Hairdressing icon George Northwood has been appointed as the latest British Beauty Council Advisory Board Member.

George Northwood began his hairdressing career over 14 years ago, where he rose through the ranks of hairdressing quickly, eventually working as a Creative Director in some of London’s most prestigious salons. The George Northwood Salon on Wells Street, W1 is his first solo venture following demand from celebrity clients and magazine editors to bring his unique sense of style to the London beauty scene. George is passionate and committed to both his salon and session work which includes magazine editorial for Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle.

We spoke with George to find out more about his inspiration, how the industry has changed over the past 14 years, and what excites him most about the hair and beauty industry.

You have been hairdressing for over 14 years; the industry is future-focused and fast moving, with innovation at its core. How has the industry changed since your career started?

The industry is now even more fast paced than it once was, especially with the boom of social media, everything is so much more instant. 

The fashion and beauty industry used to have this real secrecy to it, and would be a very closed door to the general public. I love how social media has enabled this to evolve, offering behind the scenes footage of these big ‘moments’, making the industry a much more inclusive space for all to enjoy. 

It also allows people to get first hand access to industry experts. I love to feel connected to my audience via my YouTube and Instagram channels. Being able to directly offer thousands of people all of the hair tips and tricks I’ve learned throughout my career is something I wasn’t able to do 14 years ago.

The George Northwood Salon in London launched in 2014, which has been followed by the launch of George Northwood At Home this September. What inspired you to become a hairdresser?

I was always interested in hair from a young age.  I used to play pretend hairdressers in my parents loft as a child. We were influenced by our Gran who had a hairdressing salon. Eventually, I stumbled into hairdressing by accident in Bristol. 

George Northwood At Home | Image credit: Vogue

As well as being an Advisory Board Member with the British Beauty Council, you are also committed to your salon and session work. What excites you most about the hair and beauty industry?

I love the industry as it’s ever evolving, and no two days are the same which means I’m always super excited to go to work. One day I could be in the salon, the next, in the studio shooting a cover story, or on location getting one of my celebrity clients ready for an event (what even are those anymore?!) 

Another thing I love about the industry is that I’m still constantly learning. Most recently, I took part in a three day Afro Hair Styling Course at the brilliant Kevin Fortune Hair Styling Academy in London in order to diversify my skill set and understand a broader spectrum of hair textures. Even after many years in the industry, there is still so much more to be learned.

George Northwood Salon | Image credit: The Telegraph

Keep up-to-date with all things George Northwood here.