Name: Bekki Gray
Job Title: Colour Technician
Age: 21
How did you get to where you are today?
I went to college to study hairdressing when I was 16 while also working as an assistant in a salon. When I finished my training I first went into retail, working at a wholesaler for hair products. I learned a lot about varied brands and increased my knowledge in colour methods. But I realised I wanted to be more hands on. My grandmother saw that Rebecca Carr Hair Salon was opening in Kintore so I applied. I love that I’ve been with the salon from the beginning and have gelled with the rest if the team. I specialise in colour and I also love doing hair-ups.
What is your favourite part of your job?
We have a great team and I enjoy going to work every day as I feel so comfortable around my workmates. I like getting creative with hair-ups and doing something different.
What is your own hair type and how do you make sure it looks great?
I have got naturally very fine hair and have used extensions to give it thickness. I hope to train in extensions so I can offer this service in the salon. I like to change up my hair and will often curl it or create waves with my straighteners (Kérastase heat protector is a must). I also like to rock a top knot.
Can you tell us about a favourite colour/style/transformation you achieved?
There are so many! I like using the balayage technique as it’s creative. But what I really enjoy is going through a ‘lightening cleanse’ process. This is for people who may have quite dark colour treated hair and want to lighten it quite dramatically. You need to cleanse it from dark to a copper colour and then, section by section, apply a pigment to get the desired shade. It’s really demanding work and can take a full day in the salon but it’s so satisfying to make a dramatic change in the correct way.
Who is your hair/style icon?
It changes all the time! I’m a style chameleon and my hair has been every colour possible. I love tattoos and people with a unique style. At the moment I like Rita Ora and Olivia Buckland who was on Love Island.
What is the one hair product you wouldn’t live without?
Texturising volume spray by Label M. It’s like hair spray and dry shampoo combined and you can use it for styling and backcombing and will hold a hair-up or top knot in place. You can also create a grungy wave with it, it’s very versatile.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Mostly from Instagram and watching videos on Facebook. If I see a pop-star on TV and I like their look, I’ll research online how they achieved it or what colour they might have used.
How would your family and friends describe you?
I think they would describe me as out-going, loud and always the life and soul of party. If there’s something I want, I go for it. I used to be a quite under-confident, but my confidence is growing.
What do you do in your spare time?
I like to socialise and go out with my friends. I go bowling quite a lot and love a bit of bingo on a Friday night, although I don’t often win.
What is the most important lesson you have learned?
Believe in yourself and take constructive criticism gracefully.
Describe working at Rebecca Carr Hair Salon in one sentence?
It’s a roller-coaster but in a good way! You come in on Tuesday and by Saturday so much has happened in the week.