Shooting a beauty story for a high-profile fashion magazine is a lifelong dream for most hairdressers, but for Schwarzkopf Professional’s #SKPCollective, it was the first step in a year-long programme of incredible opportunities.

Nick Irwin

The once-in-a-lifetime shoot was arranged for the team of digital influencers by acclaimed session stylist and Schwarzkopf Professional’s Global Styling Ambassador, Nick Irwin. As Hair Editor for Hunger magazine – the creative brainchild of world-renowned photographer, Rankin – Nick was keen to provide an opportunity for up-and-coming hairstylists to develop their skills and experience life in the session world.

Look Forward

“We’ve just published the tenth anniversary issue of Hunger,” explained Nick. “Now it’s time to look forward to the next ten years and celebrate the next generation of emerging talent.”

The Team

Step forward the #SKPCollective; Schwarzkopf Professional’s handpicked team of digital influencers, all making a name for themselves through incredible hairdressing and a lively and engaging online presence. The team were selected in back in April but owing to lockdowns and travel restrictions, had not been able to meet in person ahead of the shoot – although they have enjoyed Zoom drinks, education, and mentoring sessions.

The team met up with Nick – and each other for the first time! – at Rankin’s studio in Kentish Town, North London. Over welcome drinks, they learned more about Nick’s career and his involvement with Hunger, as well top tips on the essential session kit required and the plans for the shoot.

The Shoot

Featuring no less than 10 models, the editorial was reflective of the team and the concept of a new wave of talent. “The #SKPCollective are six talented hairstyles in their own right,” said Nick. “I wanted them to be able to create and shoot under my guidance with a young, diverse, inclusive and cool cast, letting their individuality and character take centre stage. The hair was an eclectic mix, dependent on the cast’s personal aesthetic, but all with a very effortless and confident look. I wanted the images to reflect the location – the streets around the studio – and to feel almost as if the Collective had shot them on their phones. The narrative builds on the idea of likeminded new age influencers coming together through a creative collaboration.”

The Prep

On the day, the team worked alongside Nick and his assistant, Ellie Bond, to prep all of the models in the studio, before pairing off to support and touch up the different looks on location. Over the course of the shoot, the team got to work with a diverse lineup of models, putting into practice skills including braiding, working with wigs and hair pieces and utilising both the OSiS+ and OSiS+ Session range of products to shape, rework and transform looks.

As well as providing an incredible opportunity to learn session skills first hand under the watchful eye of one of the most inspiring names in the industry, the shoot also allowed the #SKPCollective to collaborate, learn and get to know one another in person – finally!

Something Special

“We wanted to do something super special after the last year,” said Nick. “To bring together the #SKPCollective and give them a window into the session world. I was so impressed by the whole team and can’t wait for everyone to see the finished results:

The shoot will be published in the September issue of Hunger magazine.

The #SKPCollective: Ashleigh Farrelly, Hair by Ashleigh – Darcey Clarke, Ashley Gamble -Justin Mackland, Ishoka- Justine Weir, Tweedie & Marshall – Rebecca Jacques, Daniel Granger- Stacey Whyte, Cheveux

For Schwarzkopf Professional: Rebecca Stanton, Kay Brady, Georgina Boyd and Elizabeth Glanville

Shoot team: Photographer: Jed Barnes – Producer: Grace Finger -Production Manager: Kay Riley -Hair Editor: Nick Irwin -Hair Assistant: Ellie Bond – Beauty Editor: Marco Antonio – Photographic Team: Sam Lort – Digi Tech: Alex Gale – Film: James Johnson -BTS Film: Joss Wild – Makeup Artist:- Christabel Draffin -Makeup Assistant: Emer Hawkins -Stylist: Martin Metcalf

For more info on the brand, visit Schwarzkopf Professional here.