The Detangled Podcast

To close Season 2, Louis Driver and Jacqui McIntosh are joined by Paul Mills, Assessment and Quality Manager at Skills England, for a vital conversation about hairdressing education, qualifications, standards and the future of the industry.

Drawing on decades of experience as a hairdresser, barber, lecturer, qualification developer and quality-assurance professional, Paul explains the systems that sit behind training and assessment. They discuss National Occupational Standards, apprenticeships, end-point assessment, competition work, quality assurance and why teaching skill is different from simply having it.

The conversation also addresses the need for stronger theory, better understanding of hair and scalp health, and more confidence in working across different hair needs. The episode closes with the introduction of Avlon ACE — Avlon Curl Expert — a certification designed to deepen knowledge around curls, coils, hair properties, scalp health and practical professional understanding.

Key Topics Covered

• Paul Mills’ journey from hairdresser and barber to Skills England
• National Occupational Standards and what they mean in hairdressing
• Education across different hair needs and professional confidence
• Why qualifications, curricula and funding matter
• Competition work as a way to develop standards and resilience
• Training the trainer and understanding quality assurance
• What makes an apprenticeship effective
• Independent assessment and the role of end-point assessment
• Why the industry needs more theory, hair knowledge and scalp awareness
• Hairdressing, trichology and the changing needs of clients
• Introducing Avlon ACE — Avlon Curl Expert certification

Stay Connected

Follow the hosts:
Louis Driver: @louisdoeshair
Jacqui McIntosh: @jacqui.mcintosh

Follow Avlon:
Avlon: @avlon
Avlon UK: @avlonuk

Production Credits

Producers: Louis Driver & Jacqui McIntosh
Recorded at: Storyhouse Studios — @storyhouse_studios

The Detangled Podcast is part of Avlon Europe. Discover more at:https://avloneurope.co.uk/

What does it take to build a career that lasts — while continuing to evolve?

Louis Driver and Jacqui McIntosh are joined by Errol Douglas MBE for a candid conversation about legacy, technical excellence, mentorship and the art of hairdressing.

Errol reflects on building an international career, establishing his Knightsbridge salon and mentoring generations of stylists. He shares why he sees himself as a visual artist rather than being defined by one category of hair, why a broad understanding of hair is essential, and why relationships remain at the heart of the profession.

They also explore Errol’s awards journey: the creative ambition behind his collections, the resilience required to keep entering, evolving and putting work forward, and the personal meaning of being recognised on an international stage. Errol reflects on receiving his MBE for his contribution to education, charity and mentoring — and why that moment, shared with his family, remains one of the most significant of his career.

From creative direction and salon standards to client confidentiality and staying ahead of what is next, this episode is an honest conversation about building a meaningful career — grounded in skill, curiosity, professionalism and passion.

Key Topics Covered

• Errol Douglas MBE’s career, Knightsbridge salon and international work
• Technical excellence and understanding hair across different needs
• Why Errol identifies as a visual artist
• Building a salon team and mentoring the next generation
• The importance of being present and hands-on as a leader
• Creativity, collections and staying ahead of trends
• Errol’s awards journey and international recognition
• Resilience, reinvention and continuing to put your work forward
• Receiving an MBE and the recognition of education, charity work and mentoring
• The personal and family significance of the investiture
• The personal meaning behind achievement and recognition
• Working with purpose across salon, stage, editorial and education
• Client relationships, confidentiality and professional standards
• Protecting the reputation of hairdressing in the social-media age
• Curiosity, research and never stopping learning
• Legacy, passion and building a career with purpose

Stay Connected

Follow the hosts:
Louis Driver: @louisdoeshair
Jacqui McIntosh: @jacqui.mcintosh

Follow Errol Douglas MBE:
@erroldouglashair

@erroldouglasldn

@erroldouglas.club

Follow Avlon:
Avlon: @avlon
Avlon UK: @avlonuk

Production Credits

Producers: Louis Driver & Jacqui McIntosh
Recorded at: Storyhouse Studios — @storyhouse_studios

The Detangled Podcast is part of Avlon Europe. Discover more at:https://avloneurope.co.uk/

Avlon Inspire Club was created to give back to the salons that continue to support the brand.

In this episode of The Detangled Podcast by Avlon, Louis Driver and Jacqui McIntosh are joined by Ladelle Fauvette, Avlon Inspire Club Manager, and Nana Mills from Yana Hair Sanctuary to explore the purpose behind the Club: inspiring and educating salon professionals through meaningful, ongoing support.

