20 Hairstylists you MUST follow on Instagram in 2016


Coco Chanel once said, “A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life,” and she wasn’t exaggerating. If you’re tired of your humdrum tresses, don’t despair. The team at KeraStraight have lined up 20 of our favourite Instagram accounts from the industry’s leading hairstylists to provide you with some serious hair inspiration for 2016. You’re welcome!

Andy Lecompte

 

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Who? Andy Lecompte

Instagram: @andylecompte

Freelance hairstylist and salon owner Andy, who describes himself as “fun, happy, relaxed, passionate and organised”, is one of the most in-demand stylists in Hollywood. Some of his devoted clients include Madonna, Katie Holmes and Penélope Cruz. Unfortunately, his superstar status makes it unlikely that you’ll be able to get an appointment with him any time this year, but thankfully he posts regularly on Instagram so we can all still tap into his hair wizardry. For wearable, cutting-edge styles with attitude, follow Andy.

Sam Mcknight

 

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Who? Sam McKnight

Instagram: @sammcknight1

As an award-winning stylist with over 30 years of experience under his belt, Sam’s work regularly appears in beauty bibles across the world. Whether it’s hair for the runway, magazines, or red carpet – this guy has it covered. If you don’t already follow Sam on Instagram, you should really correct this now. His account is brimming with colourful behind-the-scenes images from editorials and shows. You’ll also be thoroughly entertained by Sam’s frequent wig-wearing selfies, which he sneaks in to lighten the mood when makeup is being done. “It’s all just a bit of fun. Isn’t that what Instagram is all about?” he asks. Yes, yes and yes. Thanks Sam!

Guido

 

A photo posted by Guido Palau (@guidopalau) on

 

Who? Guido Palau

Instagram: @guidopalau

Guido Palau, Global Creative Director for Redken, has amassed a huge following on Instagram, and it’s easy to see why. Vogue refer to him as the world’s most in-demand hairstylist, and his is widely considered to be one of the biggest fashion influencers of this generation. He even has his own coffee table books! (We’ll let you in on a little secret – Jez Barnett, KeraStraight’s founder, trained with Guido, a time he will never forget). At this year’s Milan Fashion Week, Palau was busier than ever, creating a wide range of styles for the likes of Prada, Versace, and Dolce and Gabbana. If you want to keep your finger firmly on the pulse of the industry, following Guido on Instagram is the perfect way to start. 

Lauren McCowan

 

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Who? Lauren McCowan

Instagram: @laurenmccowan

Definitely one to watch for 2016.  Lauren, who is Creative Director for Haircare Australia, has an incredibly versatile skill set. She is equally adept at cutting, colouring and styling, which has made her incredibly valuable and sought-after as a Hair Director. From shoots and fashion weeks, to films and music videos, this lady has done it all. Check out her Instagram account for some seriously beautiful boho-inspired styles and a large dose of smile-inducing sarcasm. 

Adir Abergel

 

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Who? Adir Abergel

Instagram: @hairbyadir

Adir caught the hair bug early. “When I was 10 years old, my mum’s friends would pay me $3 to colour and style their hair,” he explains. Fast-forward a few years and Adir’s passion for hair hasn’t faded. In fact, Adir has earned his name as somewhat of a trailblazer and Glam Squad favourite on the red carpet (just look at how gorgeous Rooney Mara’s hair looks!). “I love making the women I work with feel beautiful and powerful,” he says. Adir’s Instagram account brings old Hollywood glamour into 2016 and features hundreds of snaps of his many A-list clients, including Rooney Mara, Kristen Stewart and Anne Hathaway. There’s a reason Marie Claire named Adir as one of the winners of their first Image Makers Awards – this guy holds Hollywood’s style in the palm of his hands. Go and follow him! 

