THE STYLIST BEHIND THOSE NICOLE SCHERZINGER HAIR LOOKS REVEALS ALL..
As total hair connoisseurs and avid Hair Extension addicts here at LullaBellz, who better to gain industry knowledge and in-depth tips from than a Celebrity stylist?!
Each fortnight, we'll be featuring and interviewing an industry professional; deep-diving into their professional hair background and knowledge, gaining top tips on styling, and learning more on latest hair hacks - so you can achieve A-Lister worthy and red carpet results at home.
Today, we sat down and caught up with Celebrity Hairstylist Craig Marsden on his hair industry journey, favourite LullaBellz product to use on his clientele, and the top industry secrets to creating the perfect blowout hair to rival a salon finish.
With a super impressive portfolio featuring cover work for Vogue, Elle and Harpers Bazaar magazines, perfecting hair campaigns for L'Oreal Paris, and styling some of the biggest names in entertainment and showbiz; Anne-Marie, Nicole Scherzinger and Michelle Visage (to name but a few), we had to feature Craig as our favourite hair hero of the moment in our NEW 'Stylist Spotlight' blog series.
Let's go back to basics.. how did you begin your career in the hair industry?
I started out as a Saturday boy at my uncle’s salon in South London, I worked my way through and realised I wanted to do something more creative so left the salon and started doing freelance and assisting work.
I always knew I had a passion for hair and I kind of fell in love with the creative side when I started assisting on editorial shoots, commercials and shows - and as a result, I built up a portfolio of my work. Back then we used to use A3 size portfolios full of magazine tears and printed images. I got myself an agent at the age of 21 and worked my way up from there.
What’s your biggest styling secret?
I would say my biggest styling secret is building a good foundation with a good blow dry to create volume in the hair, or blow drying the hair flat in the direction desired to create a smooth sleek pony. A good blow dry is the secret to a great finished hair style!
How did you discover your passion for hairstyling?
I fell in love with hairstyling whilst assisting on my first editorial shoot, watching the creativity come to life. Back then there was no social media or smartphones, so seeing it happen in real time was quite amazing and from then, I knew I wanted to be in this industry.
Tell us about your ‘can’t live without’ hair product in your kit?
My can’t live without hair product has to be volume blow dry spray, I always find it gives a great base to work from especially when creating big bouncing hairstyles.
Let's talk hair forecasts, what trends do you see becoming popular in S/S 23?
I always say the bob is a trend that never goes out of fashion and always almost looks great on everyone. I have a feeling we will see a lot of celebs with short hair this year.
What’s your must-have or favourite LullaBellz product?
Ohh that’s a hard one! I love the LullaBellz Extra AF 34'' 5 Piece Natural Wavy Hair Extensions as they give so much drama. I have used these several times on Michelle Visage for RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
You’ve worked with some big names in your career! Who has been your favourite hair to style?
Oh that is a tricky one, as there have been so many, it’s difficult to choose between everyone! I do have some highlights, like doing Geri Halliwell's hair (now known as Geri Horner) for the Spice World Tour, my first day on the Drag Race set with Michelle Visage, and filming The X Factor live shows with Nicole Scherzinger are definitely up there as some of my favourite moments!
What’s the biggest hair myth you’ve heard?
It must be that either shampoos stop working after you’ve used them for a while, or the that the more you brush your hair, the healthier it will be.
Finally, what’s next for Craig Marsden?
Hopefully I get to travel the world more and continue to meet incredible people doing what I love. I am incredibly grateful for everything I have achieved so far, and I hope to continue to push boundaries within the hair industry, and create beautifully crafted hair looks on my celebrity clients.
Many thanks to Craig for taking time out of his (super hectic!) schedule and answering our hair queries on favourite products and upcoming trends.
We're looking forward to seeing more of his styling work this year, and of course incorporating those LullaBellz Extra AF 34'' 5 Piece Natural Wavy Hair Extensions in his celebrity hair looks!