The ghd Style Squad is Back for 2022
The ghd style squad is back for 2022, with a new team set to embark on a year of incredible opportunities, exceptional education, and inspirational mentoring.
Auditions were held at the ghd studio in Soho, where finalists came together to create a look that reflected the aesthetic of their favourite designer. The ten finalists had already been shortlisted after an initial first round challenge, which invited young stylists to create a finished look and short video on social media showcasing hair that represented their personal brand of hairdressing.
Judging on the day were three total ghd experts: style squad mentor and ghd Brand Ambassador, Zoe Irwin; ghd Head of Education for the UK & ROI, Janine Jennings, and ghd Key Account Educator – and former Style Squad member – Grant Williams.
“At ghd we’re all about helping grow and nurture future talent,” Janine told the finalists at the start of the day. “And that’s exactly who you are. This is such a great platform not just for you, but for your salon too.”
“Being on the style squad was a great starting point to my hairdressing career,” added Grant. “I applied twice and when I finally made it, I had an amazing year. Now I work with ghd, and lots of our education team are former style squad members too. The opportunities are incredible: meeting fantastic people, training, attending events and working at fashion week and industry events.”
For Zoe, who has been involved in style squad since day one, the experience is all about the opportunities. “This isn’t something you can pay for,” she told the finalists. “It’s an exceptional opportunity with some incredible experiences – and the possibilities are endless. The more you put in, the more you will get out, and that’s evident with the amazing people that have been through the team.”
Motivational talk over, it was time for the finalists to create a look representing a designer of their choice. Everyone was provided with a full ghd kit and given 60 minutes to create their look either on a model or training block. Looks ranged from classic ghd waves to bound updos and bubble braids, showcasing a diversity of inspirational reference points and creative talent.
Once their looks were complete, the finalists presented their finished styles and a pre-prepared mood board to Zoe, Janine, and Grant. They also answered questions on their industry experience, career goals and opinions on hairdressing trends and icons.
After extensive deliberation, the six finalists were selected – and will now go on to form the ghd style squad for 2022. Their first meeting will be a big one; joining ghd at Salon International. From here, they will go on to enjoy a full calendar of mentoring and training days, industry opportunities and plenty of good hair days.
Says Janine: “We were really impressed by the quality this year and the main thing that stood out to all of us was the confidence. For such a young team, they all delivered their messages well and did an amazing job of showing us what they can achieve with hair. They had all done impressive research too, and that showed in the finished looks.”
The ghd style squad for 2022 is:
- Dylan Regan, NJUK Hair & Beauty, Clowne
- Eloise Taylor, Yoke, Plymouth
- Grace Waker, T & L Hairdressing, Olney
- Joe Strangward, The Hair Spa, Wirral
- Megan Jack, ENSŌ Hairdressing, Glasgow
- Megan Sherwell-Smith, T & L Hairdressing, Olney