In early January I was asked to head over to NOCO hair salon in Bristol to capture some hair and makeup images for a L’Oréal ID Artist submission in what would be my first shoot of 2023. I was contacted by Hannah who was looking to audition for the prestigious programme and who had come up with a radical concept for a unique hairstyle that she wanted to showcase.

L’Oréal only recruit a select number of stylists per year for their highly regarded and competitve development programme, and Hannah was eager to prove what she could do and had already secured a model and makeup artist (MUA) to help bring her idea – an industrial punk vibe which included the elaborate use of cable ties and about 17 cans of hair spray – to life.

Side profile of a girl in alternative makeup and punk style hairstyle stood against a yellow background

After friendly introductions with Hannah, Sophie (talent) and Mariella (MUA) I began capturing some of the prep work as they worked collaboratively to bring Hannah’s vision together. Prepared and shot entirely within the salon on a quiet Monday morning against a few different back drops and lit with my ever-dependable Interfit rig, I think the final results were incredible (and completely eccentric)!

Model in alternative makeup and punk style hairstyle stood against a dark background posing in studio shoot
Female punk model with eccentric hairstyle stood against a brick wall
Model in alternative makeup and punk style hairstyle stood against a dark background posing in studio shoot

Thank you to all three ladies for being so much fun and having me along to capture the fruits of their talent. Big shout out to the manager of NOCO also for being so accomodating and lending his ideas and experience. Best of luck to Hannah, you thoroughly deserve a place on the programme! A great way to start the working year.

Concept and hair design: Hannah Hayes

Makeup and style: Mariella Tardio

Talent and vibe: Sophie Alyssa Shah

Imagery, lighting and bad jokes: Tom Damsell

A few behind-the-scenes snaps, prior to the main shoot.

Close up of hannah working on Sophie's hair with a look on concentration
Reflection of Hannah and Sophie in a mirror, surrounded by cosmetics and hair products
Sophie sat in a Noco chair with Hannah and Mariella working on her image
Close up of Sophie's lips having black lipstick applied
Close up detail of Hannah's belt with a pouch for scissors and clips
Behind the scenes of Hannah spraying Sophie's hair with the mist hanging in the air