Charley Henery

What country are you from, and where do you reside?

I live in a small town in Surrey, England.

Title of what you do and if you are aligned with a brand or company.

My role title is Technical Artistic Director and Head of Apprenticeships for TONI&GUY London Academy, and I also work at the TONI&GUY Wimbledon salon.

What is your educational background (school, salons, self-taught)?

My journey in the hair industry began with an apprenticeship at TONI&GUY when I was sixteen and had just left school. For me, leaving school at sixteen was a very big decision, as there was (and unfortunately still is) a lot of negative stigma around hairdressing at school. However, I knew this was the right choice to kickstart my career, and this is one of the many reasons why I feel so passionate about teaching our apprentices. I would love to change the way that hairdressing is stereotyped as a career choice, as there are so many opportunities within the industry! After completing my NVQ level 2 at the London Flagship Academy, I completed my technical Vardering programme. I am passionate about my work and have consistently looked for growth and skill-enhancement opportunities throughout my career.

What is the first creative project that you remember?

The year after I qualified, I got to the finals of the L’Oreal Colour Trophy, competing in both the Women’s Image and Young Colourist Categories. 2015 was also the year I secured a scholarship with the TONI&GUY Breakthrough Team. Both of these opportunities gave me an amazing chance to continue my learning, and as a newly qualified technician, my confidence really grew, especially in terms of presenting. Both of these opportunities gave me the chance to be able to express my creative work. It was so rewarding to be a finalist under two different categories for L’Oreal and also crowned the winner of the Breakthrough Team. I never expected to get that far!

What is your signature style/artistic expression of your work?

I’d say my signature technique is highlighting. I love their timeless simplicity. I also love creatively working with pastel tones, especially pinks, lilacs, peaches, and blues. These colours were a huge part of the collection I created for the British Hairdressing Awards. I love the creative freedom they bring without being too bold. Balayage is another everlasting trend I love to work with, as its techniques are always evolving. 

What is the most fulfilling job you’ve worked on or someone you have worked with?

One of TONI&GUY’s International Technical Educator, Jo O’Neill, has coached and mentored me from a young age and throughout my career.  Since I can remember, she has shaped me not only into a hairdresser but the educator and Artistic Director that I am today. One of the most fulfilling jobs we worked on together was the Futurewise collection in 2017. It was the first-ever brand collection I got to work on a look for. It meant I got to demonstrate live at Salon International and be featured in the Toni&Guy step-by-step DVD. 

Do you have a career turning point, big break, or person who has helped your career?

A big turning point in my career was my Artistic Director’s presentation, which had been a dream of mine since my first day as an apprentice. Being part of the brand’s artistic team meant I could take my teaching skills worldwide, demonstrating at shows and seminars globally. 

Last month, I had the opportunity to travel to Abu Dhabi with the brand and share TONI&GUY’s Future Foundation techniques with a new audience. It was an amazing experience, and I am so grateful to work for a company that offers so many life-changing opportunities!

What was the scariest and proudest moment in your career?

My proudest moment has to be making it to the finals of the British Hairdressing Awards in 2023. So much hard work and dedication goes into creating a collection, so seeing my work in the finals felt so rewarding and was a real pinch-me moment! 

The scariest moment was being on the shop floor for the first time. As an apprentice, you assume that everything will fall into place once you’re qualified, but it makes you realize that being a stylist or technician is an ongoing journey. It is so important to accept there is always something else you can learn and new skills you can develop along the way. 

What is next for your career goals?

To win at the British Hairdressing Awards would be a dream come true. Making it to the finals last year gave me an insight into what winning could bring and has made me more determined than ever for next year.

What advice would you give to someone starting in your business?

Take every chance that comes your way. Being outside your comfort zone is the perfect way to progress in your career. Most of all, my advice would be to enjoy the journey and make the most out of every experience. This industry is full of opportunities and has so much fun to be had along the way!

Instagram:  @charleyhenery_colour