Helen Tether is the Salon Director of Helen Tether Award Winning Hair, based in Halesowen, West Midlands.
Helen has been working in salons since the age of 15 and went on to become an award-winning stylist – taking the crown at Wella TrendVision and Colourworld for her incredible work.
Now, Helen is taking her turn behind the lens, as she embarks on a new passion of photography and creative direction. We caught up with Helen to talk to her about this new venture and what advice she has for other stylists who would like to go down this career path…
Hi Helen! You have had a very successful career, where did it all begin?
It all began when I was 15 and I got a Saturday job in a salon in Halesowen. I knew I wanted to be a hairdresser, but I always knew I wanted to be the best! I aimed to be like Lisa shepherd who was the most local famous hairdresser to where I lived. As soon as I knew there were competitions in my industry, the more I was sold. I’ve always been super creative, passionate, and driven.
When did you open your salon, and how has business been for you over the last few crazy years?
I opened my first salon, Sensu in Kinver, when I was 24. I then moved into Halesowen town centre when I was 30, but the rent and the business rates were so high I closed it on my 30th birthday. I decided to rent-a-chair for a while and rid myself of any staff, as I found being an employee quite stressful.
Since then, I had a daughter and decided to open another salon but call it Helen Tether Award Winning Hair. It was only a small salon, consisting of two mirrors and one basin. But after six years of opening, I had a wall taken down and extended into the shop next door. I know have eight sections, two basins, and three self-employed rent-a-chairs. I knew I never wanted to employ again; however, I always need an assistant, so I employ a trainee for three days a week.
When the Covid lockdowns began it was all very stressful! Closing your salon and being self-employed was hard, but I took what I could from the government to survive. Business is booming now, and I’m loving the fact we can all work together again with no masks and social distancing.
I have noticed on the credit sheet for your latest collections that you seem to be spending more time behind the lens. Is photography something you have always been interested in and what got you started in this direction?
Like I said, I’ve always been creative and very artistic, but I never really had any interest in photography until a couple of years ago when I started taking part in the British Hairdressing Awards.
Did you have any previous experience or qualifications in photography, or did you learn this from past collections and working with other photographers?
My first ever collection cost Me around £6000! I went with a photographer who was very well known in our industry, and I had complete confidence that I would get through to the BHA finals. I figured that all the winners were using him so thought it was what I needed to do to get there as well. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it, and I have tried for the last four years. I have used other photographers, but I always get disappointed with the finished images, and it always costs a fortune. So, I figured if I learnt how to do it myself, I could recreate everything that’s in my head without the massive hole in my pocket! So, I bought a professional camera, had some studio lighting lessons, and away I went!
Tell us about your journey from stylist to stylist/photographer.
I love being both! I think the fact that I’m a hairdresser and photographer makes a massive difference. Some photographers are looking at the whole image, whereas I do do that, but I also mentor the person regarding the hair too. I will say if something doesn’t look right. Some people need the creative direction.
When creating a collection and thinking about the photographic aspect, where does your inspiration come from?
Anywhere and everything! I don’t use mood boards, I know everyone does, but I’m different. I see inspiration from social media. I follow clothes designers etc. I see a certain look, I make it my own and then I figure out the styling, outfits etc.
For stylists and salons thinking about creating a collection for the first time, what advice can you give them?
A good concept is key, but I do feel spending the money on a good model is essential. You can do the best hair work, but if the model isn’t a model and she’s not confident it will show in the image. Its best to get loads of looks on a professional model so you have more choice, because you can be shooting all day just to get one if the model is not competent! However, I do find a lot of my models from the salon… and I have been successful with one or two - and one even made a career out of it! But they must have a look about them! The quirkier the better!
And for those now wanting to spend more time behind the lens, what advice can you give them?
Purchase a good camera and a long lens. I use a 70mm- 150mm so I can stand further back and crop in later, so I don’t lose any detail or worse any hair. I did that before, used a 50mm lens and the shot was great but when I wanted to crop it, the hair was getting cut out!
Also find a photographer who inspires you and go and ask him for advice. I used a great photographer in Aston, Birmingham who works with the Royal Ballet. I went to his studio, and he taught me so much about backdrops and studio lighting. I use his studio if I need a large area, like if I want full body looks, but personally I have a very simple studio setup that only cost me £300 at the salon for head and shoulder looks.
What are the top skills someone needs to be successful as a creative stylist and photographer?
Creativity, vision, and an artistic flare.
Why do you think young people should choose to go into our industry?
Hairdressing isn’t just a job, it’s a career in which you can reach the top! It’s inspiring and more of a social life for me.
What advice would you give to anyone beginning their journey as a hairdresser?
Choose a good salon, do an apprenticeship, as I feel this is the only way to become successful from such a young age! Earn and learn but learn from the best!
What are your future goals and plans? What can we expect next from Helen Tether?
My one and only goal now is to be Midlands Hairdresser of the Year at the BHA. I’ve won many others, but this is the only title I need. I will keep trying - and to win with my own photography would be just amazing!
Images: Photography and Creative Direction by Helen Tether Photography