Kérastase Pro Club 2021

MEET PATRICK WILSON

Who are you and what is your background?

Hi there! I’m Patrick Wilson – a London-based celebrity hairstylist and session artist. I grew up in Liverpool and became a ‘Saturday Boy’ in the salon at the age of 14 and worked my way up from there, entering talent schemes and competitions such as the L’Oréal ID Artist programme and L’Oréal Colour Trophy. When I moved to London four years ago and became a full-time session stylist I was very nervous, but it was the best thing I could have done, and it meant that today I get to work regularly with amazing clients and with magazines I love.

What does your day to day look like?

No day is ever the same for me if I am honest, and I love working in that way. I’m incredibly lucky to have some extremely talented clients including Jodie Comer, Aimee Lou Wood, Nicola Coughlan, Emma Corrin, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Maya Jama. Working with Cindy Crawford and Kendall Jenner while they were at Paris Fashion Week was a real highlight.

Having clients of this nature has opened the door to being able to work on shoots for incredible publications I started reading as a teenager and still pick up every month to this day, including Vogue, Elle, Harpers Bazaar, Glamour, Hunger and Evening Standard Magazine. These shoots allow me to be create the beautiful hair that I love, but also push my creative boundaries to deliver a real ‘moment’.

I’ve also worked backstage at international fashion weeks for years on shows in London, Milan and Paris. I got my start working backstage with legendary hairdressers such as Sam McKnight on shows such as Chanel (couture, ready-to-wear, resort and Métiers d'Art), Burberry, Fendi and Vivienne Westwood.

Finally I also have a few music video credits to my name! I’ve worked on music videos for Jessie Ware, Nina Nesbitt and Ella Henderson.

Who influences you and why?

I think you find muses and role models at every stage in your career. When I was starting out as an apprentice I looked up to the art director the salon, Cameron Scott –She taught a course for L’Oréal and that became my first goal, to do what she was doing.

I am always inspired by fashion week and working with pioneers and greats like Sam McKnight. I always wanted to be on his team and when I made it, I thought I have achieved a real goal!

It also goes without saying that I am inspired by my clients on a daily basis. They’re the best in their field and they help me push my boundaries. I am always thinking what we can do next, and it’s fascinating how a change in a hairstyle can create a certain mood for the red carpet, evoke a certain emotion for an editorial or just take the client somewhere new

Finally, I am inspired by the work and looks that I see on social media. There is some incredible talent out there doing some amazing work.

What are your favourite Kérastase products and why?

1. Blond Absolu Bain Ultra-Violet shampoo: This is THE shampoo blondes cannot live without. To get the best results, I recommend cleansing your hair with the Bain Absolu and then using the Blond Absolu Masque Ultra-Violet. Leave the masque on for two-five minutes and then rinse. This will give you a deeper and more hydrated cleanse and will keep your blonde shades cooler for longer

2. Resistance Ciment Thermique Heat Protector: Hair is at its weakest point when wet and this is the first product you should be using after a shower. Apply it to the mid-lengths and ends before brushing – it will strengthen and help to detangle ahead of applying any heat.

3. Elixir Ultime L’huile Original: If you are prone to flyaways throughout the day then just one pump of this worked into your hands and patted across the affected areas can work wonders. When I am on set I apply this onto a toothbrush and target the flyaways – it works a treat.

QUICK FIRE ROUND

Career highlight?

Working with Cindy Crawford was a dream come true – she’s an icon!

Daily source of inspiration?

Instagram – I love seeing other creatives’ work both in the hair industry, as well as for outside inspiration.

Favourite looks of 2021 – who are your muses?

Billie Eilish’s blonde transformation

Zendaya on The Oscars Red Carpet

The return of the beehive (Dua Lipa, Aimee Lou Wood at the BAFTAs)

What will be big in hair for 2022?

In 2021 we saw the 70s shag haircut make a comeback as people thought about going shorter. As life returns to normal, they’re wanting a fresh look that doesn’t remind them of the quarantine days. There’s something so liberating about cutting your hair off and I’m predicting the boyish bob will be big.

Three things every woman and man needs to know about looking after their hair?

A step that most clients forget or miss out is use heat protection when styling your hair

Use an intensive treatment once a week to keep your hair hydrated and shiny – I love the Nutritive Masquintense.

In the summer months we are a lot more concerned about sun damage and often never leave the house without SPF. We should also be doing this with our hair.