ADVENTURES OF A CURIOUS CREATIVE

Hairdresser, photographer, global ambassador… We speak to Desmond Murray about his journey in the industry, the importance of staying relevant, and his life mantras

Desmond Murray never wanted to get into hairdressing. In fact, while living in Walsall after finishing school, his mum got him a temporary job in a youth club just to keep him off the streets. It was there that somebody approached Desmond and mentioned a hairdressing job in Wolverhampton. “I thought, I don’t know anything about hairdressing, and I don’t want to be a hairdresser. However, my philosophy in life is, what have you got to lose? So, I gave them a call.” That was when his career in hairdressing began: “While I was in the salon, I met an amazing hairdresser from London. He was a great person, liked great music, dressed well and had a long client waiting list. I thought, I want to be like him. He took me under his wing, was my mentor for two years and I became a junior stylist.” During this time, Desmond entered a few competitions in London and was offered a job at a salon in Clapham two years later. Becoming a part of the salon’s Artistic Team, he was responsible for all the photoshoots, seminars and shows.

Despite a tightly honed skillset in hairdressing, Desmond isn’t one to stop exploring. “I wanted to get an editorial book together,” he says. “I went into a photography studio, and asked the two photographers to teach me everything they knew. In return, I said I’d do all the models’ hair free of charge. I did that for two years.”

Next came two years in New York, almost six years in Covent Garden, and many British Hairdressing Awards, not to mention working on Julia Roberts' hair in Notting Hill, and meeting the iconic Vidal Sassoon – which he describes as the proudest moment during his career – Desmond now works in Atherton Cox, Marylebone, is a global ambassador for Matrix, and an established photographer. A typical day in the life of Des? “It's varied. From clients in the chair to shoots for magazines, salons and product companies, I’m really busy,” he laughs.

Trying to keep up with his brain is something that Desmond finds a challenge. “I always want to learn things and there’s never enough time in the day. My take on photography and hair is to keep current and to evolve; you have to keep learning,” he pauses. “Someone once said to me ‘The only way you’ll learn is if you put yourself out there and feel vulnerable’.”

Another mantra Desmond lives by? “Where you put your focus is where you get your results.” Speaking about the younger generation, he adds: “Go to Salon International, look at what the big names are doing. When I started, the industry was very centred on working behind a chair but now you can do so many different things.”

He may have kept off the streets in Walsall, but it’s clear Desmond’s been round the block in the hair world! And while he may not reveal any concrete plans for what’s coming up, Desmond talks deeply about his love for the industry and feeling like he’s never done a day’s work because he loves it so much. “I’m at a stage now where I don’t have to impress anyone,” he admits. “It’s not necessarily about money or about trying to break boundaries, I’m just enjoying what I do, and if I can do lovely work and learn from it, then that’s what it’s all about.”