87% of the hair and beauty workforce in the UK is female. Government statistics are endorsed by the likes of the National Hair & Beauty Federation and British Beauty Council (working on 2025 figures), We don’t need the numbers however, to know that powerful women in hair are women who are trailblazers in the industry, driving creativity, leadership, and innovation.
Powerful women
We marked International Women’s Day ( Sunday 8th March) with a reminder of just some of the names of women who, despite some real challenges in our industry, are determined to keep us forward-facing. Incredible and empowering female hairdressers, salon owners and business leaders share how they inspire and empower their peers to become leaders and innovators in their field…
• Chris Grimley, textured hair specialist, owner of Fusion Hair Co and Texture Curl Academy
“Being a woman in the industry is incredibly rewarding – we get to lead, create, and inspire every day. What inspires me most is the chance to pay it forward. I’ve been lucky to learn from amazing mentors, and I love sharing that knowledge, guidance, and encouragement with the next generation so they can see what’s possible, grow, and thrive.”
• Marlene Lamont, stylist & owner of Urban Hair & Beauty
“Hairdressing has always been powered by strong, creative women, and I’m incredibly proud to be part of that. As salon owners, educators, and mentors, we have the opportunity to inspire the next generation by sharing knowledge, opening doors, and encouraging others to believe in their potential. What makes our industry so special is the compassion and support we show each other, balancing busy careers with family life and understanding one another.
“I believe in empowering girls and women, helping them push to the best of their abilities while letting their own style shine through. Supporting mums and everyone in the salon to be their best and encouraging them to wear their own style with confidence, ensures no one ever lets anyone dull their sparkle.”
• Suzie McGill, International Artistic Director Rainbow Room International
“Being a woman in the industry has always been incredibly inspiring. We’re surrounded by creativity, leadership, and innovation at every level, and it’s exciting to see so many women shaping its future. I try to empower my peers by sharing knowledge, encouraging bold ideas, and creating opportunities for growth, whether through mentoring, education, or simply celebrating each other’s successes. It’s all about lifting each other up and pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve together.”
• Ashleigh Hodges, The Fellowship for British Hairdressing President
“Hairdressing has always been powered by women, and it’s inspiring to see more women actively supporting and championing each other’s success. I believe empowerment comes from sharing knowledge, creating opportunities, and encouraging people to step confidently into leadership. But progress isn’t just the responsibility of women — the men in our industry also have an important role to play in recognising and uplifting the talented women around them. Because when women are supported, visible and given the space to lead, the entire industry evolves.”
Tina Farey, Editorial Director at RUSH
“As Editorial Director at RUSH, whether I’m working with the RUSH team or backstage at London Fashion Week, I’m always surrounded by incredible women who inspire and motivate me to continually improve my craft. Being part of the RUSH Artistic Team, it’s extremely important to me to make a lasting impression on younger team members – providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to feel empowered and confident in their abilities. I aim to help them become their best and show them that in this industry, opportunities are endless. Whether you want to be part of an Artistic Team, run a salon, open your own salon, or work backstage at Fashion Week – you can achieve whatever you set your mind to, as long as you’re willing to work hard!”
Alex Thaddeus, Owner of Alex Thaddeus Hairdressing
“Being a woman in the industry is incredibly rewarding. I love that we get to be creative every day, push boundaries, and inspire each other. I try to empower others by sharing skills, encouraging confidence, and celebrating individuality, especially when it comes to working with all hair types, from sleek to curly and textured. For me, it’s about creativity, passion, and lifting each other up.”
Breaking the glass ceiling
It’s been a while since we’ve heard this phrase – breaking the glass ceiling. It refers to women pushing their way into boardrooms and onto management everywhere. We may not stay it much but it’s still something to be aware of. It’s vital that women uphold each other. Positively discriminate to ensure women are seen just as much as men and claim their share of the recognition, the awards and the rewards of this industry.
If you’ve been inspired by our guests above, then email your story to: info@ihaa.co.uk and we might share it.
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Here online you may browse our Creative section to find inspiration from the greatest hair artists… read our Home page to discover the top events and what we like about them, then visit our Magazine section to read the latest edition (and archive editions) of Tribu-te publications. If you’d like to enjoy your very own edition of Tribu-te delivered direct to your home – vist the Shop to order a subscription to arrive bi-annually. And of course, once a year, you can visit Hair Pieces: The Big One – it’s an awesome presentation of the leading hairdressers on the best stage possible in central London each November! Contact us if you have any questions or would like to submit photography and ideas for any of our editions in Europe – we’re particulary keen to see your salons for our Design section both in print and online.