Name: Shannon Buchan
Job Title: Senior Stylist
How did you get to where you are today?
When I was at school I had an inkling that I wanted to be a hairdresser. There are only 18 months between myself and my sister but she would be out on her bike and I would be inside playing with a dolls head! When I left school, I went along to a Vidal Sassoon open day in London with my parents and decided I would like to train there as a hairdresser. I was told I had a natural flair and I really pushed myself to get as much experience as possible during the course. We were exposed to working with a lot of different people and hair types quickly which was great for our training. I love the creativity hairdressing offers.
What does your job entail and what is your favourite part?
I cut, colour and style hair in the salon for a variety of different clients daily including a lot of gents and kids. I am drawn to the colouring side as I enjoy building on my knowledge with courses and learning about new products. I also love getting to know my customers, chatting and making their experience personal to them by advising on the right products for their individual needs. I like interacting with people of all ages.
What is your own hair type and how do you make sure it looks great?
I like to keep my hair colour natural and as close to my roots as possible so I tend to stick with dark colours. I have very fine hair so I use extensions to thicken it up. Aftercare is hugely important to me so I’m always using treatments and rituals to prevent my hair going flyaway and wispy. I always try and hammer home how important aftercare is to my clients as many don’t realise what a difference it can make. My hair also gets used to shampoos very quickly so I try and change the products I use once a month.
What product can’t you live without?
Quite a few but I like Kérastase Thermique heat protecting blow-dry creams. If you are only going to use one product, make it heat protection. I also like Label M texturizing volume mousse, like most of the other girls in the salon. I can’t use anything too heavy on my hair but this is lightweight, a bit like dry shampoo, and gives you volume without weighing it down.
Can you tell us about a favourite colour/style/transformation you have seen?
I like to see a colour correction or a colour change from one extreme to another. I’ve seen people go from blue/black, seven shades lighter to blonde. It’s a big process and can take almost a full day in the salon to do it properly but amazing to see the results.
Who is your hair icon?
I wouldn’t say I have a specific icon. I’m very open minded to new people and different ideas so it changes all the time. And the best ideas can come from unusual places…
Where do you get your inspiration?
I get a lot of inspiration in the salon – I love to see changes and to be challenged. Again, I’m open minded and tend to look to a lot of places for inspiration but social media is undoubtedly a huge platform. Instagram is strong because you can see a full story with before and after images as well as the techniques in between. My advice to my clients is to consider the journey, not just the outcome, when looking for hair-spiration and have realistic goals.
How would your family and friends describe you?
They would say I’m very outgoing and extremely easy-going too and they would be surprised as I have a much more serious side to me at work. I think I’m also a good person to come to with a problem or when you need someone to listen.
What do you do in your spare time?
I like meeting up with the girls outside of work as well as spending time with my boyfriend and enjoying good food and going out. I’m also often caught on social media looking for work inspiration.
What is the most important lesson you have learned?
I think to be positive even in challenging situations. My mum always says, ‘fall seven times, stand up eight’ which means when you have a knock-back in life continue to be positive and keep going. If it isn’t hard, it probably isn’t worth doing!
Describe working at Rebecca Carr Hair Salon in one sentence?
A fun and friendly environment with a team ready to rise to the challenges.