A session styling conversation with Brendan
Many hairdressers aspire to become a Session Stylist and long to work backstage at Fashion Week, style Celebrities and be assigned to Fashion Shoots. It’s not for the faint-hearted and can be a tough world to get into.
Brendan’s session work has flourished as much as his salon - he now works on commercial and editorial projects worldwide across the fashion, beauty and music sectors. Brendan draws on his expertise and knowledge gained from decades of experience, skilled in all areas of hair design.
From his work with international publications like Cosmopolitan, Vogue Italia, Paris L’Official, Velvet, Elle, and Tattler to his styling at fashion weeks worldwide, to events like the Cannes Film Festival, he has done it all. Designers like Cynthia Rowley, Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith have used Brendan to complete their runway looks.
Often asked for advice on Session Styling and what he loves most about it, Brendan was recently interviewed for an industry article. “What I like most is collaborating with the designer. Looking for current and future trends. It’s not just about following the trends; it’s about creating them and that’s really exciting.”
“While my heart will always be in session, opening my salon allowed me to have some stability. I still love working with my day-to-day clients, being part of a team and helping them progress in their careers really keeps me going.”
Read the full industry article and watch Brendan in action here.
How does he do it?
17 years is a long time, and Brendan O’Sullivan Hair and Beauty has sailed through it beautifully. Reflecting on the reasons for his continued success, Brendan says:
“Maintaining key values within the business has meant we’ve kept growing and improving. Whatever challenges you face over the years, it’s important to keep your thoughts firmly on the future.
Our vision has always been clear – to make every customer look and feel fantastic. We make sure all our plans and actions support this vision. Constantly measuring ourselves against our vision means it has become part of everything we do. Customer feedback is vital to us; we really do read every review, always thrilled by the five-star feedback clients leave for us. Recently we were voted ‘Best Hairdressing Salon’ in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire in the Muddy Stilettos Awards; it meant the world to us all.
No matter how experienced, I think there’s always room for growth; you should never stop learning. We have regular development meetings with all our team members, with both individual and BOS team training plans. I believe you can get better at things you’re already good at. For instance, we are known for being a great colour salon; to make us even better, we recently had a full day of training with industry colour coach Carolyn Newman – team members at every level gained something new.
It’s no secret that I love fashion and session work. Involving the team in fashion and backstage work encourages their thirst for continued learning and discovering trends. This offers more options to our customers, so everyone’s a winner. We regularly send team members on the UNITE Runway Ready course to help prepare them for backstage work at London Fashion Week.
I learned long ago that if you struggle to find time for something, or you know it’s not your strength, get someone else to do it! My Business Partner Wendy is amazing; we work together on future strategies; she takes care of day-to-day business and has a huge depth of experience. It means I can take time out for session projects without worrying. We have a wonderful Salon Manager and Receptionist who also helps the salon run smoothly. I outsource marketing and social media; being on top of all these management functions means we can support the business well. I’m immensely proud of our team.”
The future? I’m so excited about what’s to come! It’s great to achieve our 17-year milestone in 2022, and I look forward to implementing plans to make 2023 and beyond even better.”
Read more in a recent industry interview with Brendan.
BOS supporting Chiltern Foodbank
Brendan and his Business Partner Wendy have always been keen to support the community, getting involved in many local charity events over the years. The arrival of Covid stopped events, so Brendan and Wendy considered how they could continue contributing to the local community.
“We love living and working in Amersham, so giving something back to the community feels important to us,” says Brendan. “Since 2021, we’ve been raising money for Chiltern Foodbank. We’ve had wonderful customer support, and our team is more than happy to help. Through various salon activities last year, we managed to raise nearly £700; we all felt proud to present a cheque to Chiltern Foodbank Partnerships Co-ordinator Kate Turnock. We hope our fundraising reaches £1,000 throughout 2022 and are excited to launch our summer fundraiser for Chiltern Foodbank.”
Chiltern Foodbank is a local charity supporting families in crisis. Everyone should be able to afford their own food, but as families face the biggest income squeeze in a generation, people have to make impossible decisions between heating and eating and being forced to turn to food banks to feed themselves. The latest report reveals the extreme poverty people face at food banks, with just £248 a month on average to survive on after housing costs. The crisis is no longer about the cost of living but rather the cost of surviving - a rising emergency. Compared to 5 years ago, the need for food banks has increased by 128%.