They discuss how Inspire Club has grown into a space where salons can access education, ask questions, connect with other professionals and develop their business with confidence. From specialist sessions and practical product knowledge to Salon Spotlight, networking and client education, the conversation centres on helping salons feel seen, supported and equipped to keep moving forward.

More than a membership, Inspire Club is about investing in the people behind the chair — sharing knowledge, creating opportunity and helping salons deliver even more for their clients.

Key Topics Covered

• Why Avlon Inspire Club was created
• Giving back to the salons that support Avlon
• Inspiring and educating salon professionals beyond product knowledge
• Creating a supportive space for questions, learning and growth
• The role of continued education in building salon confidence
• Inspire Talk sessions, including mixology, scalpology and menopause education
• Salon Spotlight and giving salons greater visibility
• Building connection and networking opportunities across the salon community
• How Nana Mills and Yana Hair Sanctuary use Inspire Club learning with clients
• Scalp care, bespoke treatments and client education
• Supporting salons at different stages and sizes through the membership structure
• Creating opportunity, sharing knowledge and raising standards together

Stay Connected

Follow the hosts:
Louis Driver: @louisdoeshair
Jacqui McIntosh: @jacqui.mcintosh

Follow the guests:
@yanahairsanctuary
@ladellefauvette

Follow Avlon:
Avlon: @avlon
Avlon UK: @avlonuk

Production Credits

Producers: Louis Driver & Jacqui McIntosh
Recorded at: Storyhouse Studios — @storyhouse_studios

The Detangled Podcast is part of Avlon Europe. Discover more at:https://avloneurope.co.uk/

What happens when a hairdresser learns to see the whole image?

Louis Driver and Jacqui McIntosh are joined by award-winning hairstylist and photographer Desmond Murray for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, career-building, competition work, hair photography and the value of mentorship. Desmond reflects on his route into hairdressing, the people who shaped him and how learning photography changed the way he creates and sees hair.

He explains why a successful image is about far more than the hair alone: it is the model, styling, make-up, clothes, lighting, concept and shared direction behind the lens. From mood boards and creative risk to the role of AI and the importance of choosing good role models, this episode is a generous look at the work behind an enduring creative career.

Key Topics Covered

• Desmond Murray’s journey into hairdressing and photography
• Early mentors, discipline and learning through observation
• Competition work, resilience and stepping outside your comfort zone
• How photography changed his approach to hair imagery
• Why hair is one part of a bigger visual story
• Choosing models, creating a concept and using mood boards
• Hair collections, awards and the value of continual growth
• AI, photography and keeping human creativity at the centre
• Finding passion, choosing role models and being willing to graft

Stay Connected

Follow the hosts:
Louis Driver: @louisdoeshair
Jacqui McIntosh: @jacqui.mcintosh

Follow Desmond Murray:
@desmondmurray

Follow Avlon:
Avlon: @avlon
Avlon UK: @avlonuk

Production Credits

Producers: Louis Driver & Jacqui McIntosh
Recorded at: Storyhouse Studios — @storyhouse_studios

The Detangled Podcast is part of Avlon Europe. Discover more at:
https://avloneurope.co.uk/

In this episode of The Detangled Podcast by Avlon, Louis Driver and Jacqui McIntosh are joined by Lorraine Dublin — celebrity stylist, educator and salon co-owner with 27 years of experience across salon, screen and session work.

Lorraine shares the real foundations of a career that has taken her from the salon chair to red carpets, television and major film productions. She discusses the technical range, professionalism and adaptability needed to work across different settings — and why the skills built behind the chair are what make every other opportunity possible.

This is a conversation about trusting your craft, staying open to opportunities and continuing to learn. From working under pressure and making styles last, to meaningful consultations, education for curls and coils, and building a salon space that supports independent professionals, Lorraine offers a grounded perspective on what it takes to build a lasting career in hairdressing.

Key Topics Covered

• Lorraine Dublin’s career across salon, screen, session work and education
• Building a career through trusted relationships and recommendations
• The technical skill, preparation and adaptability behind high-pressure styling
• Why every client, whatever the setting, deserves the same level of service
• Making a style last when time is short
• The value of strong consultations and understanding individual hair goals
• Working across different hair needs, techniques and styling outcomes
• Co-owning a salon space and supporting independent professionals
• Why curls and coils education needs depth, time and practical experience
• The importance of qualifications, fundamentals and salon experience
• Why demonstrated skill matters more than online visibility
• Staying open to opportunities, learning from every job and letting your work speak for itself

Stay Connected

Follow the hosts:
Louis Driver: @louisdoeshair
Jacqui McIntosh: @jacqui.mcintosh

Follow Lorraine Dublin:
@lorraine_dublin

Follow Avlon:
Avlon: @avlon
Avlon UK: @avlonuk

Production Credits

Producers: Louis Driver & Jacqui McIntosh
Recorded at: Storyhouse Studios — @storyhouse_studios

The Detangled Podcast is part of Avlon Europe. Discover more at:
https://avloneurope.co.uk/

In this episode of The Detangled Podcast by Avlon, Louis Driver and Jacqui McIntosh are joined by freelance hairdresser and Avlon educator Rachel Feltham, who runs her own home-based studio.

