The final stage of the INDOLA x FHA Pioneer Series last year culminated in an inspiring creative shoot, bringing together the team and everything they’d learnt, under the mentorship of INDOLA Global Ambassador, Andy Smith. Designed to celebrate individuality, technical growth and creative confidence, the collection showcased the culmination of the pioneers’ journey, blending education with real-world editorial experience.
Working collaboratively, the team explored texture, shape and styling versatility, with each finished look reflecting the core ethos of both the FHA and INDOLA: elevating individuality while embracing wearable, modern hair.
Guiding the creative direction, Andy Smith encouraged the pioneers to focus on enhancing each model’s natural characteristics rather than masking them.
“The inspiration was about expressing and evolving each model’s natural texture. It was about elevating the individual, adding depth and interest, and letting the hair itself become the main focus.”
This philosophy became the foundation of the entire collection, allowing the pioneers to experiment with techniques while maintaining authenticity and personalisation.
Look One: Texture in Motion
The first look explored movement and fluidity, drawing inspiration from organic and earthy influences.
“For the first look, we wanted an Amazonian feel. We created micro braids through different sections, pinned areas up to shift the mood, then released them to reveal a soft, organic, hazy texture.”
To build and maintain the movement within the hair, the team used INDOLA Texture Spray to enhance natural flow and dimension, before securing the final style with INDOLA Flexible Hairspray to maintain softness and control.
The result was a look that felt effortlessly dynamic, showcasing how subtle structural techniques can dramatically influence texture and mood.
Look Two: Soft to Structured
Transformation and versatility became the focus of the second look, demonstrating how styling can evolve throughout a creative process.
“For the second model, it was about taking her on a journey. We started with soft movement for an airy feel, then stripped it back into a twisted Mohican ponytail to create a much stronger edge.”
The look highlighted contrast, shifting from delicacy to strength. INDOLA Finishing Serum was used to enhance detail and polish, before INDOLA Strong Hold Hairspray secured the sharper, more architectural finish.
This transformation reinforced the pioneers’ understanding of how styling choices can completely redefine the narrative of a look.
Look Three: Unexpected Texture
The final look challenged expectations by introducing bold texture into fine blonde hair.
“The third model had fine blonde hair, so we wanted to create something unexpected. We used INDOLA Light Mousse to form irregular bends, worked INDOLA Shaping Gel through for separation, then dried it in and finished with INDOLA Gel Spray for definition and hold.”
By layering products and techniques, the pioneers created shape, durability and individuality, demonstrating how thoughtful product combinations can expand creative possibilities across different hair types.
The final collection shoot provided an opportunity for participants to collaborate, build confidence and gain insight into the editorial process from concept through to execution.
The finished collection stands as a celebration of learning, creativity and mentorship, highlighting the exciting future of freelance hairdressing talent.
To see the full Pioneer Collection and explore more behind the scenes, visit the latest issue of Pro Hair Magazine: https://professionalhairdresser.co.uk/news/magazines/january-february-2026/
