FEATURE

A Beautiful DIFFERENCE

Tracey Ann Smith brought together 20 hairdressers for a special photoshoot to raise awareness of epidermolysis bullosa (EB), also known as butterfly skin, and the charity DEBRA. We caught up with Tracey to discover how it all came together…

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICHARD MILES AND ADRIAN HARTOP

When 20 hairdressers from across the UK came together for a very special photoshoot, the results went far beyond beautiful hair. Led by award-winning hairdresser Tracey Ann Smith, the Style & Smile photoshoot brought industry professionals and members of DEBRA together for a day dedicated to raising awareness of epidermolysis bullosa (EB), also known as butterfly skin.

Held at West Mill Collective in Rochdale, the shoot welcomed 16 DEBRA members and 20 family members and carers for a day of hair, makeup, styling and professional photography. With photographer Richard Miles behind the camera, the project was an opportunity to celebrate individuality, build confidence and create lasting memories.

“My work has always been about making hair and skin look their best and helping people feel confident in front of the camera. It’s about showing that everyone is beautiful. I wanted the images to celebrate the DEBRA members, their hair, their skin and their style, rather than have a condition define them. The aim was for every person to feel seen, confident and proud of the images we create together.”

RICHARD MILES

Katie Welsby, DEBRA Membership services, says: “In the lead up to the Style & Smile photoshoot, it was wonderful to see just how much this event meant to our members from the excitement and anticipation surrounding it. However, nothing prepared me for the impact it would have on the day itself. It was both emotional and inspiring to watch members step so far outside of their comfort zone and embrace the photoshoot experience with such confidence. What made the day even more special was seeing the EB community and professionals from across the hair and beauty industry come together so seamlessly, creating an atmosphere filled with positivity and celebration. EB takes a huge toll on the person and their family living with it. Having such an joyful opportunity for distraction from the pain and grind of daily life meant such a lot to our members and for us at DEBRA witnessing their enjoyment in such a beautifully glamorous event. Thank you to everyone involved.”

For Tracey, the experience was a powerful reminder of what the hairdressing community can achieve when it comes together. Here, she shares how the project came about and why it meant so much to everyone involved.

HJ: What inspired you to organise this photoshoot?

Tracey: A while ago, I was watching TV and saw Graeme Souness being interviewed about his work with DEBRA. It really struck a chord with me. Seeing the challenges faced by people living with EB was incredibly emotional, and I knew I wanted to do something to help. I reached out to the charity, and our relationship grew from there. Together, we came up with the idea for Style & Smile, bringing together our amazing hairdressing community to raise awareness of EB and the important work DEBRA does.

HJ: What did you want the DEBRA members to take away from the day?

Tracey: Above all, we wanted to give members a special day of pampering, with professional photographs to take away as lasting keepsakes. With an incredible team of hairdressers, make-up artists and stylists on hand, the aim was to make everyone feel special and seen, regardless of the challenges they face living with EB. Inviting family members and carers to be part of the experience also meant creating something meaningful for them to treasure together. Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces and hearing such lovely feedback from the members made it all worthwhile.

HJ: People living with EB can have extremely fragile skin. How did this affect your approach to hairdressing on the shoot?

Tracey: There are four main forms of EB, and the condition affects everyone differently. For some members, the symptoms were more visible than for others, so it was important that we understood each person’s individual needs. We paired every DEBRA member with a dedicated hairdresser ahead of the shoot, allowing them to have a consultation and discuss any sensitivities or specific requirements. On the day, the stylists also checked whether anything had changed, such as any new areas of blistering or irritation.

We worked with MOOD haircare products, which had been checked by the DEBRA team for suitability, and members were also welcome to bring along their own products if they preferred. It was all about making sure everyone felt comfortable and that their individual needs were respected throughout the experience.

“When you are living with a visible difference like EB, it can really affect your self-esteem, heighten anxiety and be quite isolating. Having the opportunity to have your hair and make-up done alongside a photoshoot means so much. Events like these bring everyone together to connect – you feel less alone and supported in the DEBRA community.”

CHARLOTTE KNIBBS, DEBRA MEMBER

“This kind of event is fantastic to get people to understand what EB as a condition is, and what the charity DEBRA is. It has been such a confidence lift, I’ve had the best day. It’s so important for people with EB, who are used to having blistered faces, to have this kind of pampering – it’s just been amazing.”

ELLIE, DAUGHTER OF THE DEBRA FOUNDER

HJ: What was the atmosphere like on set?

Tracey: Honestly, it was such a wonderful day for everyone involved. The atmosphere was electric, inspiring, humbling and exciting all at once. But above everything, there was a real sense of empowerment. Beauty comes in so many different forms, and seeing members recognise their own beauty through the photographs was incredibly special. Watching their confidence grow and seeing the happiness on everyone’s faces was something I’ll never forget.

HJ: Did working with the DEBRA members reinforce what hairdressing means to you?

Tracey: Absolutely. It was a reminder of why we do what we do. In the salon, we’re often moving from one client to the next, but this experience gave us the opportunity to slow down and really appreciate the impact our work can have. Seeing members support one another, watching their families share in those special moments and having the whole team come together for such a meaningful cause reinforced just how powerful hairdressing can be.

“The most memorable moment for me was when the DEBRA members saw their final images on the photographers screen, they looked so beautiful and we had some tears of joy.”

KERRY MATHER, KJM SALONS

“It’s such a good experience to be on the receiving end of something good, especially when you have EB, which takes a lot of time and energy to look after. Today has been so exciting, and it’s contagious. When I first saw the images, I nearly cried; they are so amazing. When you have EB you feel like you stand out, and to have a stylist treat you the same as everyone else, giving you that personal care and attention, not making you feel like having extra needs is an issue means so much.”

ELLA TURNER

HJ: What do you hope this project will achieve beyond the photoshoot?

Tracey: One of our biggest aims was to raise awareness of EB within the hairdressing industry, particularly as stylists may encounter clients living with the condition. We also wanted to create beautiful imagery that members could treasure and that DEBRA could use to share their stories and raise awareness of the charity’s work.

Events like these are so important for the DEBRA community, giving members the opportunity to come together, connect and feel supported in a safe, welcoming environment.

For me, this project is just the beginning. It was the first time DEBRA had organised an event like this, and the feedback has been incredibly touching. We’ve seen first-hand the positive impact it can have, and I’d love to create more opportunities like this in the future. Watch this space – I’m already planning!