If anyone fancies working abroad, read this article by Rachael Gibson from HJi
Expert Advice for Hairdressers Working Abroad
Working abroad is an exciting opportunity for any hairdresser, providing the opportunity to fly the flag for British hairdressing internationally while boosting your profile on a global stage.
But presenting to an international audience isn’t all 5* hotels, sell-out audiences and high-profile shows. Here, we speak to three hairdressers who spend their lives presenting abroad to find out the reality behind travelling the world with work.
Skyler McDonald, seanhanna, Putney
Where have you presented internationally?
Europe (everywhere!), New York, Las Vegas, Malaysia, Mumbai, Bahrain, Dubai, Australia
What do you enjoy most about presenting abroad?
I love connecting with different audiences. It is always exciting working with different teams and every country has its own unique vibe.
How difficult is it to scout models when you’re abroad?
I think finding models is always hard and finding models that reflect our brand values is always the challenge. But with thought and perseverance, we usually do OK
Is it hard to get models who are willing to undertake the transformations you’re planning when you’re working abroad – especially if there’s a language barrier?
This really does depend on the country I am working in. I found the Middle East quite challenging getting co operative models. But in Europe this is usually not a problem.
How difficult is it to get all the kit you need out with you?
It’s definitely getting harder – airlines are far more strict with their weight allowances than they used to be, even a couple of years ago. I do have to put more thought into how we deal with this. I try and get my team to travel as light as possible so we can all share the weight allowances for products, tools and styling.
Do you have any top tips for hairdressers who might be travelling abroad to work for the first time?
Clearly agree everything upfront. If you want full control over your models make sure you say this – if you don’t, you might find that the company you’re working with has organised your models for you. Even things like excess baggage can be problematic; it’s important to agree what is acceptable and who is responsible before you sign any agreement.
You also need to agree what happens in the event of your booking being cancelled, either by you or by the company. Make sure you are fully insured in case of any unfortunate illness and accidents while you are away. Finally – enjoy the experience!
Mark Woolley, Electric Haidressing
Where have you presented internationally?
All over the world, from Australia to Asia to the USA and all over Europe.
What do you enjoy most about presenting abroad?
Representing and presenting British hairdressing and absorbing ideas from other cultures. You never stop learning there is always a new technique or inspiring collection you have never seen before – creativity feeds creativity.
How difficult is it to scout models when you’re abroad?
Traditionally you would need to use an agency but social media has opened up a whole new array of platforms to source models – for Cosmoprof we simply tweeted and posted on a Italian Model website/blog and over 30 models turned up at the screening.
Is it hard to get models who are willing to undertake the transformations you’re planning when you’re working abroad – especially if there’s a language barrier?
It has been known! You can always communicate through visuals if language is a barrier.
How difficult is it to get all the kit you need out with you?
Over the years you learn to refine your essentials and get it all in an on-flight case.
Do you have any top tips for hairdressers who might be travelling abroad to work for the first time?
Don’t pack £500 scissors in your hand luggage – trust me I know what happens!
Isabella Hyde, House of Rush, Piccadilly, London
Where have you presented internationally?
Last year was my first international presentation. I first headed to South Africa and then a month later I went on to San Diego, California. It was without a doubt the highlight of a year on the FAME team!
What do you enjoy most about presenting abroad?
The biggest enjoyment is all the new faces. People seem to be extremely attentive to ‘London’ hairdressers and all the hosts are so friendly and make sure you enjoy every moment of the trip.
How difficult is it to scout models when you’re abroad?
I found it differs with each trip. We went to South Africa with ghd and styling was the main focus. We had pro models who were all lovely, cooperative and relaxed as we kept their hair as it was and used styling techniques to present.
Restyling can be difficult – in California, Unite had street-cast a variety of girls as there was not enough time for us to do it ourselves and prep for the shows. This meant the models were varied in looks and flexibility towards changing their hair – I waited for an edgy model who was open to change and was lucky to find one show up, although other models I had to sweet talk into it a bit more!
Both trips so far have been English speaking, but I’m sure talking with an interpreter is not so easy – I hope to find out soon and have an international trip with RUSH.
How difficult is it to get all the kit you need out with you?
Luckily each time I have been away all of the kit has been provided – you can have difficulties with power voltages causing naff hair dryer situations and of course HEAVY luggage!
Do you have any top tips for hairdressers who might be travelling abroad to work for the first time?
Be prepared to be open-minded with style options and be prepared to improvise on ideas; you have to suit the models made available and they may not be the typ
e of model you had in mind.
e of model you had in mind.
I would also recommend that you pack Alka-Seltzers as late nights/networking/entertainment/ early mornings are probable. Keep fit and eat well before the trip too, as energy is required to help you through the long flights, jet lag, hard work, prep, shows, and after parties!
Paul Falltrick, Paul Falltrick Hairdressing, Romford, Essex
Where have you presented internationally?
I have worked in so many different countries including the USA, Japan, Canada, Barbados, Thailand, Philippines, China, Morocco, Australia, Spain, Austria, Romania, Ireland, Hong Kong, Scotland, France, Taiwan, Russia, Italy, Portugal, Czech Republic, Turkey, Bratislava, Tenerife, Sweden, Belgium, Prague, Mexico, Poland, Greece, Ukraine, Hungary and Germany…
What do you enjoy most about presenting abroad?
Working internationally is always really special as you get such as buzz from different markets – each one is so diverse. The audiences can be much bigger when working abroad too which provides a great networking experience and fresh inspiration.
How difficult is it to scout models when you’re abroad?
The majority of work I do abroad is on behalf of Matrix Haircare as part of the Global Design Team and in these instances I’m normally taken straight from the plane to a model casting. We normally work closely with a model agency in the country we’ll be presenting in, supplying them with a brief prior to the trip – they then set up a casting of 100 or more models, which I will personally whittle down to around 12 depending on the looks we’ll be creating.
Is it hard to get models who are willing to undertake the transformations you’re planning when you’re working abroad – especially if there’s a language barrier?
Working internationally can be difficult initially but the more you do it, the more it becomes second nature. I’ll bring mood boards and my iPad to castings, working on a very visual rather than spoken basis with models in order to explain the transformations we’ll be doing. Matrix also always provide me with a translator too, so I have someone on hand that can help me communicate with the team where needed.
How difficult is it to get all the kit you need out with you?
When organizing my kit for presenting abroad, I’ll always take as much as I can,; in particular my favourite formulas incase they haven’t launched in the particular country I’m flying to. It’s always a bit unnerving to hand over my luggage with scissors, styling products and everything else I need but it has to be done – I haven’t lost anything to date so fingers crossed that remains the case. In terms of products, I’ll always have a meeting with Matrix before flying to my destination to discuss what the team and I will need whilst away and they tend to arrange its delivery to the destination.
Do you have any top tips for hairdressers who might be travelling abroad to work for the first time?
Do your homework. I can’t stress the importance of research enough when you’re working abroad. The cultures and trends can differ so vastly, so you need to have done your homework to make sure you’re ready to hit the ground running when there.
Take wefts with you/ Don’t work under the misconception that hair will be provided for you, it’s always best to take what you need just in case.
Work out your terms: If you’re travelling on behalf of a product company, ensure you discuss the partnership in detail e.g. whether they’ll be covering expenses, if you need to bring products etc. before you depart.
Be prepared: I always make sure I have local currency to hand in case I need to call a cab once I land and also have all the important details of my contacts in the country and at home noted down.
Sleep as much as you can. Presenting internationally is hard work and the schedule can be intense, so make sure you’re well rested before you go.
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