Hair

In 2023, just 1,520 students completed their hairdressing training, down from 8,660 in 2015 – that's astonishingly low numbers for an industry that’s essentially AI-proof. But these lot aren't letting their clippers gather dust.

From Chelsea’s Marc Guiu to Fulham captain Tom Cairney, footballers are travelling to Kings Cuts barbers in Epsom for a trim that costs the same as a few pints.

From designing Tems’ Met Gala after party dress to working on the SS25 Fiorucci show, the East London artist is changing the way we think about hair, one braid at a time.

Since London's first Black hair salon opened in 1955, stylists have played a central role in creating safe spaces where punters can gossip, relax and get a new 'do. We visit three salons that are keeping that spirit alive, moving with the times to compete with Insta stylists while forging lifelong relationships.

As part of THE FACE's Beauty Rituals series, we caught up with the owner of South London's hottest salon about DIY dye jobs, the power of a good haircut and how she built a thriving business from the ground up.