Top Style Team Returns For X Factor 2013

Celebrity stylists Jamie Stevens, Julia Carta and Frank Strachan return to add a touch of glamour to the nation’s number one singing show.

The X Factor creates some of the biggest names in the music industry and behind the faces of these emerging stars are three of the most credible names in the business. As three of the most exciting talents in hair, make-up and styling, Jamie Stevens, Julia Carta and Frank Strachan return for another year as they develop and work alongside the X Factor finalists.

Jamie Stevens, British Hairdresser of the Year 2013 and 2012 nominee, owner of two successful salons and popular TV personality, is one of the industry’s leading names and go-to stylists for many high profile clients. Throughout his career Jamie has styled the likes of Kylie Minogue, Elle Macpherson, Eva Herzigova, Christian Slater, Olly Murs, Gok Wan and Hugh Grant. He's also been the hairdresser of choice on several TV shows including This Morning, Gok’s Fashion Fix and How to Look Good Naked, cementing his status as one of the UK’s most sought-after stylists.

Jamie has many accolades to his name, not only for his skill in women’s and Afro hair but he’s also recognised for his men’s hairdressing having twice won the British Hairdressing Awards Men’s Hairdresser of the Year title and last year winning HAIR Magazine’s Best Men’s Hairdresser 2013 and the English Hair & Beauty Awards Men’s Stylist of the Year 2013.

With a keen eye for trends, he is the go-to hair guru in the media for expert advice, makeovers and shoots, whilst his creative vision and technical skill has earned him ambassadorial roles for global brands. Jamie says,

I cannot wait to get started on my third year as the official X Factor hairstylist. Every year is so exciting working with new talents and hairstyles that hopefully people will be inspired by and want to recreate.

Julia Carta has over 15 years of experience as an international celebrity hair and make-up artist. She is renowned as one of the best in her field - in the world of TV, film and entertainment. A personal make-up artist to Simon Cowell for over a decade, Julia has worked on every series of The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent as make-up artist to Simon and Louis. Julia has worked with many celebrities over the years including Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller, Miranda Kerr, Naomi Watts, Vanessa Hudgens, Thandie Newton, Rachel Weisz, Ben Affleck, Lawson, Denzel Washington, Colin Farrell, Orlando Bloom, Ralph Fiennes and Matthew McConaughey to name but a few.

Julia was Britney Spears’ personal hair and make-up artist on the ‘Femme Fatale World Tour’ and pop promo ‘Criminal’ and was heavily involved in the London Olympics. Julia is admired for her creativity and regularly advises household brands on key looks, trends and products. Respected by some of the world’s leading directors and producers, she’s regularly asked to work at film festivals such as Cannes, Venice and Berlin, as well as award ceremonies including the BAFTAS and the National Television Awards. She is regarded as one of the best HD make-up experts in the UK. Julia added,

I’m delighted to be working on my 10th year of X Factor and 2nd series as lead make-up artist. I’m looking forward to working my magic on the contestants, creating some amazing make-up looks and helping to transform them into superstars.

Frank Strachan’s career highlights include working alongside artists such as The Pet Shop Boys, Jamelia and Girls Aloud including their renowned single ‘The Promise’ and personally for Cheryl Cole. Frank has a particular flair for music tours and performance is an area where he excels; most notably styling the JLS 2012 tour, JLS Summer Gigs, Britney Spears Circus Tour and performances by Nicole Scherzinger, Alexandra Burke, Westlife and Katie Melua.

Frank continues to work with chart topping British girl band 'The Saturdays' where he styled the videos for ‘Up’, ’30 Days’, ‘Notorious’, ‘All Fired Up’ and also the Headlines and All Fired Up 2011 arena tours, alongside all TV appearances and personal wardrobe. Frank said,

I'm so excited to be styling X Factor for another year. Developing newly found talent into pop stars in a ten week spotlight is exhilarating. This year’s contestants are vivacious and spunky, some with a strong sense of style ready for me to evolve into their performance looks, others a blank canvas ready to have some fun with! I am ready for the challenge ahead!

Follow the X Factor Style on Twitter (@XFactorstyle), Facebook, Instagram and Tumblr
Jamie Stevens - @jamiestevens7
Julia Carta - @julia_carta
Frank Strachan - @frank_strachan