Speaking about the support from Brendan O'Sullivan Hair and Beauty, Kate Turnock says, "This partnership and support helps ensure no one goes hungry this summer. Your money goes directly to local people and the money raised by you now and last year provides three days of nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to people who are referred to us in crisis."
The salon has launched a Summer Draw to raise funds for Chiltern Foodbank. Anyone can enter, and a whopping £750 worth of prizes are up for grabs. All money raised goes directly to the charity.
To enter, visit the Brendan O’Sullivan Just Giving Page for Chiltern Foodbank
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bossummerdraw
First Prize
A UNITE Haircare & Styling backpack worth over £300 containing UNITE Hair U Luxury Shampoo & Conditioner, 7Seconds Detangler, Texturizer Finishing Foam, Boosta Spray, Elite Pro Slim Styling Iron, Manta Healthy Hairbrush, Mi Salon Series Vent Brush & Paddle Brush
Second Prize
A hamper of L’Oreal Haircare products worth over £250
Third Prize
A Brendan O’Sullivan Hair/Beauty makeover to the value of £200. You’ll be indulged in a pamper session with our experts, and whether you choose hair, beauty, or a mix of services, our Stylists and Beauty therapists will make sure you look and feel fantastic.
BOS Time Travellers at London Fashion Week
Brendan O'Sullivan and the team created futuristic hair for Jaded Collective at their 'Time Traveller' show, London Fashion Week.
"Jaded Collective celebrate creativity, diversity and persistence. Our brief was Futuristic Hair so we designed gravity-defying looks expressing our vision of the future. All our team were involved in creating the bespoke hairpieces, we love having so much fun with fashion."
– Brendan
Real hair blended with dramatic hairpieces perfectly complimented the Time Traveller theme, along with show-stopping peaks and spikes created from natural hair.
Products: Schwarzkopf Session | Photography @roamingpixel | Videography @lucocreative
Brendan works the Wet Look trend at London Fashion Week
Brendan O'Sullivan works the Wet Look Trend at London Fashion Week for Oh Polly and Unite Hair.
"Our brief for the Oh Polly show was a wet, slicked-back look. It's one of the key hair trends for 2022 and we really enjoyed creating the hair."
– lead hairstylist Brendan O'Sullivan.
Fast fashion and high energy on the Oh Polly runway. Brendan and his team used Unite Hair products to work the fashion-forward Wet Look trend. From 'caught in the rain' with drenched strands tumbling over the face, to slicked-back shiny chic, and high-volume movement combined with a luxurious gloss. The looks were playful, refreshing, and dialled up the shine, reflecting the 2022 trend that's set to become increasingly popular.
Unite Hair products used to create the looks were Boosta Volumizing Spray, Blow&Set Sculpting Lotion, Lazer Straight Relaxing Fluid, Smooth&Shine Styling Creme, Expanda Volume Root Energizer and GO365 Hairspray.
Photography: @grahamcannphoto
Video: @osullivanluke
2022 Hair Trends
As we approach 2022, Brendan shares his thoughts on hair trends for the new year.
"I love the looks we create through Fashion Weeks and Session Styling. Some however, are too high fashion for everyday wear, so I think about how we can translate runway style into wearable looks for our customers to enjoy. Here are my thoughts for 2022."
Constant Colour
Colour is a huge trend, and this carries forward through 2022. With mask wearing set to continue, there are many situations when we can't express ourselves through our face or make-up, but can show our personality and make a statement with hair colour.
Balayage will be as much in demand as ever and we love this technique, so individual and artistic. Customers can have as little or as much colour as they desire, bold tones or subtle. The effect is beautiful.
Block Colour gets heads turning. This trend is growing and we'll see more drama with block colour in 2022. Again, the technique can be subtler with a face framing or off-set block, or have mega impact with a half head block.
Street Colour is gaining in popularity. The bright colours bring optimism and fun, and can be incorporated into any style, for any age. Joining the vibrant pinks, blues, purples and greens we've seen this year are more earthy colours.
New Wave
Waves will make a big appearance next year and can be dressed up 'big blowout' style or worn in a casual, undone way.
