A new Lovehair & Co HQ

For those of you that don’t know, Lovehair is my baby. It came from humble beginnings, with me sitting cross legged on my bed and a babe in my arms working until the small hours. I would literally travel all over the UK to meet brides and work with them on their wedding day. I look back now and wonder how I ever did it.

It has been a hard few years, but each year we have progressed, taken another leap forward with fingers crossed and breath held and at the end of the year I can’t imagine how I ever coped before which ever change I had made.

The first was building the website, then the first stylist I took on, a year later first make up artist, then the first employee..followed by the second, the teaching, ythe photos shoot and the office we had built in the garden (Always referred to as the shoffice . It is the ultimate shed/office hybrid complete with chandelier and Cath Kidsten Curtains. Cute and VERY compact )

6 years on and we now have 62 stylists and make up artists accross the UK and a bookings team.

I am slightly embarrassed to say that I am actually very proud of myself. Anyone that knows me knows that I am not very good at ‘selling’ myself . It’s only the last 6 months that I have realised that I have a reason to be really proud of myself and actually tell poeple that I run a business when they ask what I do instead of 'I'm a hairdresser'.

Most importantly I finally have faith in my abilities to grow this business and make it a success.

 I maintain that the key is high customer service from initial phone call to the finished style.. Training and buiding up a rappor with stylists and other professionals within this amazing and creative industy.

Creative people genarlly aren’t business people. I havent got a degree in business, marketing or sales (although I would like to!) I am simply passionate about what I do and have high standards and goals.

Despite all this, today I find myself collecting the keys to the new Lovehair HQ.  A real HQ where the magic will be happening. With an area dedicated to trials with our brides, stylist master classes and a separate area for the bookings team and admin.

I would like to share with you a little bit of our journey over the next few weeks so that you can see how we evolve our little space into something special that we can be proud of.

I am also doing this to spur me into writing more blogs more often, I always forget or run out of time but I love reading other people’s blogs so hope I can write something that you will love to read too !

I feel like I’m standing on the edge of something very big and I’m going to give it my everything.  It will take heaps more hard work, long hours and creative energy but I am soo ready for it and with a fabulous team behind me, Bring it on!!

xxx

A little bit about me

Big things are happening at Lovehair and I am on a mission to start updating our blog regulary in order to tell you more about what we get up to.

To get into reading a blog I know you need to get your head around the person or company behind it to give you a better idea of whether it’s your ‘cup of tea’  My friend Sonia at www.Wantthatwedding.com taught me this from her own blog and I can see how important it is so I’ve decide to put myself out there, stop keeping you all at arms length and share a little more about me. Jo Irving, founder of Lovehair & Co..                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            As a person I am genuine, I cannot lie for toffee, I work reeeaallly hard, I think I’m lazy but can go days without even sitting down except for in my car!, I LOVE my slow cooker, I am happy with my lot, I like manners & good customer service, I love surfing & the great outdoors, I’m scared of spiders, negative people drain the marrow from my bones and I currently have a fetish for Ash boots and Gloriously skinny soups, I can and do eat chocolate all day long and not put on any weight (please don’t hate me!!) I cry at most tv programmes Xfactor, Wild at heart, anything but not usually in my own life, I laugh when I’m nervous (on my wedding day. A lot!) and I’m scared of PTA meetings. Weird I know!

What I am. The stuff that matters and makes me tick..

Mum to 2 amazing children - I know everyone says that about their kids but mine genuinely are! They are my source of happiness and entertainment on tap. Nothing makes me happier than when we are all proper belly laughing at one thing or another..I’m lucky we have this so often!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Married to a man that pretty much holds it all together for me –he does more than his fair share so that I can do this! He makes me smile, and makes my belly flip regularly – In a good way. A sure sign that I love him! We’re hoping to renew our vows in 2014 in Cornwall to celebrate being married 10years. Not sure of the exact details but I know it will definitely involve the beach, surfing, some kind of shell fish & a man with a guitar – Because that’s how we roll.                                                                                           

 Hair stylist – I have been hairdressing since I was 16.When I was working in a salon all I wanted to do was the hair ups and the styling when no one else did. Now I feel lucky to work in a job that frankly doesn’t even feel like work, alongside talented and creative people. I am also lucky to have found my niche in bridal hair styling and to be recognised as a specialist in my industry.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Lover of new seasons- Doesn’t matter which one, I just love a change in season always feels like a fresh start 

I simply LOVE Cornwall..It’s my happy place. I love everything about it but mainly the way it makes me feel while I’m there.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              My absolute favourite thing to do is be with my family on the beach. We are all keen surfers (please note the use of the word keen) So we usually spend the day in the surf, followed by a simple BBQ usually sausages & franks in rolls, pitta and dips and a bottle of champagne. We literally do this every time we can get to a beach, even if it’s lashing down with rain. It’s our thing. Add a rounders bat or frisbee and I’ve got myself the perfect day.

Surfing & Running – Both give me a buzz and fill me with fresh air, happiness & satisfaction. Very important part of my work /life/family balance.

I enjoy cooking, not sure how good I am but it’s important to me that my family eat well and eat yummy. I LOVE having people round for dinner especially if it’s my friends and family en masse. 

Learning new things - I am all for bettering ones self and being in charge of your own happiness. You and only you are to blame if things don’t work out the way you wanted. And only you can change it.

I am happy, I truly am. I have a supportive family,  children and husband that I adore and who adore me, I own my house, I live in a beautiful town, I have great friends so I am very lucky. However  I am a little shy, and a worrier so I have to push myself out of my comfort zone, do things I don’t really want to do so that I can achieve the things I do.                                                                                                       

I am a true believer in if you want it enough, it’s yours for the taking! To gain confidence and give myself ‘head space’ I take myself off on lots of courses and set myself challenges. Over the last few years I have put my mind to: Sailing, computing courses, teaching, make up courses, jewellery making, creative nail courses, 10k  runs , tai chi, clay pigeon shooting, languages, advanced hair courses and accounting ..This year I will be doing a half marathon in May and a further teaching course. Phew..

