Tag: hair salon

Edinburgh salon owner shortlisted for prestigious national award

Christopher Laird, co-owner of salon November Collective in Livingston, near Edinburgh, has been shortlisted for one of hairdressing’s most exciting awards.

Christopher, 24, is up for the One To Watch title at Creative Head’s The It List, a competition open to stylists under 30 from across the UK. 

Presented by leading industry magazine Creative HEAD and exclusively sponsored by global hair brand ghd, The It List, now in its 13th year, provides an unparalleled platform for young hairdressers to shine, with six categories recognising hairdressing’s new stars of the future.

Entering required the submission of a detailed dossier outlining Christopher’s career story to date, along with an image gallery showcasing his strongest work. As one of five finalists in his category, he’ll now attend the Grand Final on Monday 5th September at London’s world-renowned Tate Modern, where he’ll compete for the coveted trophy.

Winners also receive an exclusive experience and gift from sponsor ghd, plus 12 months of profile-boosting coverage across the Creative HEAD print, digital and event platforms.

Christopher opened November Collective, along with co-owner Emma-Louise Cantwell, less than a year ago at the age of just 23.

Having worked as an educator for some of hairdressing’s biggest brands, as well as styling for celebrities, opening a salon was a natural progression and the duo have created an inclusive, creative space specialising in glamorous, wearable hair and professional beauty treatments. 

 ‘Making the It List finals is a dream come true!’ says Christopher. “I faced a lot of criticism in my early career and it feels as though I’m finally being taken seriously.

“I’ve worked really hard to get to this point in my life and to have that recognised by a brand as respected as Creative Head means the world. I’d love to bring the trophy home to Edinburgh but just to be shortlisted is a huge honour.”

Valentine’s Hair Inspiration

Mark McCarthy, owner of local salon MARKDAVID, on Valentine’s date night hairstyles and how to create them at home:

HOLLYWOOD WAVES – for romantic dinners out what better hairstyle than big, voluminous, Hollywood waves.

This is a fantastic and very popular hair choice for those who want to make an effort on their date nights, where they can come into the salon to receive a bouncy blow-dry or pin curls to help achieve the look.

I always like creating this look with pin curls to achieve curls with maximum bounce and volume. I also love pairing this style with a deep side parting, which as well as adding further volume and height to the style, also adds to the glamour of the look.

Before blow-drying and then styling with curling tong and pinning into place, I always mist some volumising spray to give the hair added volume and lift and finish with a hairspray to give the curls hold and a light shine.


CRIMPS – crimped hair and loose waves have made a major comeback for 2022 and for Valentine’s this is a great way to style your hair and experiment with a look out with the ordinary hair ups and curls.

Hair crimping instantly gives the hair drama and volume and is the perfect look if you want to make a lasting impression! If your hair is naturally straight, this is a great way to add texture and to update your hairstyle for date night.

Always use a heat defence spray prior to crimping your hair and once complete, finish by spritizing some texture spray through the finished look for further texture and hold for a more edgy look.

If you prefer a polished appearance, a shine spray, which will give your waves softness and a beautiful shine. If you don’t have crimpers on hand, sleep overnight with braids to create a similar look!


LOW SLEEK BUN – If you prefer a hair up, a topknot or low sleek bun are perfect choices for Valentine’s and look incredibly elegant and chic.

Decide on your bun style and ensure to use a hair serum such to sleek your hair off of the face and get rid of any frizz and flyaways before creating the bun. I love teaming a low with a bun to give the look added drama.

Firstly create your ponytail at the name of the neck and then create your braid (take your serum again and distribute a small amount through your mid lengths and ends before creating your braid for manageability and shine).

Once the braid is complete, gently pull at some sections of the braid to give it volume and then wrap it around the base of your ponytail to create your bun.