Hair Visionary
Headway editor Charmaine Guest talks to Robert Eaton, two-time British Hairdresser of the Year, about what ignited his passion for hair, how he inspires and motivates his team, and the important role his family plays in his career.
Robert Eaton is a multi-award winning stylist and the Creative Director at Russell Eaton salons in Leeds and Barnsley, UK. He is widely known within the industry as winning the coveted British Hairdresser of the Year accolade in 2019 and 2021 and was also inducted into British Hairdressing’s Hall of Fame. Renowned as a true colour expert and educator, Robert’s career started in 1996 when he joined his father, Russell Eaton, in the family salon business as an apprentice. Rapidly rising to become one of the most respected names in the UK, Robert opened the family’s second salon in 2012. Headway takes a look at Robert’s hair journey, what inspires him and his love for beautiful, wearable hair.
How did it feel to win British Hairdresser of the Year for the second time in 2021?
It was an incredible honour to lift the BHA trophy for the second time! At the beginning of my career, as an apprentice in my dad’s salon, I couldn’t have dreamed of winning it twice. It was a real ‘pinch me’ moment and one I will never forget.
How did you get into hairdressing initially?
I started working in the family salon on Saturdays from age 11. I found the salon a fascinating place - the different personalities and the buzz. In my last year of schooling, I went to college (after school) to get a basic understanding of hairdressing, which gave me a massive head start when I officially started my apprenticeship at 16. I worked really hard from that point and haven’t stopped! The main reasons were being creative, meeting people and making money. The vibe of the salon was so exciting at that time and as a young person, I was so impressed and influenced by the stylists in the salon and wanted that for myself. A lot of my friends were continuing their education and that didn’t feel right for me. I’m glad I made that decision.
What’s a working week like for you?
Busy! I work in our Leeds and Barnsley salons on a weekly basis and it’s my favourite part of the job. I love that feeling when a client leaves in love with their hair. I’m also Technical Director for Wella Professionals UK and ROI, which enables me to work on many shows, shoots and seminars. I’m also the newly-announced President of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing, which is a very rewarding and interesting part of my career.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I create mood boards and this helps create concepts and trends for clients, shows and the press. For me, it’s always about how we present new ideas to the industry and clients to get them excited by colour trends, cuts and techniques. There has never been a better, easier way of sharing ideas with social media. I gain inspiration from so many areas, then combine them through my work.
How do you encourage your team professionally and creatively?
Sharing ideas, working together, bouncing off each other and letting everyone have their own voice. It’s also about offering exciting opportunities and ideas. Allowing the team to try out new things; whether that’s techniques, industry opportunities, or a new service, whilst evolving and developing their skills at the same time. This keeps everyone motivated.
Which area of hairdressing are you most passionate about?
I love it all! I feel most at home in-salon but I love getting creative on set and educating. I’m also passionate about helping clients who suffer hair loss – it’s really rewarding. This inspired me to train as a trichologist, to understand the science of the structure, function and diseases of human hair. My hairdressing experience and trichology knowledge means I can offer clients suffering from hair loss a full and total service.
Do you have a signature style?
I would describe my style as looks combining our company’s ethos - style, beauty and expertise. I’m drawn towards beautiful, simple shapes and colours that have the consumer in mind, demonstrating aspirational hair for both hairdressers and clients.
What’s your creative process when starting a collection?
Sometimes it's colour, texture or a fashion image. I always have our team and clients in mind too. I love beautiful and truly wearable hair. I’m always saving ideas and images or fashion inspiration so I have lots to draw from when creating new concepts and ideas.
What do you attribute your success to?
My family. They’ve been incredibly supportive throughout my career and I feel lucky to share my journey with them. We all have roles within the business. Isobel and I are very hands-on, both on the salon floor and with the daily running of the business. Dad (Russell Eaton), who has been hairdressing for over 50 years, still has long-standing clients he looks after. However, his role is more managing and overseeing the business as a whole. Mum (Karen) is very much involved in front-of-house, admin, book-keeping and wages (hence why we call her the ‘most important Eaton!’).
What’s your best advice for stylists starting out?
Watch and learn from everybody and learn from the mistakes you make as much as the successes.