So there you are a little bit of me, I hope it hasn’t put you off reading more about Lovehair!

Nonsuch Mansion's preferred hair and make up suppliers

We are delighted to be in Nonsuch Mansion's 'Little white book' as one of their preferred supliers.

Why are we so happy? Obviously it's always great to feel loved by such a gorgeous venue but actually because if we had our own little white book then Nonsuch would certainly be at the top of it.

The venue itself is not what you expect. It's stone wall exterior is a huge contrast to the warmth inside. Although it is luxuirius and interesting it is the perfect venue to put your own stamp on. No 2 weddings seem to look the same here, surely that's what you look for in a venue?

I love the little details in the decor and the luxurius finish that everything has. I have been lucky enough to work on a couple of shoots there recently, one of them was while they were decorating their Christmas tree...Wow. Would of loved to have seen that bad boy finished - What a beauty!

On a personal level I am chuffed to bits because I was brought up in a house a mere 10 minute walk from here, I learned to ride my bike in it's shadows, I climbed trees (That were forbidden! Shhh) in it's grounds and had childhood adventures with my brother in the park that it stands. As a child it was the grandest most magical place I knew and I always thought I would get married there, and that was before it was transformed into the beauty that it is today!

I didnt get married there as my lovely husband is Scottish so we chose Loch Lomond I (equally as magical but without the personal history) but I am so pleased to be working with brides that have chosen my special place as their own. It really is somewhere where happy memories are made.

Check out their website and chat to their super friendly team. www.nonsuchmansion.co.uk

 Hair :Emily Make up: Laura 
Hair : Jo Make up: Kerry

Wedding veils ~ How to choose the right one for you

Veils have become more popular in the last couple of years with bride’s choosing to wear them high on their heads and over their faces more than ever.

There are a few things to consider if you’re thinking about wearing your veil over your face remember that it will need to be attached higher on the head so that it is long enough to hang straight and even at the front so your hair will need to be styled to accommodate it. Either a low style, half up or all down to allow room for the veil to sit at the crown. 

• Always check your profile when trying your veil with your hair style.  Ideally the look should flow, imagine drawing your eye up from your cheek bone, following the sweep of the hair if its up and  then to your veil.  It should either sit high on the crown,  just above the occipital bone (the bump at the back of your head) or if wanting it below your hair style then on the nape - although you won’t be able to wear it over your face from here

•  If you are wearing your hair in a side bun but would also like a veil, wear it slightly higher so that it covers the hair. This will stop it looking uneven or flat in the photos.

• Your veil should be longer than your hair if you are wearing your hair down, not peaking underneath.

• If you have short hair, a short volumous  veil can add height, complementing the style rather than drowning it.

• Even if you are convinced a veil is not for you, just try one on. You never know you might love it! If you choose the right one a veil can ‘pull’ a look together gorgeously.

• Lace veils have become extremely popular since brides such as Kate Moss, Lily Allen and Catherine Middleton opted for a vintage lace style. The more vintage savvy among you will love the cap veils that cover the head to the hair line, have lots of pretty lace details and look amazing with hair worn in loose waves.

• Birdcage veils are also very popular and have that vintage feel but look better with hair worn up in a low chignon for a retro feel. You can also add accessories to these to bring out the pearl or sparkle in your dress or just to add some detail.

• Ribbon edged veils add an instant cool retro feel and look great when worn slightly stiffer so they don’t fall but add a little height. They look great with a chignon or side bun or a simple blowdry

• Diamante details are great for adding sparkle to a simple dress.

• When choosing the length of your veil think also about your hair and it’s thickness. If you have very fine hair I wouldn’t choose a cathedral length veil as it may be heavy and pull your hair or be difficult to keep in.

• When you are taking your veil out always do so in front of a mirror or with a friend to help.

• Place one hand above the veil and gently pull the comb out in one movement to cause as little disruption as possible. Keep a couple of grips and a mini hairspray handy to tuck in any stray hairs.

• If you have something beautiful in your hair that you don’t want to hide, opt for a sheer one layer veil so that you can still see the hair beneath for the best of both worlds.

How to achieve Bella Swann’s long wavy hair with plaits

1. Ensure hair is clean and dry, use a mousse to add hold.
2. Curl all the hair with a barrel tong forming rolls all over the head,  secure with clips and allow to cool.
3. To protect the hair and add texture I used L’oreal Professional Tecni Art Hot Constructor on each section.
4. Spray with a flexible hold hair spray such as Elnett.
5. Once cool take the pins out and let the hair fall into waves.
6.  Part hair in the middle and take 2” sections on either side.
7. Take the first section and plait as a French plait except you are only adding to one side instead of both  (Do not take hair from the underside as this will make it a basic French plait and you will be able to see the scalp underneath)
8. Once you are half way round the head, stop adding and plait to the end of the hair as normal and secure with a small ‘no tear’ band.
9. Do the same with the other side then wrap the 2 lengths of plaits in opposite directions around the head entwining as you go.
10. Secure with pins underneath the rest of the hair to hide any ends.
11. For a softer ‘mussed up’ curl -  Do as above then start twisting sections of hair , hold the end tight with one hand and use the other to pinch small sections of hair and push it up the hair creating a gorgeous backcombed wavy effect.  A great way to achieve that ‘Messy do’ that we love so much.
12. Finish by scrunching in Tigi Bed Head’s Dumb Blonde Smoothing Stuff for shine.