Interview: Rock N Roller Hair

Sarah from Rock n Roller Hair is a font of all knowledge relating to wedding hair. She's also the absolute go to person for all things hair extensions, as she's trained in ten different methods. Who know there were 10 methods to even know about?! She's super calm to work with on a wedding morning, and we always have a giggle together. I asked her about her experience in the wedding industry and how she's finding lockdowns and not being able to work...

How're things with you?

Well let’s be honest a little like Groundhog Day but trying to keep my positive hat on and smile as much as possible! I find random laughter really helps ;-) Other than itchy feet to get back open again and doing what I love I am doing just fine thank you lovely!

When did you first get into hairdressing/hairstyling and think, 'ooh I like this’?  

I would say since my teens and University I’ve always had an interest in the hair and beauty industry. Perhaps spending too much time looking at the latest “must-haves” and spending too much money eek! My best friend has been a hairdresser for over 20 years now and I always admired her work and job. She was the one who actually (in my 20’s) spurred me on to take up wedding hairstyling! So I guess you could same I came to the industry late starting my business in my mid 20’s. I wouldn't change it for the world now in my mid 30’s I love being self-employed (apart from in a pandemic of course!!).

What're you looking forward to the most when you get back to work?

Dead simple really……..a good cuppa and a chat with my clients! Some have become friends so I really do miss seeing them regularly we have such giggle! I also can’t wait to get back to being creative again and seeing everyone's vision come to life, in particular their wedding day plans. I love hearing people’s stories….you really do hear all sorts in my job!

What, if anything, are you going to do differently?

I’ve definitely got myself more organised in these 3 lockdowns, and spent some time behind the scenes doing some learning to keep developing my skills. I think once I’m fully back to work and my son has started school full time I’ll be able to immerse myself in more training days each week to keep learning new techniques and styles. I don’t you can ever stop learning yourself! I also think the pandemic has surprisingly given me more fire in my belly to achieve more and look at ways of developing my business further, as well as more grit to stand up for myself more in the industry and know what’s best for me with how much work I do and juggling family time as well.

The industry has changed a lot in the ten years I've been in business, and I'm sure it has for you too. What do you lament, and what are you pleased has changed?  

I think what’s frustrated me and many others I’m sure is the lack of communication, direction and general support for the wedding industry during the pandemic and 3 subsequent lockdowns. It has been such a rollercoaster for both suppliers and brides/grooms alike and I do feel more could have been done in the last year to give the industry more notification, direction and clarification to help us move forward more effectively. It's a huge industry and one that is built far in advance so clear communication is key to its success.

I’m pleased to see the industry developing more of a community feel which I think stands its weight in gold during a pandemic like we are currently going through! Coming together with our voices will make a stance and hopefully noise to get what we need delivered! I think the industry has grown so much that it has allowed many new suppliers to come on board, lots more new and interesting venues to open, new ideas and ways of being creative which is so refreshing to see!

Tell me about a wedding supplier that you can't wait to see again or that I need to know about?

Oh, it has to be the lovely Rosie Dexter from Everyone’s Looking Rosie, what a diamond she is! If you ever need a cheer up Rosie is your lady. I miss our local cafe visits for a simple bacon butty and a cuppa (tomato ketchup of course) and putting the world to rights you just can’t beat it! Being self-employed can be very lonely so it's important to connect with a few in your local area to share the good, the bad and the ugly and just have a good old natter about life!

What's been the best thing to come out of lockdown for you or your business?  

For me, definitely more time with my son. He’s only 3 so these early years I think are crucial and I’ve been very lucky to get all this extra time with him…..as we know when they grow up (and fast) the cuteness and endless hugs don’t last forever!
For my business, I think the time to reflect and what’s been done so far and achieved and being able to put some plans down for where I wish to take it moving forward. I haven’t fully answered the latter yet but its a work in progress and still exciting for what is round the corner!

What's the best piece of feedback you've ever had about your work.

I think just the lovely comments I get from clients, brides, even the brides family where they can just simply say “you are amazing” or “honestly your work is so good” and then I blush and go all shy and say really! Hard to have self-belief sometimes but it really does give you the boost you need! I’ve had clients cry on me before when they’ve loved their hair so much or their mum cry and its one of the most special moments to be a part of!

Could you pick your favourite wedding experience?  

Ooooh I could tell you several Sali to be honest! I think for me it's those wedding mornings where you know you’ve really connected with the client and (family/friends if present) at the hair trial (I always say afterwards they are really my cup of tea….in my Yorkshire accent) and you’re genuinely excited for their wedding morning prep. You just know that when you’re there you’re going to have such a giggle, talk absolute nonsense, have great music playing and the atmosphere is so relaxed everyone is just having a really good time whilst getting fabulous hair and makeup done! I think it does often help when you know the makeup artist, photographer etc present as that can really add a buzz to the morning. That’s why I always try to recommend to my bridal clients my recommended wedding suppliers list as I know these businesses are super professional and excellent at what they deliver but also super fun people to work alongside.

What are you most proud of in your career so far?

I think going from complete beginner to hairstyling and literally, no clue on how to run a business, to 7 years later, having a successful award-winning hairstyling business that has really grown, I’ve delivered over 300 weddings, done many an occasion/party hair booking, grown a hair extension business which now offers over 7 different methods of hair extensions and also developed bespoke hairstyling courses for hairdressers, hairstylists, freelance stylists, mums, basically anyone wanting to learn a new skill!

What is your favourite makeup or skincare product?  

One of my all-time favourite makeup products which I’ve used for years is a tiny little pot of joy, called Living Luminizer by RMS beauty. Absolutely love it for dabbing onto cheeks, highlighting any areas really you wish to and it lasts ages! I’m a big fan of The Ordinary so I have several of their products to help with my skin issues which I’ve lived with for, blimey probably over 20 years now!