Permanent Waves - yes you read that correctly - are making a resurgence. Forget the frizzy perm of the early 80s, today's products and techniques deliver waves with condition too.
If a perm isn't your thing, there are great professional tools available to create whatever degree of curl or wave you're after. Try a Curl Bar for lots of wave or a Smoothing Iron for gentle movement. Always with a heat protector and hold factor.
And for those with naturally curly hair, celebrate it! There are some great professional products to encourage and support waves, such as the Unite Hair 'Boing' range. Specifically formulated for wavy and curly hair, Boing offers condition, definition and hold.
Super Shine
Whatever the style, luminous hair will be so important in 2022. The great news is whatever your budget, there's a choice of permanent, temporary or instant methods to keep you shining.
Whatever the style, luminous hair will be so important in 2022. The great news is whatever your budget, there's a choice of permanent, temporary or instant methods to keep you shining.Long-lasting lustre can be gained by having a Brazilian Blowdry technique. We use Kerastraight in the salon, it gives a shine and smoothness to the hair for up to 4 months without making hair poker straight.
Unite Hair Silky Smooth treatment delivers what it says on the bottle, as a temporary solution so your super shine will last for several washes.
For an instant shine boost, use a burst of Unite Hair 7Seconds Glossing spray all over your finished style.
And for an edgy look, Wet Look hair is back! This time used in a more natural way, like you've just been caught in the rain. The Wet Look and New Wave trends are a great combination!
Ice, Ice, Baby - BOS at Chiltern View Ice Rink launch
Get your skates on...
The BOS team love to support local events - we didn't need asking twice to look after celebrity hair at the launch of Chiltern View Ice Skating rink. And with La Voix and Michelle Heaton (both BOS regulars) presenting, no wonder the event sold out in under 24hrs!
Using Unite Hair products, Brendan and Antonella worked their wonders for Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton and skaters from Dancing on Ice and the British Olympic Ice Skating Team.
Guests enjoyed a festive performance of Christmas classics and some hair raising routines from the professional skaters. The combination of Brendan & Antonella's skills and the effectiveness of Unite Hair products resulted in hair staying perfectly in place.
Santa and his reindeers flew in to make an appearance, give presents from the sleigh and add even more sparkle. Chiltern View Ice Rink is open for a limited period so get online to book and wrap up warm!
Party hair inspiration
Your professional hairstylist will always be best at creating a party ‘up-do’ for you, but for party hair you can achieve at home our team are here to recommend the right tools & products to create your party style and keep it in place.
Simple and stunning...
To make life easy for BOS clients we’re giving party hair a KISS (Keep It Simple & Stunning!) by working up three looks - Party Pony, Super Shine and Adorned. Whichever you choose, combined with a great cut and colour you’ll look fabulously stylish throughout the festive season.
Power Pony or Low Pony?
The ponytail is a big trend currently! Worn up high for impact, volume and movement, or worn low for elegant sophistication. For both versions it’s important the hair before the ponytail is smooth, sleek, and stays in place – you can achieve this by using a cocktail of Unite Hair Conundrum Paste and U:Oil, smooth into position and secure your knot.
For the Power Pony then add soft curls with an iron or curl bar and apply Unite Hair Texturizer Spray and Expanda Dust to shape the pony.
Or for the Low Pony use Unite Hair Smooth and Shine with irons for a sleek look.
Finish both with Unite Hair 7Seconds Glossing Spray for long-lasting shine and GO365 Hairspray on medium hold to lock in your party pony.
Super Shine and Adorned
If you want to keep it simple yet stunning, Super Shiny hair always gets attention! Shampoo, Condition and Style using the Unite Hair Lazer Straight trio to smooth away frizz and add shine without weighing hair down. Blow dry and smooth with irons then finish with GO365 Hairspray on light hold and 7Seconds Glossing Spray for even more shine.
Adorning hair with accessories can transform a simple style into something head-turning. Try adding a sparkly hairband, brooch (take a look at the ornamental brooches Brendan used at Paris Fashion Week for inspiration) or incorporating glittery thread or tinsel in braids framing the face.
