After 2 years of ‘zooming’ Inspire online, Sunday 12th June 2022 saw the Freelance Hairdressers’ Association back, in person, with their exciting event Inspire!
The annual inspiration and education event brought members back together again, in real life, uniting the freelance and mobile hairdressing community through live presentations and networking opportunities.
This year, the day-long event was held at the Mercure Daventry Court Hotel and Spa. Hosted by founder Sheila Abrahams, over 150 members turned out to experience this year’s inspiring event – and it boasted a star-studded line up, too. Representing friends of the FHA and supporters, the talented guest educators delivered a diverse and inspirational day of education.
The morning kicked off with L’Oréal Professional guest artist Alan Edwards showcasing his sought-after cutting and colouring techniques. Working with live models Alan demonstrated attention to detail and his skills inspired everyone, with members desperate to put his methods to good use!
Next it was over to Jez Barnett from Innoluxe, Jez was joined by Georgia Bell and Kerrie Northcut. Georgia shared the ins and outs on how to work with creative colour, and great reasons as to why everyone should give them a try. 10 lucky winners were then given the chance to win some exciting Innoluxe and KeraStraight prizes.
Following a quick coffee break it was time for Wella Professional Top Artist Jordanna Cobella to take to the stage. Jordanna showcased the brand-new colour innovation from Wella Professional, SHINEFINITY. Presenting a beautiful live colour application, Jordanna created a beautiful root drag using SHINEFINITY. The techniques were adaptable and inspirational, not to mention valuable.
After refuelling over lunch, the fourth guest of the day was J C Auchamp from Salon Sustainability. J C talked about the waste within the industry and the changes that hairdressers can make to become more sustainable. J C’s presentation was extremely eye opening and sparked many open conversations on how to run a more sustainable business.
Following JC it was over to Redken guest artist Emily Douglas. Emily presented an inspiring live colour application and showcased high impact foilayage and dimensional toning techniques. Emily’s colour techniques certainly left the members inspired and full of ideas to take home to their own clients.
Rounding off an inspiring day was Indola’s global ambassadors Paddy McDougall and Andy Smith. Showcasing the latest Street Style Collections, Andy and Paddy worked together to talk through the looks, showcasing live models coloured by Paddy using the new Blonde Expert range and cuts by Andy. The finished looks included a long bob, a retro inspired classic brunette with a blonde streak and a cool retro men’s broken edges look.
Not only were the members joined by these inspiring artists and brands but in the exhibition hall they were joined by Spencer Dudman Scissors, Kent Salon Brushes, Aston & Fincher, GoSalon, Framersi and Cancer Hair Care.
FHA Founder Sheila Abrahams says:
Inspire! 2022 was a phenomenal success and we were delighted to finally be back together, in real life. Inspire! definitely lived up to its name and the day had everything I could have hoped for.
The guest artists were fantastic, on top of their game and brought their own inimitable style of work to inspire our members. I’d also like to extend a huge thank you to all of our supporters and guests for giving up their time to be a part of the day.
We couldn’t be happier with how the day went and are excited to continue to build on its success.”