Hair stylist | Lou Clavé

| Lou sporting one of her famous dip dyed wigs |

Briefly introduce yourself

My name is Lou Clavé I am 26 years old, I am a freelance hair stylist and I live in the West End of Glasgow.

How did you get to where you are today and would you do anything differently?

Well I went to university before I became a hairdresser, so I started hairdressing quite late I was 22 when I started and was the oldest in my class – most were 16. So I suppose the thing I would change is starting hairdressing earlier. Skipping the 3 years at University and going straight to hairdressing training would have been much more beneficial.

Who helped you along the way?

Not many people actually. I had to work hard and fight all the way. The only hairdresser that gave me direction was Austin Shirley he is still one of the best hairdressers I have ever met. He really has been an inspiration for me. My husband has supported and believed in me since day one which has been amazing. The girls at Obscure Couture really gave me a big chance. They had seen my work and loved it and now we work together all the time. Jenivieve Berlin also was one of the first designers to really get me and use me. I love them so much for giving me a chance – that and I love their work. They just get me and I get them.

What are the things you enjoy most about your job?

I love to talk! I'm a talker so it's great meeting new people. And I also love to work with creative people. I love working with designers, photographers, models, make-up artists any creative people that have a vision. I love that part of my job. Bringing everyone’s ideas together and making it a reality.

Who or what inspires you creatively?

So many things inspire me. My Little Pony, Disney colours, Harajuku girls but also my friends really inspire me. Julia Bell was my first friend and client to take the plunge and be brave with colour! She inspires me by letting my pallete go wild! My last shoot had one of the styles inspired by my friend Laura McMonagle's hair. All of my friends have fabulous style so I am surrounded by inspiration. I also adore film and get so much inspiration from there.

Your favourite new or established designer, artist, or photographer (pick one and explain why?)

I honestly couldn’t pick one. My favourite new designers are Obscure Couture. Everything they do I just adore. Their new AW/12 RTW collection is insanely good. It's absolutely my style and I work with the girls all the time because my hair and their clothes go together perfectly. My other favourite new designer is Isolated Heroes. I haven't had the privilege to work with Samantha McEwan yet but I would absolutely love to. I love her style and she inspires me so much with a 1000 hair ideas! Colour colour colour! I hope that we can work together soon because she is fantastic. I also love  make-up artist Lynsey C Reilly . We work together a lot and she produces some of the most flawless and beautiful make-up i've ever seen.

What era do you feel you relate to most and why?

My personal style most relates to the 90's. The ripped clothes, big cardigans. The boys had long hair with dark roots and lights ends, the girls had long hair with an undercut. However professionally I am inspired by the 70's and 80's. I love the New Romantic era created by designer John Galliano and Vivienne Westwood, Adam and the Ants, Boy George. I love the pleats and the coloured fabric tied in the hair. I also love the punk era; the sex Pistols Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McClaren created a whole generation of obnoxious haircuts and colours with clothes to match; incredible.  I also love Madonna's style in the 80's, not so much now but I really believe in the 80's she broke barriers.

Favourite city in the world?

I am really not massively well travelled but honestly my favourite city in the world is London. I just love it! It's so eclectic. I love London because my tattooist friends still all live down there! It's amazing! The dining out, the art galleries,  Bleach London (one of the coolest salons in the world) every minute of every day something new is going on. An event, a party, an art gallery opening and beautiful tattoo studios covered in beautiful art.

Most cherished item in your closet at the moment?

Ermmmm....at this moment....I love my new creepers and my leather cut off. But really I am SO excited for my black spiked Jeffrey Campbell shoes! They take 5-7 days to arrive and I am waiting with baited breath! I adore Jeffrey Campbell shoes!

Favourite trend for this season?

I absolutely loved the Dolce and Gabbana black glitter playsuits. Put one of them on with a leather jacket, spiked Jeffery Campbell's and a lilac with pink dip dyed wig. Look fabulous and fierce all at the same time.

One garment/ accessory every girl should own?

A fabulous, colourful, dip dyed wig of course!

When creating a style do you tend to favour old techniques or thrive under new ones?

 I absolutely thrive under new techniques; I also make up my own techniques and keep them secret. But that's what it's all about! Got to keep pushing forward! I know a lot of hairdressers who are too stuck in the past they are unable to do the style of hair that I do because they can't get out of what they have been taught. I love to keep it fresh, make things better by trying new techniques. It's the only way we are going to progress. All of us.

If Lou Clave could choose anyone’s hair to colour and style who would this be and why?

Alice Dellal but her hair is actually perfect Bleach London do her hair and it is banging! But I would LOVE to get my hands on Charlotte Free’s hair! I adore her, she is one of my favourite models of all time but I would LOVE to get my hands on those roots! I hate roots! And fix up that pink a little I could make it a much nicer shade...so Charlotte call me! haha

Very rarely do we see the person behind the scenes creating the beautiful hairstyles. How would you describe your personal style?

I would definitely describe my style as 90's grunge and a wee bit gothic – but fabulous! I am definitely not a girly girl. I LOVE the 90's. I'm just stuck there. I wear grunge dresses, ripped tights/leggings, Creepers and band t-shirts as dresses.

Where do you tend to shop most?

Doll Boutique is amazing! They have the most amazing clothes and shoes. We Love to Boogie is also one of my favourite shops ever! They do the best vintage clothes and amazing leather jackets! Once Upon A Time for the BEST tie dye T-Shirts and I also love eBay for band t-shirts.

Three things we would be surprised to find out about Lou Clave?

I got married to my wonderful husband when I was 22, I am covered head to toe in tattoos and I LOVE dance music! I don't look at all how you would expect me to be! Check out Thunder Disco Club and Supermax for an AMAZING night out!

Finally what advice would you give to any lilylovelock readers interested in the world of Hair styling?

 It's a hard craft to get into. It's taken me five years to get here. If you want to get into this world you have to be prepared to work harder and push further than you think your limit is. It's hard work but it's so rewarding. I just LOVE what I do.

For more information on the fabulously talented Lou head on over here:

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