2 mins
ADVENTURES OF A FASHION-FORWARD STYLIST
Salon owner and session stylist extraordinaire, Syd Hayes takes us on a journey through pivotal moments in his career
What has been your career journey so far?
I’ve grown up around hair my whole life – Iremember being in my Dad’s salon when I was four. Then, when I was doing my A-Levels I decided I didn’t want to go to university and I wanted to go into something creative. I thought if I went into hairdressing I could work on photoshoots. I was, and am, obsessed with art and photography. My Dad suggested we take a look at salons during the summer holidays and there was something about Nicky Clarke’s on the corner of Mount Street – it was three storeys and there were Mayfair women everywhere with glamorous blow-dries.
What came next?
After a couple of years, I went on to do session work. I first worked with session hairdresser Simon Maynard before I moved to Hershesons. That’s when I got into the high-end fashion world and I went on to work with Guido Palau in New York, assisting him for three years. I then decided I was going to come back to London in 2009 and work at my Dad’s salon Q Cut Hair & Beauty in Richmond, London. I now manage it, own it and run it alongside my salon manager.
What challenges have you faced?
So many! But being pushed outside your comfort zone makes you better – whether that's creatively in a studio by photographers or stylists, by a client in your chair or your team members. My biggest challenge at the moment is trying to find young assistants to come into the industry.
What would you say to someone who aspires to have a career like yours?
Never say no to anything – because you never know what’s going to happen. I also try to treat everyone the same because you never know when you’re going to bump into that person again and they might be able to help you in your career. But also, the hard work always pays off.
What are you most proud of in your career?
Working with the world’s best photographers, stylists and make-up artists, it really enhances you as a person.
What’s next for Syd Hayes?
I want to keep working with the calibre of people that I am now. I love working with BaByliss PRO, so I'm excited about the future.
2001
Began working at Nicky Clarke’s
2006
Began working with Guido Palau in New York
2009
Moved back to London to work in his Dad’s salon
2015
Signed with BaByliss PRO