Jen Atkin

 

Who? Jen Atkin

Instagram: @jenatkinhair

With well over one million followers and a reputation as the Kardashian’s ‘Hair Guru’, Jen’s Instagram account attracts a lot of attention. So much so that The New York Times recently named her the most influential hairstylist in the world. There’s more to Jen than celebrity hair though. She recently launched her own hair care line, Ouai. Instagram wasn’t too far from her mind when she designed the packaging though. “I wanted it to be really pretty in the bathroom…have it be selfie-worthy,” she told Pop Sugar. If you are a fan of all things Kardashian, and love sleek, elegant hair styles, Jen’s Instagram account is for you. 

Sarah Potempa

 

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Who: Sarah Potempa

Instagram: @sarahpotempa

Sarah’s Instagram account exudes fresh, relaxed style. So much so that flicking through her snaps makes us feel as though we’re on holiday! In between the motivational quotes and nail-inspiration, Sarah showcases her enviable braiding techniques and incredible cascading waves made with the help of her latest invention, the Beachwaver. Go fall in love, now!

Mark Townsend

 

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Who? Mark Townsend

Instagram: @marktownsend1

“I’m not a follow the rules kind of hairdresser,” says Mark. And, judging by his Instagram account, he’s not lying! Whether he’s creating epic hairstyles for the Oscars, or perfecting textured waves for the Olsen’s, Mark has a reputation for producing trendsetting styles to suit every occasion. If you’re in any doubt as to Mark’s hair credentials, simply open a magazine – any magazine – and you’ll be confronted with his work. Incredible!

Kristen Ess

 

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Who? Kristen Ess

Instagram: @kristen_ess

Miss Ess has been styling hair since the tender age of 15 when she began work as an apprentice in a local hair salon (she was still a sophomore in high school). Now an established member of the A-list Hollywood Glam Squad, Kristen is also one half of the brains behind The Beauty Department, an impressively comprehensive online makeup, hair and nail website. Kristen’s Instagram account is chock-a-block with helpful tutorials, behind-the-scenes snaps, and some seriously incredible braids – if you haven’t checked her out yet, what are you waiting for? Go now and gather inspiration!

Lou Teasdale

 

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Who? Lou Teasdale

Instagram: @louteasdale

No list of top hairstylists to follow on Instagram would be complete without Lou Teasdale. If you haven’t heard of Lou, you’ve definitely seen her work. As One Direction’s main hairdresser, Lou has spent years following the boys around the world keeping their locks in order. With close to three million followers, Lou’s account has become a cult favourite for many, and you’ll find hair and makeup inspiration by the bucketload. If you’re not a fan of 1-D, don’t despair, the focus of this account is fresh, creative beauty – not the boys. If you want light, bright and breezy, get following Lou today.

Eugene Souleiman

 

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Who? Eugene Souleiman

Instagram: @eugenesouleiman

Eugene is a true hair visionary. His avant-garde styles and hair sculptures both dare and delight in equal measure, setting him apart from the crowd with his never-ending creativity. “People should have fun with hair. It grows and changes all the time,” he says. If you’re fed up of run-of-the-mill styles and approaches to hair styling, Eugene’s could be the Instagram account you’ve been looking for. 

Mai Ha

 

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Who? Mai Ha

Instagram: @mai_ha2

Hair stylist Mai has been working for Trevor Sorbie since 2008. As the winner of both the Toni & Guy Avant-Garde photographic award and Saks Avant-Garde photographic award, Mai has an incredibly artistic and creative approach to hairdressing that the camera loves. Check out her Instagram account for sleek, chic, minimalist styles.

Angelo Seminara

 

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Who? Angelo Seminara

Instagram: @seminaraangelo

Hair royalty Angelo is no stranger to awards and accolades and one look at his Instagram feed will show you why. Industry greats like Benni Tognini, Sharon Blain and Caterina Di Biase attend his talks (as students) and marvel at his creativity. Some even call him a genius, something Angelo firmly disagrees with. “I am not a genius, all I am is hungry and I’m very curious – if you’re not a curious person then you don’t care, you don’t want to know, you don’t want to listen, you don’t want to observe. Anyone can do what I do, you just have to be curious and the curiosity comes from being hungry and passionate,” he said. If you want an Instagram account that perfectly pulls together and blends the worlds of art and hair, this is it. 