Brendan named in Top 100 industry award
Brendan O'Sullivan named in the ‘Top 100 Influencers’ by the NHBF November 2021
The National Hair and Beauty Federation recently launched the award to recognise the Top 100 individuals in the industry that use social media to influence, educate and innovate.
With around 250,000 people working in the UK industry, we’re delighted Brendan reached number 63. Hairbybrendan on Instagram shares a creative journey through worldwide Fashion Weeks, magazine work, music videos, photoshoots, celebrity shoots, and education.
“I’m always inspired by this industry and love to share my thoughts with fashion, session work and education. It’s an honour to be recognised and I hope people enjoy following hairbybrendan.”
Follow hairbybrendan here
Hair and beauty treats for Christmas
When you know you’ve got a gift just right, it is as much of a thrill to give as it is for the recipient to open. Hair and Beauty treats are always a welcome gift, here’s our Top Ten Recommendations this Christmas:
Our Pamper Package £142
Our Pamper Package £142 This gift is the ultimate treat including a REN bespoke facial, full body Swedish Massage and Blow dry to finish, the lucky recipient will feel relaxed, glowing and looking fabulous. Luxury gift card included. Or create your own package online and your e-voucher will be with you instantly so you can forward on to the lucky recipient.
Olaplex Healthy Hair Essentials – Shine Bright Kit £60
Olaplex Healthy Hair Essentials – Shine Bright Kit £60 This four-step collection offers a complete haircare routine, powered by the Olaplex patented bond-building technology, to promote stronger and healthier-looking hair. Presented in a stylish gift box.
Moroccan Oil Magical Minis Light Set £14.85
Moroccan Oil Magical Minis Light Set £14.85Probably the cutest packaging we’ve seen in a long time! Featuring the staple Moroccanoil Treatment Light and the brand’s first ever fragrance mist, this duo helps to leave locks looking (and smelling) fantastic. And at just £14.85, Magical Minis are the perfect stocking filler.
Our Grooming Package for Men £64
Our Grooming Package for Men £64A treat for the boys, our grooming package includes a REN Express Facial, Eyebrow Shape and Wash, Cut and Finish. Luxury Gift Card Included. Or create your own package online and your e-voucher will be with you instantly so you can forward on to the lucky recipient.
REN Bespoke Skincare from £60
REN Bespoke Skincare from £60Build a bespoke beauty gift for them (or you!) Our in-house beauty expert Carla can recommend the perfect treats for skincare or body then we’ll gift package them beautifully, ready to go under the tree.
Unite Hair Combo for Volume £41.30
Unite Hair Combo for Volume £41.30Who doesn’t want volume? A contemporary presentation bag with an easy glide Shower Brush, Boosta Shampoo, a rich, thick, luxurious shampoo that builds body and weightless volume. Seal in moisture and ensure long-lasting body with Boosta Conditioner – hair stays shiny, and roots stay lifted after using this indulgent formula.
Unite Hair Combo for Smoothing £41.30
Unite Hair Combo for Smoothing £41.30Smooth away frizz and control curls with Lazer Straight. Inside the contemporary presentation bag are an easy glide Shower Brush, Shampoo to smooth the hair cuticle and add shine without weighing hair down and Conditioner to smooth and tame frizz and flyaways, leaving hair straight and shiny.
Our Glam Package £58
You really can’t go wrong with the Glam Package! A special treat for someone who wants to look extra special for an occasion, let us do all the work and leave the salon with perfectly coiffed hair and fabulous fingertips. Luxury gift card included. Or create your own package online and your e-voucher will be with you instantly so you can forward on to the lucky recipient.
REN Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish £36
REN Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish £36 Some sugar from Paraguay, a hint of fair trade rose extract from Southern Morocco, add to it a cocktail of energising and invigorating bio actives and you have REN Clean Skincare’s Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish, the ideal recipe for perfect skin and suitable for everyone. The box is so pretty it just needs a ribbon & tag ready for the Christmas tree.
L’Oréal Serie Expert Gift Box from £29
L’Oréal Serie Expert Gift Box from £29A great gift for any haircare enthusiast, a Serie Expert Shampoo, Conditioner, Mask or Styling product combo to suit the recipient’s hair type, presented in a sleek black gift box that is Christmas-Tree-Ready. Ask any of our BOS experts to help you select the right content to thrill your loved ones.