Welcome to the first instalment of The Founder's Cut, a new editorial series by Haircare Group designed to spotlight the creators, makers, and innovators behind the brands we know and love. From rising stars to industry icons, we’ll be diving deep into their business journey, what it takes to build a brand, and what drives them.
Recently, we sat down with Natalie Anne from Natalie Anne Haircare, we chatted about all things from her beginnings as a third-generation hairdresser to the evolution of her namesake brand. Natalie talks openly about hard work, education, and building a business that stays true to its roots, while supporting the next generation of stylists.
What inspired you to become a hairdresser, and what was your first experience in the industry like?
Natalie Anne: I’m a third-generation hairdresser, I feel like hairdressing chose me. I’ve been in salons for as long as I can remember, one of my favourite memories was my first interview at Toni & Guy when I was just 14, lining up on Oxford Street for a job!
What was the biggest lesson you learned when moving from working behind the chair to running a business?
Natalie Anne: You need to learn how to train fast, and hard. Give your team the training and support they need to grow and thrive. You can’t do it all yourself. 
"Outwork everyone around you. Education is power."
Natalie Anne on Education in the Haircare Industry
What advice would you give to a stylist who wants to turn their everyday work into a brand?
Natalie Anne: Outwork everyone around you. Education is power. The more you know about every part of the industry, the better. From sales to marketing, product development, briefs, and managing a team, learn it all.
Education, and how to use Natalie Anne Haircare products is a major focus for your brand. Why is that such a priority for you?
Natalie Anne: It’s how we grow, survive, and thrive as an industry.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone opening a salon?
Natalie Anne: Keep your ear to the ground, learn to automate mundane tasks, and be customer centric. Make every decision about their experience because there’s no business without them (customers).
Social media has played a big part in your success. If you had the chance to do it again, what would you change?
Natalie Anne: Start more (social) pages and make more noise. Always.
How did you build awareness and keep Natalie Anne Haircare feeling authentic and community-focused?
Natalie Anne: Listening was the key to our success. Listening to our stylists, our customers, and staying agile. We focused on supporting them and sharing their content daily (as a way) to thank them for supporting us.
Your range follows a "less is more but keep it luxe" philosophy. What inspired that approach?
Natalie Anne: When I first started, I couldn’t afford a huge kit with a massive range of products. I had to be smarter. I asked myself, “How can one product have multiple functions?” That mindset shaped our hybrid product philosophy. Creating products that work for both stylists and their clients.
"I asked myself, how can one product have multiple functions?"
Natalie Anne on hybrid product
What led you to scale the professional side of your brand through a distribution partner, and why with Haircare Group?
Natalie Anne: We needed to focus on what we do best, which is product development and education. Partnering with a family business that aligned with our values was crucial, and Haircare Group is also the best in the business!
"Partnering with a family business that aligned with our values was crucial"
Natalie Anne on partnering with Haircare Group
What’s your go-to Natalie Anne Hair product/s that you keep with you at all times?
Natalie Anne: My Natalie Anne Haircare Volumising Powder and Mini Brush. Always.
A passion for good business... and great hair
Natalie Anne’s story is one of innovation, resilience, and a deep understanding of how a salon (and the stylists that run them) works. Drawing on her experience behind the chair, she has built a brand designed to meet the real needs of stylists and clients, creating a product line that has been tried, tested, and loved in and out of the salon. Through a clear focus on education, product innovation and backed by real results within the hairdressing community, Natalie Anne Haircare has carved out a place as a trusted name in professional hair.
Natalie Anne’s story is just the beginning. Haircare Group’s The Hub will continue to share insights and inspiration through The Founder's Cut, spotlighting the people, teams and stories behind the hair and beauty brands you know and trust.
