Since 2008, multi-award-winning hairdresser Ross Charles has been cutting, clipping, and dishing out fabulous hairdos to Yorkies from his stunning Gillygate salon. As the son of esteemed photographer David Ross (the first to snap a young Kate Moss), he’s also an accomplished photographer and videographer. Ahead of this year’s British Hairdressing Awards, in which Ross has secured his sixth nomination as a finalist, we caught up with the man himself to talk trims, techniques, and gaining international recognition…
Hairdressing has been in your family since 1974, and you were initially trained by your father, David Charles. What first inspired you to follow in his footsteps, and what are some of the most important things you learned from him?
My siblings and I were always encouraged to join the family business. From 12 years old, I was helping in the salon, washing hair, sweeping the floor – I think doing these things from such a young age really shaped my passion. After I left school, I qualified within 6 months, and by the age of 16 I had a full column of clients!
Some of the most important things he taught me about hair are precision cutting, shaping, and the science behind hair. We went to a number of hair science seminars together, which really helped me understand its chemical makeup and structure. He also taught me a lot about how to run an ethical business; my family are all highly business-orientated, so I’ve grown up in a very supportive environment.
You’ve been working with hair since 1993, and opened your York salon in 2008. How has your career evolved over that time, and what are you most proud of when you look back at how far you’ve come?
My career has massively evolved alongside the industry, and is still evolving to this day! I think I am most proud of how I always look for opportunities to help the industry progress; I look for where I can contribute by channelling my excitement into the creativity of inventing new techniques and styles, and then showcasing these through awards nominations and inspiring others. I get contacts from other hairdressers on an international level, asking for technical, step-by-step tips for creating the looks I’ve invented. That is something I am extremely proud of.
After more than 30 years in the industry, what still excites and inspires you about hairdressing? Where do you look for inspiration when developing new styles and creative work?
I get excited about inspiring other hairdressers, along with my clients. I love to invent new styles! I also love teaching and seeing apprentices develop their skills and find their passion. Hairdressing is in constant movement; styles are ever-changing, so I love finding new ways to refresh old styles.
I look for inspiration in anything creative, whether it’s paintings, music, or anything art-related; I use external factors to put me in a creative mindset. One thing I do every morning is meditate; I believe my creations are led by divine intervention, so I like to put myself in a relaxed and creative mindset to help me develop my creative work. There’s a book called “The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin, which explains the philosophy.
Alongside hairdressing, you’re also a photographer. How did your interest in photography begin, and how has it developed alongside your hairdressing career?
I remember being on a hair collection photoshoot with my parents when I was just 16, and my dad suggested I study photography in college… that’s exactly what I did! I was also extremely lucky that my teacher was Vivian Westwood’s fashion photographer from the late 80s. My passion for hair and photography really go hand in hand.
Alongside the photography, I’m also a videographer, and I actually have a music video that just landed on the desk of the Berlin Music Video Awards, so I am excited to see where that takes me too!
How does being an experienced hairdresser influence the way you approach photography?
Whenever I am behind the camera and capturing hair, I tend to look at how I can manipulate the composition, so the style is always the eye-catching focal point – with my experience with hair, I know how to create the showstopping looks! I always aim for front cover shots, and have been lucky enough to have 10 front covers in my time. Generally, everything depends on the lens and lighting.
You’ve achieved numerous awards and accolades throughout your career. What does being named a finalist for North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year at the British Hairdressing Awards 2026 mean to you?
Being named a finalist this year means everything to me. It is such an honour to be nominated within a highly competitive sector, but it means even more to be recognised for my work on a regional level. On a personal level, this reminds me of the career journey I’ve been on, and being able to represent my local area this year shows that consistency and continued hard work can help you to achieve your dreams.
This is now your fifth time as a British Hairdressing Awards finalist. What does achieving that level of recognition consistently mean to you?
Over the years, I have definitely continued to push myself beyond my comfort zone. I am passionate about going above and beyond with my work, sharing my expertise and doing my utmost best for my clients. I work hard to ensure I continually progress, perfect my technical skills and make an outstanding difference within the industry and my own career.
You’ve said you’re particularly proud of this year’s collection. Can you tell us about the collection, including the inspiration behind it, how you developed the looks and what you wanted the finished collection to express?
My collection is called Arcana, which translates to“uncovers the unseen”. It’s a study of contrast; I wanted to create a collection that blends precision with chaos, softness and strength, and the reality of imagination using bold shapes, texture and motion. Each image reveals a different secret, and it becomes a visual journey of transformation. It is a strong, hair-focused collection, with no distracting factors in the background. There are lots of bold shapes and colours, with a higher number of shorter styles – this is a gap I’ve noticed in hair collections.
Your photography work has previously featured in British Hairdressing Awards final collections. What was your involvement in the photography and creative direction of your 2026 British Hairdressing Awards collection, and how did the final images come together?
I produced everything myself; the whole collection done with just me, the models and my makeup artist. In the past I have worked on collections with a team and created mood boards but this year it was all about my headspace, I didn’t need to write anything down I knew exactly what I wanted to outcome to be. I just put myself into that creative mindset and got to work.
With the winners announced in November, what would winning North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year mean to you and your team, and what are your ambitions for the future?
Being announced as the winner of the North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year would mean the absolute world to me. It would help me continue to teach and contribute to the wider hairdressing community. I feel that I have dedicated my life to my work, and I would love to make my family proud. Seeing my name as a winner would feel like achieving a dream of mine, and an incredible accomplishment to celebrate!
Visit www.schwarzkopf-professional.com/gb/en/inspiration-education/events/british-hairdressing-awards.html to stay up to date with announcements of British Hairdressing Awards 2026 winners. Scan the QR code to see Ross’ latest music video.
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