Diana is Creative Director and one of the busiest Senior Stylists in the Rainbow Room International Group, holding a top-level position in the Art Team.

Hair Story
She has worked on various international hair shows and photo-shoots from London to LA, including Men’s London Fashion Week. Diana has an original and artistic style which has since led to her be nominated three times for the prestigious British Hairdressing Awards Scottish Hairdresser of the Year category and twice for Art Team of the Year. Working with RRI since 2008, Diana has built up a vast expertise in everything from colour work to technical cutting. She is also a qualified educator, teaching and coaching in both the salon and the Rainbow Room International Academy.

Can you tell us about your journey into hairdressing and how you came to join Rainbow Room International?
My journey into hairdressing began in high school, sparked by a love for hair experimentation. After a particularly daring style attempt, a visit to Rainbow Room International opened up a world of possibilities. I was immediately captivated by the salon environment, and Rainbow Room was on another level entirely.

From a young age, I had been cutting my friends’ hair so they could save their barber money. Looking back, I guess hairdressing was always in my future. Joining RRI felt like a natural progression. I thought everyone there was very cool, and that was exactly the kind of environment I wanted to work in. Many of those people are still my friends today.

How has your career evolved since you started at RRI?
My path from assistant to Creative Director has been driven by continuous learning and self-challenge. I’ve committed to ongoing education and pushed myself to grow at every stage, which has been key to my advancement within the company.

Your work has been gaining recognition in the industry recently. How does it feel to have your talents acknowledged on a broader industry level?
Like many people, I sometimes struggle to feel as amazing and successful as others say I am. However, it does feel nice when people compliment my work, whether it’s from my clients or within the industry.

As your reputation in the industry grows, how do you balance staying true to your personal style while meeting the diverse needs of your clients?
My clients always come first. While my personal style may influence my work, I primarily use my skills and taste to help clients achieve their desired look. When clients are unsure, I offer guidance to help them explore possibilities that suit them best.

Looking back at your career so far, what do you consider to be your biggest professional achievement?
Mastering my craft through continuous education and hands-on experience has been my most significant achievement. This dedication to learning has been instrumental in my career progression and has allowed me to consistently improve my skills.

How has RRI supported your growth and development as a Hairstylist?
RRI has been incredibly supportive, allowing me to grow at my own pace. They’ve provided opportunities to travel, work in London, and explore various aspects of hairdressing – from fashion shows to photography. These experiences have not only contributed to my personal development but have also RRI as a whole.

Can you describe a challenging moment in your career and how you overcame it?
A recent challenge has been developing my photography work. Bringing hairstyles to life on camera requires a unique set of skills. It’s been a tough learning curve, but with persistent effort over the past couple of years, I’ve gained confidence and seen significant improvements in my studio work.

Where do you typically find inspiration for your hairstyling work, and has this changed as you’ve progressed in your career?
I draw inspiration from diverse sources: life experiences, travel, fashion trends, and even the models themselves. Other hairstylists also serve as a wellspring of creative ideas. As I’ve progressed, I’ve found that my sources of inspiration have broadened, allowing me to bring fresh perspectives to my work.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your career?
The importance of consistency and continuous growth cannot be overstated. Success requires stamina and a willingness to embrace opportunities as they arise. It’s crucial to stay committed to your craft while remaining open to new challenges and learning experiences.

As someone who has successfully climbed the ranks at RRI, what advice would you give to junior Stylists just starting their careers?
1. Gain diverse experience across all areas of hairdressing.
2. Maintain a positive attitude and enjoy your work.
3. Face fears head-on – don’t let them hold you back.
4. Recognise your potential for growth and value your skills.
5. Stay open to learning and development opportunities.

For more info on the brand, please visit www.rainbowroominternational.com