Iles Formula Hair Talk with Freelancer Sky Cripps-Jackson, London UK

Iles Formula Hair Talk welcomes New Zealander Sky Cripps-Jackson, renowned freelance hairdresser based in London

Read on to see what Sky has to say about the hair business today.

To know more about Sky visit her website. You can also follow Sky on her Instagram channel @skycrippsjackson_hair  and @_bysky_hair.

IF: What is the biggest challenge in the Hairdressing Business today?

I believe the biggest challenge facing hairdressers today is the shift in how the industry will function and the ways in which we diversify to keep momentum and progress within circumstances that are outside of our control. I also believe the commercialization and growth of the industry as a whole has created lots of great opportunities, and simultaneously adversely affected creativity for fear of not reaching the widest audiences possible.

IF: What’s the most enjoyable part of your job?

The most enjoyable part of my job is the variety of different people I meet every day. No day is ever the same.

IF: Why did you choose the path of hairdressing and was it easy to throw yourself into this work?

I fell into hairdressing by working part-time after school and then as an apprentice. It was an easy thing to get into but like anything worthwhile, my commitment and direction were challenged at points.

Hair by Sky Cripps-Jackson

IF: If you had not made the decision to be a hairdresser, what would you have been?

I think I would have tried to be a lawyer and ended up being a DJ or chef. 

IF: What is your greatest strength?

Adaptability.

IF: Your favorite hairdressing tools?

All of it? I have collected my kit from around the world over the years and everything has memories attached to it.

IF: Tell us about your relationship with Iles Formula. How did you discover us and which formula is your favorite?

My favourite product in Iles Formula is the Finishing Serum. It’s great for all hair types, leaves your hair feeling lush and I love that it works as protection against environmental damage too - what’s not to love?!

IF: What was the most challenging job you ever had?

Fatigue often makes situations feel so much worse than they actually are. Being badly stung by a jellyfish whilst shooting in the Amalfi Coast and having to carry on in the blazing sun for long after was an experience. Luckily, the team was super nice, and the shots looked great!

IF: What was your worst hair moment and why…privately or on set/stage or in the salon?

Worst hair moment, I can think of a couple of live competitions I was 100% unprepared for and totally tanked. I am not sure how I thought that would elicit a positive result...

IF: If you could style anyone’s hair, who would it be and why?

I would love to style Bjork’s hair- she is stylistically such a chameleon and I feel like you could have some interesting collabs (and conversations) with her.

IF: Where do you pull hair inspiration from?

I pull hair inspiration from things and people I see. I would say travel and music really influences my hair work in an ongoing way.

IF: Your advice to young hairdressers starting out?

My advice to young hairdressers starting out is to really commit focus and time to your apprenticeship. Constantly research things you are interested in and find ways to bring that back into your work. Practice. Find the people you want to learn from, then reach out to them. Be persistent and consistent.

Hair by Sky Cripps-Jackson