Interview: Jake Gallagher, Hair Stylist

Jake Gallagher’s unique approach to hair has led him to work on a number of celebrated shows, including the runways of Tom Ford and Chanel Haute Couture, as well as countless editorials for publications like Vogue, Wonderland and Novembre Magazine. With the ambition to make women look and feel empowered, Gallagher creates extravagant characters who embody his confident and distinctive aesthetic. Something Curated caught up with the young hair stylist at the South London Gallery to discuss his work, collaborations, and the importance of listening.

How did you get into the industry? What was your journey? 

Hair was something that interested me from an early age, it was a borderline obsession; I would wear tea towels and pyjama bottoms on my head and pretend it was long hair. As I got older it was clear to me it was something I’d want to continue as a career. My Nan knew how passionate I was about it and let me cut her and my Granddad’s hair from the age of 12. I had no idea what I was doing and probably, looking back, they had some dodgy haircuts. This spurred me on to get a job in the local salon at the age of 14, which later I completed my training in.

A big turning point for my career was meeting Nina Butkovich-Budden; she is the goddess of vintage hair and saw something in me when I was really young. She is so passionate about everything she does – her work is breath-taking and theatrical. I owe a lot to this woman. She would have me assist her on various shows and shoots, teaching me different ways of doing things. This opened doors to a side of hairdressing I had always dreamt of working in from an early age. After this I started to make connections within the industry and begun a session career of my own.

Can you tell us about your work, the vision and ethos behind it?

A major factor I always aim to bring to my work is making women look powerful and feel strong. I love working with my team to create exaggerated and extrovert characters that border on the hyperreal.

Could you tell us about some of your favourite, or most memorable, work related experiences?

One of my favourite experiences was driving four hours out of LA into the desert with my boyfriend, two best friends and a gorilla costume. We shot a look book for faux fur coat designer, Emma Brewin. It was such a beautiful day and we got so much done in such a short space of time; the shoot ended up being one of my favourites.

What do you enjoy the most about hair styling? 

It has allowed me to travel and connect with many other great creative people all over the world. Every shoot is different so it enables me to constantly evolve as an artists and create new things and continually learn.

What are you currently working on? 

I’m going out to LA at the end of August to work on a project but it’s a secret right now… keep your eyes peeled.

Collaboration is an integral part of shoots and shows – are there any particular stylists, photographers, designers etc. that you enjoy working with? 

Yes! I work very closely with photographers Nadia Lee and Millicent Hailes; we share a really close working relationship and personal relationship, which means we are constantly coming up with new ideas and projects together. We’re hugely supportive of one another on our individual paths.

What does London offer you as a hair stylist? 

I think London is a hub of amazing new young talent. It’s ever evolving and people are coming up with new ideas all the time. Within the young creative industry a lot of us know one another and regularly collaborate.

What is it you aim to achieve as a successful hair stylist each time you take on a project?

It’s really important to think outside the box. As a hairstylist you need to be able to adapt to any sort of brief whilst still distinguishing yourself from the rest. Each time I work on a new project, I like to communicate closely with the team so we get the best possible outcome. It’s also really important to be open-minded and not to get hung up on a particular reference as sometimes things on the day can change. I believe the key to success is listening and taking everyone’s ideas on board; whatever you’re doing could end up bigger and better than you ever imagined.

Are there any fashion designers that you think are doing interesting things right now?

Dilara Findikoglu! We’ve worked on a few projects together – I instantly fell in love with her whole aesthetic so it seemed natural that we became friends. Her designs are politically charged, hand embellished, glam rock pieces of art, all of which embody a sense of anarchy whilst still embodying her Turkish roots. They have the ability to empower and strengthen any woman who wears them.

How do you think fashion has changed in the last ten years?

The way fashion is perceived has changed dramatically in recent times. I feel now it is far more inclusive due to social media, celebrity, and brands endorsing higher levels of engagement through mediums such as Instagram. This means online companies are thriving and turning the traditional idea of the fashion hierarchy on its head.

What are your career aspirations for the future? 

There are so many things I’d like to do – one would be working closely with a big recording artist, someone who’s not afraid to push boundaries.

What piece of advice would you give to someone keen to enter the industry? 

Find and connect with people that have similar interests and visions as you, it’s so important to find your team. Whether it’s a particular photographer you work well with or a makeup artist, stick together and help each other out. A small idea you may have had can become something way bigger when you have input from likeminded individuals. Leave your egos at the door – everyone’s role is just as important as one can’t work without the other.

Favourite place to relax?

My favourite place to relax would have to be home as I’m always working and traveling around. So it’s great sometimes to not get dressed and spend the day on the sofa watching reality TV.

Favourite place to shop?

Probably eBay. I find physically going shopping really stressful; I panic buy then get home and think what the hell have I bought. Hair shopping on the other hand, I could spend hours finding wigs and weaves.

Favourite restaurant? 

I think I’d much rather have a decent Chinese takeaway.

Which area of London would you ideally like to live in?

If I’m honest, probably West – you know like the traditional London you see in movies? I don’t know why but it’s always appealed to me.

Favourite holiday destination or where would you live if not London? 

If I wasn’t in London I’d definitely want to be in LA permanently; it’s always sunny, the people are great and the buildings look nice. For a holiday, I think I’d love to go somewhere like the Maldives and do nothing for two weeks.

 

(Feature photo: Carolina Mizrahi)

Images courtesy of Jake Gallagher / Interview and portrait by Keshav Anand