Rachel shares the energy, curiosity and continual thinking behind building an independent career in hairdressing. From creating a professional space at home and developing her own way of working, to navigating social media, education and visibility within the industry, this is a conversation about building a career that reflects who you are.

For professionals who want to keep learning, keep questioning and keep moving forward, Rachel offers an honest perspective on independence, creativity and trusting your own direction.

Key Topics Covered

Building a freelance hairdressing career from a home-based studio

Creating a professional salon experience within a home setting

Finding independence and developing your own way of working

Creativity, curiosity and keeping ideas moving

Growing confidence in your craft and career decisions

Rachel’s journey into education and becoming an Avlon educator

The value of continued learning and professional development

Navigating social media as an independent hairdresser

Using social media to share work, build community and create visibility

Staying connected to the wider hair industry beyond the salon chair

Stay Connected

Follow the hosts:
Louis Driver: @louisdoeshair
Jacqui McIntosh: @jacqui.mcintosh

Follow Rachel Feltham:
@rachelhhairstudio

Follow Avlon:
Avlon: @avlon
Avlon UK: @avlonuk

Production Credits

Producers: Louis Driver & Jacqui McIntosh
Recorded at: Storyhouse Studios — @storyhouse_studios
Cover Artwork Illustration: @bibanabi
Cover Design: Louis Driver

The Detangled Podcast is part of Avlon Europe. Discover more at:
https://avloneurope.co.uk/

Relaxers are one of the most talked-about — and misunderstood — services in haircare.

In this episode of The Detangled Podcast by Avlon, Louis Driver and Jacqui McIntosh are joined by Samantha Golding, founder of SG Hair Birmingham and a chemical-services specialist with more than 30 years of in-salon experience. Together, they demystify relaxers: challenging the idea that they are automatically harsh, outdated or one-size-fits-all, and bringing the conversation back to knowledge, choice and professional expertise.

Samantha explains that a relaxer is not simply a product or a process. In the right professional hands, it is a prescriptive service shaped around the client’s hair, scalp, styling goals, lifestyle and commitment to aftercare. She also explores where Texture Release may fit into a client’s journey, but keeps the focus on the detail, assessment and understanding required before any chemical service takes place.

From misinformation online to scalp analysis, hair mapping, home care and the reality of maintaining a style, this is a grounded conversation about what relaxers can be — when education and experience lead the way.

Revised Key Topics Covered

• Demystifying relaxers and challenging common misconceptions
• Why relaxers are not automatically harsh or one-size-fits-all
• Samantha Golding’s 30 years of in-salon chemical-service experience
• The difference between online “knowledge” and informed professional advice
• How relaxer strengths and formulations can be prescribed to individual needs
• Why the scalp, skin condition and hair history matter
• In-depth consultation, virtual assessment and scalp analysis
• The role of hair mapping in professional relaxer services
• Texture Release as one option within a wider, personalised approach
• Matching a service to a client’s desired look, lifestyle and maintenance routine
• Shampooing, hydration and home care as part of relaxer longevity
• Why skilled application, training and professional judgement are essential

Stay Connected

Follow the hosts:
Louis Driver: @louisdoeshair
Jacqui McIntosh: @jacqui.mcintosh

Follow Samantha Golding / SG Hair Birmingham:
@sghairsalon

Follow Avlon:
Avlon: @avlon
Avlon UK: @avlonuk

Production Credits

Producers: Louis Driver & Jacqui McIntosh
Recorded at: Storyhouse Studios — @storyhouse_studios

The Detangled Podcast is part of Avlon Europe. Discover more at:
https://avloneurope.co.uk/

Heat styling does not have to be feared — but it does need to be understood.

Louis Driver and Jacqui McIntosh are joined by Nancy Rae, Digital Marketing Coordinator at Cloud Nine, to discuss heat protection, heat damage, styling temperature and the everyday habits that can make a difference to the condition of the hair. Together, they challenge the idea that one temperature suits everyone and explore how hair condition, chemical services, lifestyle and desired result should all inform how heat is used.

