When Michelle Summer Davies welcomed one of her regular clients who is a proud owner of a number of sheep, she had no idea quite where it would lead. However, before the appointment was up, Michelle had agreed to utilise the unwanted sheared sheep’s wool, and use her creativity and wig-making skills to create something wholly striking and one-of-a-kind. We sat down with her to find out all about it.

Have you always shown an interest in sustainability?

I’ve always been mindful of waste, especially in the hair industry, but this project opened my eyes to how creative sustainability can be. It’s made me even more conscious of finding ways to repurpose materials in innovative ways.

How did this project come about?

I attended a wig course with Darrel Starkey where we were challenged to make a wig using alternative materials. When I mentioned this to one of my clients, she jokingly offered me some hair from her pet sheep. I thought, why not? It was such a unique idea, and I loved its sustainability. Plus, knowing the wool came from well-cared-for pets made it even more special. It was an exciting challenge, and I knew it would create something truly one-of-a-kind.

Was there anything that surprised you about working with the sheep hair?

Yes! The texture was completely different from human hair coarser, but also incredibly malleable. I had to rethink my usual techniques to shape and style it, which was both a challenge and a learning experience the biggest surprise was the smell! Working with fresh wool was so much easier because it was soft and pliable, and you could weave in and out of it effortlessly. But when I started my second project using washed wool, it was a completely different experience. The washing process made the fibres compact and much harder to work with. I had to get creative and ended up using wire, threading it through like I was sewing, just to manipulate the shape. It was a real learning curve!

Did it come out as expected?

To be honest, I had no idea how it was going to turn out! I started by covering the head in glue, then stuck the wool on and just went with it. As I worked, the piece kept growing and evolving, and the vision became clearer as I created it. It was one of those projects where the process shaped the final look rather than sticking to a set plan.

What do you like about the final look?

I love that it feels so organic yet high-fashion. It has this raw, almost ethereal quality that gives it a unique character. Plus, the fact that it’s made from something so unexpected makes it even more special. For the second one, I took it to a whole new level by having a sheep skull made to build the wool around. It became a huge focal point, giving the piece a more lifelike presence with defined features like eyes, a nose, and ears. It added a whole new dimension, making it feel even more striking and surreal.

Has it made you think about other ways you can be sustainable?

Absolutely. It’s made me realise that there are so many overlooked materials that can be repurposed in creative ways. It has inspired me to explore other unconventional resources in my work. I’d love to create a whole collection of different pieces as a spin-off from this something avant-garde that really pushes the boundaries of sustainable hair artistry.

What’s next?

As I mentioned, I’d love to build on this idea and experiment with different shapes and designs. Being from Pembrokeshire in Wales, where I’m surrounded by a strong farming community, it feels natural to work with sustainable, organic, and ethically sourced materials. While I’m not a vegetarian or vegan, I want to ensure that my use of ethically sourced materials respects all perspectives, including those who follow plant-based lifestyles. It’s about pushing creativity while staying mindful of sustainability and ethics.

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Instagram: @michelledavieshair_artist