In this exclusive interview, renowned hair stylist and fashion industry expert Edward Taylor takes us on a journey from his early days in the salon to working with some of the most recognizable faces in the world. With a career that has taken him behind the scenes of runway shows, editorial shoots, and red-carpet events, Edward shares the highs, the challenges, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
From the thrill of working next to supermodels like Naomi Campbell to navigating the pressures of public scrutiny, Edward reflects on the ever-evolving beauty industry and what keeps him inspired. More than just a career, his story is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep love for the craft.
Join us for an insightful and heartfelt conversation, filled with behind-the-scenes stories, valuable lessons, and a reminder that success is just as much about growth and collaboration as it is about talent.
- Can you share a little about your early life and what inspired you to pursue hairstyling as a career?
My journey into hairdressing was completely unexpected. I walked into a salon one day just for a haircut, but the energy and passion of the team preparing for a photoshoot completely captivated me. By the time I left, I had worked up the courage to ask for a job, and within days, I was part of the team.
In the early days, I was eager to learn and grow. I once asked my boss about opportunities to help open salons for another company, but he told me I wasn’t experienced enough. Rather than being discouraged, I took it as a challenge to prove to myself what I was capable of. That leap of faith led me to incredible experiences, working in one of London’s top salons, styling celebrities, contributing to magazines, and even competing on TV shows.
Over the past 20 years, I’ve explored so many sides of the industry, from fashion to TV and editorial shoots. But the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that growth comes from taking chances. I have worked really hard to do everything I wanted so far in this industry . It’s been an amazing journey, and I’m so grateful for every step that brought me to this point.
- Are there any specific techniques or styles you specialise in, and how did you master them?
I wouldn’t say I specialise in just one technique or style, I’ve always believed in being as versatile as possible. With over 20 years of experience, I’ve learned a bit of everything, cutting, colouring, extensions, men’s hair, styling, and more. When I was starting out, specialisation wasn’t as common; instead, you said “yes” to every opportunity to gain experience and grow. That mindset helped me develop a well-rounded skill set and opened so many doors along the way.
Whether it was styling for a wedding, stepping in for a last-minute photoshoot, or cutting and colouring on set, I was always willing to take on the challenge. That flexibility became one of my biggest strengths. I truly believe that being open to learning and adapting not only keeps the work exciting but also makes you a stronger, more reliable stylist. More than anything, I’m just grateful for every opportunity that has allowed me to grow and do what I love.
- How do you stay updated with the latest hairstyling trends and innovations?
I stay updated with the latest hair trends by immersing myself in the industry, whether it’s through shows, shoots, fashion weeks, or couture events. These experiences give me a glimpse of what’s coming before it reaches the mainstream, and I feel so lucky to be part of that creative process.
Social media has also been a game-changer. It’s like having free education at your fingertips, allowing you to spot trends as they emerge and adapt quickly. There’s always something new to learn, and I love that the industry is constantly evolving. The key is to stay curious, open-minded, and always willing to grow.
- What drew you to the world of fashion and editorial hairstyling? Can you tell us about some of your most memorable collaborations with fashion brands or magazines?
I was drawn to fashion and editorial hairstyling because of the artistry behind it, the way hair can transform a look and bring a vision to life. The glamour of runway shows and magazine spreads is inspiring, but behind the scenes, it’s a whole different world. It’s fast-paced, high-pressure, and often unpredictable, looks change at the last minute, dozens of models need restyling, and space is tight with hot tools everywhere. But amidst the chaos, there’s incredible energy, and I’ve always thrived in that environment.
One of my favourite surreal moments was working on a show where Naomi Campbell walked right past me—I could hardly believe it and knew I was right where I was supposed to be! Another treasured experience was styling Marie Helvin, a true trailblazer before the supermodel era. I will never forget my first show was a whirlwind, I thought I was fully prepared, only to realise I was missing so many essentials. It was, however, a humbling lesson, and now I always bring a suitcase packed with everything, even a sewing kit!
Despite the madness, I left that first show with an undeniable buzz, and my passion for this side of the industry has only grown ever since. I feel so grateful for every opportunity to collaborate with talented teams and contribute to creating something truly special.
- What is it like working with celebrities, and how does it differ from working with other clients?
Working with celebrities is both exciting and challenging. Like regular clients, they come to you because they admire your work, so you’re already in a good spot. The tricky part is handling public judgment. Unlike salon clients, your work gets scrutinised in magazines or paparazzi shots, sometimes from unfinished moments or days after styling.
I’ve had incidents where photos showed incomplete looks, and I was blamed unfairly. It was tough initially, but I learned to handle the criticism and focus on doing my best. These moments teach resilience. The buzz of seeing your work in the press, whether praised or criticised, keeps things exciting because, soon enough, the spotlight moves to someone else. With time, you learn, adapt, and move forward.
- What are your proudest achievements as a hairstylist and salon owner?
One of my proudest moments as a hairstylist was working at the Cannes Film Festival. It was an unforgettable experience, being in the South of France, styling for a spectacular show on a purple runway with stars like Bella Hadid and Demi Moore watching. It was surreal and truly incredible.
As a salon owner, my proudest moment was having the courage to step away when I realised it no longer aligned with my goals. It was a tough decision, but it taught me valuable lessons about trust, resilience, and knowing when to move on. The experience brought amazing memories and tough challenges, but through it all, I learned the importance of staying true to myself and treating others with kindness even if you are not met with it in return. You never know where life will take you or who you might cross paths with again.
- What legacy do you hope to leave as a hairstylist and entrepreneur?
I want my legacy to come from one of kindness, growth, and lifting others up. More than anything, I want to encourage people to stay true to themselves, there’s so much power in embracing who you are rather than trying to be like anyone else.
For me, success has always felt more meaningful when shared. I believe in supporting others, not fearing competition, because when we help each other grow, we all become better. Not everyone will give back in the same way, but that shouldn’t stop us from being kind and building genuine connections.
At the end of the day, this industry thrives on collaboration and teamwork. If I can be remembered as someone who was always willing to lend a hand, offer encouragement, make a positive impact, and do so whilst delivering gorgeous inspiring hair creations then that would mean the world to me.