They cover the importance of preparation, sectioning, hydration, appropriate tools and salon-to-home education. Whether you use straighteners, a blow-dryer or a diffuser, this episode offers a more thoughtful way to approach heat styling — with room for choice, creativity and healthy-looking hair.

Key Topics Covered

• Why one heat setting does not suit every head of hair
• Heat styling for curls, coils, colour-treated and chemically treated hair
• Heat protectant, hydration and preparation before styling
• Why correct sectioning can reduce repeated passes
• The difference between salon heat styling and home maintenance
• Common myths around “optimum” styling temperatures
• Heat awareness during menopause, postpartum changes and other life stages
• Maintaining colour, shine and condition when using heated tools
• Cloud Nine’s Temperature Calculator and Healthy Hair Hub
• Giving clients the confidence to style safely at home

Stay Connected

Follow the hosts:
Louis Driver: @louisdoeshair
Jacqui McIntosh: @jacqui.mcintosh

Follow Avlon:
Avlon: @avlon
Avlon UK: @avlonuk

Follow Cloud Nine:
@nancyrae_

@cloudninehair

Temperature Calculator: https://www.cloudninehair.com/pages/temperature-calculator

Production Credits

Producers: Louis Driver & Jacqui McIntosh
Recorded at: Storyhouse Studios — @storyhouse_studios

The Detangled Podcast is part of Avlon Europe. Discover more at: https://avloneurope.co.uk/

What does it mean to grow up with curly hair — and how does that relationship change as you get older?

In this episode of The Detangled Podcast by Avlon, Louis Driver and Jacqui McIntosh are joined by Blair Lawrence-Broughton and Jess McIntosh for an honest conversation about hair stories, family influence, confidence and learning what works for you. From childhood hair routines and big hair changes to learning how to care for curls independently, they share the personal moments that shape how we see and wear our hair.

They also discuss chemical services, natural hair journeys, maintenance, trusting the person in charge of your hair and why curiosity is an important part of finding a routine that works. This episode is a warm, lived-experience conversation about choice, care and making your own hair story.

Key Topics Covered

• Growing up with curly hair and learning to care for it
• Family influence, trust and salon experiences
• Hair identity, confidence and personal style
• Cutting hair, starting again and embracing change
• Relaxers, Texture Release and having options
• Hair maintenance, treatments and creating a realistic routine
• Heat styling, aftercare and protecting the hair
• Finding a stylist or salon you can trust
• Why curiosity and reliable information matter

Stay Connected

Follow the hosts:
Louis Driver: @louisdoeshair
Jacqui McIntosh: @jacqui.mcintosh

Follow the guests:
Blair Lawrence-Broughton: @blairl1
Jess McIntosh: @sunsetjes

Follow Avlon:
Avlon: @avlon
Avlon UK: @avlonuk

Production Credits

Producers: Louis Driver & Jacqui McIntosh
Recorded at: Storyhouse Studios — @storyhouse_studios

The Detangled Podcast is part of Avlon Europe. Discover more at: https://avloneurope.co.uk/

What does “texture” really mean in hairdressing today — and is it still the most useful word to use? 

In the Season 2 opener of The Detangled Podcast by Avlon, Louis Driver and Jacqui McIntosh explore the language of curly hair: curl patterns, hair characteristics, hair classification and the individuality of every head of hair. They discuss why broad labels can create confusion, why consultations need to go beyond hair type, and how hair science, practical experience and ongoing education can help professionals work with greater confidence. 

This is an open conversation for hair professionals, students and anyone curious about curls and coils — not about finding one perfect label but asking better questions and understanding hair more deeply. 

Key Topics Covered 

• What “texture” means in modern hairdressing 

• Why broad labels can create confusion for clients and professionals 

• The difference between curl pattern, hair type and hair characteristics 

• Curl classification as a reference point, not a complete diagnosis 

• Why every client needs an individual consultation 

• The influence of social media and online hair advice 

• Why hair science, theory and technique need to work together 

• How hands-on learning builds professional confidence 

• The value of structured education for working with curls and coils 

• Avlon’s approach to product development, education and versatile haircare 

• Louis and Jacqui’s current Avlon product favourite 

  
  

Stay Connected 

Follow the hosts: 
Louis Driver: @louisdoeshair 
Jacqui McIntosh: @jacqui.mcintosh 

Follow Avlon: 
Avlon Europe: @avlon 
Avlon: @avlon 

Production Credits 

Producers: Louis Driver & Jacqui McIntosh 
Recorded at: Storyhouse Studios - @storyhouse_studios

The Detangled Podcast is part of Avlon Europe. Discover more at -https://avloneurope.co.uk/