Australian Wendy Iles is famous for creating many celebrities hair styles.
Since becoming a hair stylist to the stars, the brilliant hairdresser has created famous looks for many of the biggest names.
Wendy famously worked with singer Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, for her ‘Crazy Stupid Love’ and ‘I Don’t Care’ videos, and has also worked with Cheryl for The X Factor
Iles regularly works with massive names including Heidi Klum, Keira Knightley, Kate Hudson, Marion Cotillard etc.
I was lucky enough to catch up with amazing Wendy for a chat about working with Cheryl, Hair disasters and exciting hair tips, and also chats about the launch of her new product ‘Iles Formula’
When did you realise you wanted to be a hairstylist?
Since I was 5 years old, I always wanted to be a hairdresser.
What was you first job working with hair?
It was in a salon. Although today I freelance, those salon years were a great education as it taught me not only haircutting and coiffure but discipline as well.
When did you start working with celebrities?
It was a natural progression, as the level of work became “haute gamme” the celebrities arrived with it.
Who was the first celebrity you worked with?
Possibly Elton John
What is your favourite hairstyle to create?
I love doing longer hair, as I can really turn this into something sumptuous and beautiful some call it Red Carpet hair, also it has the most problems, split ends, dryness, It gives me scope to perform my “miracles” with Iles Formula .
So do you prefer styling long hair to short hair?
I don’t have a preference, all hair is interesting to me, but long hair is a bigger challenge.
What products are your favourites to use?
Iles Formula, these are my 3 “on set” formulas that are now available to the public. I launched them in the USA five weeks ago. I don’t use mousses, hairspray’s or gels. I just use my Iles Formula hair care repair. These formulas have won me the reputation of my signature ‘spun silk’ hairstyle.
You have worked with many big names, do you have a particular favourite?
I like all my clients for all sorts of different reasons, they are all talented and have dynamic personalties .
You do a lot of work with Cheryl Fernandez-Versini what is she like to work with?
I love Cheryl, she is so special to me and very close to my heart. Cheryl is very considerate and a very hard working professional .
What has been your favourite look you have created for Cheryl?
I loved the hair we created for the photo promo of “Crazy Stupid Love”. I also liked what we just did last week on X Factor where I cut layers into her hair and created a soft wave .
What has been your favourite video shoot look you have created?
There are many, but my favourites are those where the hair takes importance. Like maybe the photo shoot for ‘Crazy Stupid Love’.
Will you be doing any more work with Cheryl for this year’s X Factor?
Maybe, but X Factor is a bulk of work and its complicated with my time table to juggle, but I was very happy to reconnect last week with Cheryl. We have been trying for a while and finally the dates fitted .
Are there any other celebrities that you would like to work with?
I’m amongst many celebrities and like them all.
Have you had any bad experiences with a celebrity?
Not yet. touch wood! I Hope I never do, I always strive to please them .
Have you ever had any hair disasters?
Yes, but not through any fault of my own. I was on a hair campaign and the colourist over cooked the blonde hair and the models hair started falling off in my hands. I nearly died. This was before Iles Formula was born, so I had absolutely no rescue back up. Since that day I’m always super nervous about who is doing the colour work on my hair campaigns.
You have recently released your own brand, how is that going?
Iles Formula is “On Fire”. We are selling very well, and so many great comments and compliments float back to us every day.
If you weren’t a hair stylist what would you be?
Only a hairstylist, no other option. I love hair, I breathe hair, I dream about hair!
Do you have any advice for budding hair stylists?
Believe in yourself, perform your very best at all times, be professional and remember that the client is always right. Advise them but don’t contradict them.
You can follow Wendy on Twitter @IlesWendy and on Instagram @wendyiles_hair
You can check out more of Iles’ work, and find out more info about the hair stylist here: www.wendyiles.com
For more information on ‘Iles Formula’ you can check out the website here: http://ilesformula.com/