning after’ vibe."

Hat hair

“Trevor Leighton shot this beautiful picture for one of my winning Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year collections. I used small cuttings of hair and spray-painted colour to create hat-like structures that were inspired by 1960s Vogue images.”

The party shoot

“The elevator shot was photographed by Jenny Hands. It was about freedom of speech and the unveiling of strong, leading women who show their true expressions. This was without doubt one of my most inspiring ‘dream team’ moments–it was like having a party for two days!”

Light reflections

"This image was taken from my first British nominee collection. This shot plays on the reflection of light. The stunning white blonde shade gives the image a pureness, and this is contrasted with the edginess that comes from the cut and I love that unexpected mix.”