Darren Ambrose

 

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Who? Darren Ambrose

Instagram: @darrenambrose

Darren Ambrose, HJ’s British Hairdresser of the Year, is undoubtedly one of the industry’s creative leaders. He also makes up one half of D&J Ambrose, an award-winning boutique hair salon in Middlesex. Darren has previously stated that if he wasn’t a hairdresser, he would be a graphic designer, and it’s easy to see why. A creative eye for detail shines through in all of his work. If you like hair and style and you’re looking for some decent Instagram inspiration, following this guy should be a no-brainer. 

Adam Reed

 

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Who? Adam Reed

Instagram: @adamreedhair

Adam Reed, of award-winning salon Percy & Reed, makes styling look effortless. Highly sought-after for both editorial and fashion work, Reed creates elegant, iconic styles guaranteed to inspire even the weariest of stylists. As an added bonus, his smile is contagious and his frequently photographed (an adorable) dogs make regular appearances on his feed. Winner!

Sophia Hilton

 

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Who? Sophia Hilton

Instagram: @hiltonsophia

If you like your hair bright, bold and daring, Sophia’s account is for you. As a full-time Balayage specialist and founder of the truly awesome Not Another Salon, you’re guaranteed plenty of creative, energetic images. An incredibly motivated and passionate hair pro, Sophia is certainly one to watch for 2016. If you have any interest at all in what the future of hair colour and style looks like – you better start following her ASAP.

Johanna Cree-Brown

 

Who? Johanna Cree Brown

Instagram: @johannacreebrown

Uber-talented Johanna works as the Artistic Director for Trevor Sorbie and has won Most Wanted’s Creative Talent award –  twice! A highly respected session stylist, Johanna seeks inspiration from both past and present and the results are awe-inspiring. If you want to find out how Joan of Arc and fencing helmets work together to influence seriously mind-boggling styles, check out Johanna’s Instagram account. Seriously creative and innovative styles – guaranteed.

Matthew Curtis

 

Who? Matthew Curtis

Instagram: @matthewcurtishair

Key hairstylist for Britain’s Next Top Model, session stylist, and all-round hair whizz Matthew has created looks for prominent campaigns and fashion shows all across the globe. His Instagram account doesn’t disappoint either. You’ll find a wide range of Matthew’s latest projects featured, along with sneaky backstage videos.

Jamie Stevens

 

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Who? Jamie Stevens

Instagram: @jamiestevens7

Resident hairdresser for some of the UK’s biggest shows, including The X Factor and This Morning, Jamie recently hit the headlines for his inspired Beautyblender hair-dye hack which had people up and down the country reaching for hair dye and scissors. If you’re one of the thousands of people who took to the internet to express delight at his trick, take a look at Jamie’s Instagram account for more ingenious tips. 

Trevor Sorbie

 

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Who? Trevor Sorbie

Instagram: @trevorsorbiesalon

As the first ever hairdresser to receive an MBE, Trevor has firmly established himself as an industry legend. After leaving school at the age of 15 without any qualifications, Trevor was recruited into the family business and worked alongside his dad at a two-seat barber shop in Essex. Within the space of 10 years, he had worked his way up to Artistic Director of Vidal Sassoon and went on to open his first salon (now one of five) in Covent Garden in 1979.

If you are looking for inspiring, wearable styles, Trevor’s your man. As a four-time winner of the BHA British Hairdresser of the Year and KeraStraight’s Global Ambassador, he instinctively knows what works (and what doesn’t). His Instagram account features loads of snaps of the incredible work done by his super-talented teams and is truly worth checking out. Go!