Isobel Hinks is on the crest of a new wave of British hairdressing talent. Her credits include London Fashion Week and magazine cover shoots for award-winning British bands, Elbow and The Jesus and Mary Chain. A recent move to New York offers her creative chops to clients at our Williamsburg, BK location. Get to know her in this Q&A.

Isobel, you left the UK as Creative Director for Vidal Sassoon, an iconic title in hairdressing. What made you want to come to ARROJO NYC?

I started at Sassoon when I was eighteen. I learned so much, had great experiences, like conceptualizing new trends and traveling across Europe as a platform artist. After twelve years, it was time to make a change. Nick and his brand is an inspiration. What he’s achieved is amazing. When I got the opportunity to come to New York, I had to take it. I’m biting my slice of Big Apple pie!

Isobel presenting trends for Vidal Sassoon, Warsaw, Poland

How do you feel about joining the team at ARROJO Williamsburg

I’m excited. Across Europe, there’s a buzz about what’s happening in Brooklyn. It’s the capital of street-inspired fashion and style, and now I work right in the heart of it. I want to absorb new inspirations and new energy to bring new layers of creativity to my work.

Hair cut & style by Isobel for Vidal Sassoon ODYSSEY A/W18 collection

It seems you have a lot of passion for the creative process. As a hairdresser, what kind of styles do you like to create?

The styles I like are never the same. I may love a style on one person and not like it at all on someone else. The hair cut is about the person –– what does it do to express their personality and individuality? For some, that’s a classic geometric shape in the Sassoon tradition, for others it’s grungy, rock and roll vibes. The key is to know when to do what, on who.

David Koma at London Fashion Week. Hair by Isobel for Vidal Sassoon

Are current trends similar on both sides of the Atlantic?

With social media influence growing and the influence of the runways diminishing, it’s all about the wearer now. People are more daring, revealing their identity more. I love doing hair because it speaks of the person’s style, whether it’s loud and punk or soft and demure. In the salon, the hottest current trends are for short bobs, and for bangs.

As one of the UK’s leading stylists you've done lots of shows and shoots. Can you talk of your experiences of leading fashion shows and working with platinum record selling bands?

London Fashion Week has amazing energy. Working with so many creative people inspires great work. The designer shares the brief, then we make it real. It’s a rush. You have to be quick and inventive. When the vision comes to life, it’s rewarding.

Music is part of who I am. I love rock and roll and the madchester era. I am lucky to have worked with many bands. What sets my approach apart, I think, is that I take care to understand what they want to portray. It’s music, but it’s also personality, and creating an image fans will identify with. It’s a lot of fun!

Q Magazine Elbow Cover Shoot. Hair & styling by Isobel

How does working on a show or cover shoot differ from working with clients in the salon?

There are differences between shows and shoots compared to working with clients but, ultimately, the goal is the same: You have to make the person look fabulous, and you have to give confidence. Whether it’s a model about to walk the runway, a musician about to do a cover shoot, or a client who wants to feel younger, giving confidence is the fine art of a great hairstyle.

Isobel takes appointments Tuesday at ARROJO Soho and Wednesday through Saturday at ARROJO Williamsburg. To book, please call: 718.215.6625.

Renowned British Stylist Joins the Team at ARROJO Williamsburg