A SCOTS hairdresser who has worked in some of the world’s top salons has brought his expertise back to Scotland.
Fraser McInnes, 30, originally from Ayr, is the new colour director at Sassoon Salon in Edinburgh’s city centre, following a four-year-stint doing the same job in San Francisco.
He started his career training at the Sassoon Academy in London 10 years ago, before working for two years as a colour technician at the city’s salon near St Paul’s Cathedral.
Mr McInnes also worked in Cardiff and Glasgow, ahead of his relocation to San Francisco, where he was promoted to assistant head of department.
The colourist has styled a number of celebrity heads including Texas-star Sharleen Spiteri, Robin Williams’ first wife Valerie Velardi, broadcaster Kay Adams, and Vidal Sassoon himself.
He said he has enjoyed all of his “amazing experiences” which include demonstrating the latest colour trends and techniques at the International Salon and Spa Expo (ISSE) – the premiere beauty event in North America – in front of 2,000 spectators.
Mr McInnes said: “During my time in San Francisco I’ve been teaching and demonstrating classic and creative classes to students in our salon’s education centre.
“It’s been an amazing experience to have the opportunity to help develop and nurture a forward-thinking and creative environment for our colourists to thrive and grow in.
“I also had the opportunity to travel to Chicago as part of a product launch within our salons.
“It’s been a fabulous experience living and working in San Francisco and I have learned a great deal during this time.
“I feel so blessed that I have had the rare opportunity to travel the world and have so many wonderfully amazing experiences that will stay with me forever.
“It has given me such a broad perspective on life which in turn helps me to understand more fully clients’ needs when it comes to their hair and what it means to them.”
Mr McInnes said he loves being in Edinburgh because his clients have been “so welcoming and inspiring.”
He added: “It’s such a beautiful city – the architecture, the culture and the friendliness of the people have made my first few weeks in the capital an absolute joy.
“Our stylists are bang up-to-date with the latest deluxe fashions and styles.
“The cut you’ll get here is likely to be edgier and sharper than other salons – though we do more traditional cut and blow-dries as well.
“For us, it’s all about the precision, whether it’s a bespoke classic cut, colour or a more creative look.
“This post will bring new challenges which will include doing professional shows in both the UK and Europe.”
Vidal Sassoon was the top name in hairdressing during the sixties, seventies and eighties.
