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The PERFECT FIT
Discover how Jonathan Turner and Sophie Gibson are combining technical mastery with high-performance styling tools to elevate daily salon work and inspire the global hair community
For Jonathan Turner and Sophie Gibson of Hooker & Young, the best industry partnerships are those that feel completely instinctive.
When the opportunity arose to join Alfa Italia as brand ambassadors, the decision was simple.
Jonathan and Sophie have long been celebrated for creating wearable, modern hair that feels sophisticated rather than overly styled. Now, as they officially align with Alfa Italia, they are bringing that exact philosophy to a fresh collaboration – one rooted in high-performance styling tools they rely on daily on the salon floor.
“We love using the Alfa Italia tools, so when the opportunity arose to work more closely with the brand, it felt like a great fit,” said the duo. “For us, it has to be something we believe in and would use, otherwise it doesn’t feel authentic. There are some brilliant products in the range, and we love anything that makes our job easier and helps us create great hair. We are looking forward to showing stylists what we do with them.”
It is an approach that mirrors the overarching Hooker & Young philosophy: pairing technical capability with a genuine understanding of individual client identity.
“We want hair to feel current, cool, and right for the person wearing it,” Jonathan and Sophie noted. “You can have all the technical ability in the world, but ultimately you have to look at the person in front of you and create something that makes them look and feel amazing - whether that’s in the salon, on a shoot, or on stage.” Both agree that one of the most exciting aspects of hairdressing is that there is always something new to learn.
Precision Tools for Floor-Level Control
For Jonathan, choosing the right tool comes down to complete physical control.
“You want something that feels good in your hand, does what you need it to do, and gives you complete control,” Jonathan revealed. “When a tool is exceptional, you almost stop thinking about it because you are concentrating on the hair instead. You can have a great idea and a great technique, but you need the right tools to bring it to life.”
His current daily essential is the Luna Hybrid Pro Smart Dryer. “I use it every day, and it has become my go-to dryer in the salon. It is powerful, I get a beautiful finish from it and, most importantly, I love using it.” For Sophie, versatility is the priority. Her instinctive choice is a tong, valued for its ability to craft everything from soft movement to defined waves and lived-in texture. She relies heavily on the Tropea Pro Multi-Curl Styler.
“I use it all the time in the salon and I love how lightweight it is,” Sophie shared. “It leaves the hair feeling sleek and shiny, while the three interchangeable barrel attachments give me plenty of flexibility.”
The adjustable heat settings also allow Sophie to work confidently across diverse hair textures while maintaining consistent results.
Action Over Talk at Salon International
The new partnership will come to life at Salon International on Sunday 4 October 2026.
Jonathan and Sophie are scheduled to appear on the Alfa Italia stand (S130) as well as the HJ Stage at 12pm. Visitors should expect a high-energy, practical showcase rather than a formal seminar.
“Lots of hair, lots of ideas, and hopefully lots of energy!” promised Jonathan.
Rather than simply talking about the range, Jonathan and Sophie will demonstrate the tools in action on live models. “For us, seeing a tool actually being used on hair is always much more exciting. We want stylists to see a technique, understand it, and immediately start thinking about how they could use it in their own work.”
Translating Trends for the Modern Client
By establishing a solid technical foundation, stylists gain the freedom to experiment.
“Change the tool, the movement, or the finish, and suddenly you have got a completely different look,” explained Sophie.
This mindset directly influences their perspective on modern trends. While Sophie currently favours the butterfly cut for its soft, bouncy layers, Jonathan is embracing a broader return to individuality.
“Take inspiration from trends, absolutely, but then make them your own,” Jonathan advised. “I will happily say goodbye to copy-and-paste hair.”
For Sophie, styling should always prioritise movement and personality over rigid uniformity.
How Do You Keep a Salon Finish from Looking Overworked?
“It is knowing when to put the tools down,” Jonathan revealed. “I love hair to look polished, but I still want it to move and feel alive. Perfectly imperfect is much more interesting to me than something that looks like it hasn’t moved for three hours.”
That balance between precision and freedom is what makes this partnership so compelling (and at Salon International, Jonathan and Sophie will be putting it into practice). “If someone goes back to the salon excited to try something new, we have done our job,” concluded Sophie.
For further information on Alfa Italia and the courses that Sophie and Jonathan will be running in 2027, please contact info@alfaitaliapro.com