MEET THE WINNER - PROFESSIONAL BRIDAL STYLIST OF THE YEAR 2024: LIZ COOPER SPONSORED BY ZEN HAIR

Here is the fabulous article featuring Liz Cooper, the winner of Professional Bridal Stylist of the Year 2024 that was published by Professional Hairdresser Magazine in their May 25 issue : I stepped into the salon world of Storm Hair in Southampton after leaving school many moons ago! I then worked as a freelance stylist behind the chair, before deciding to take the leap and concentrate on my passion for bridal hairstyling in 2020. Just when I had set up my home boutique salon, lockdown hit and all my wedding bookings were cancelled! Instead, I set to work building my brand on social media and bonding with the digital styling community around me. I practised constantly on my doll heads, learning to perfect the boho style I am now recognised for.

In 2023 and 2024, I was a winner at the Beyond the Ponytail Styling Awards in America, which opened the exciting new doors of online education to a global audience.

I now specialise in boho bridal hairstyling, educating stylists through both online and in-person masterclasses, as well as my new venture of hosting content creating days!

What made you want to enter the first-ever Pro Hair Awards? I was just so excited to see a bridal hairstyling category! Bridal hairstyling is not always featured in the salon world, so a huge thank you to Pro Hair for giving it the recognition it deserves!

As a hairdresser working behind the chair and also styling for brides, this category combined my love of both worlds. There was no question that I was going to enter! I LOVE a competition; it’s what pushes our creativity and makes us masters of our craft. To receive the recognition for all the hard work you put into your business is just the best feeling in the world.

How did you feel when your name was announced as the winner of Professional Bridal Stylist of the Year 2024? I went to the awards thinking I was going just to celebrate being a finalist amongst such awesome talent. So when I heard my name, the world stopped! I honestly couldn’t believe it – it’s all a bit of a blur! It’s definitely a moment I keep reliving over and over again, especially when I’m facing a tough day. In that moment, I realised that all my hard work, sacrifices and determination had made my dream a reality. It was honestly just the most incredible feeling.

What was your favourite takeaway from the night?

Celebrating with so many incredible stylists was really uplifting. Getting to meet people that I follow on Instagram and sharing the evening with them was just a magical moment.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to enter the Pro Hair Awards next year? JUST DO IT! We are all our own worst critics, and that fear is what can put us off entering. However, if you learn to push through that, you can reap the rewards on the other side! I used the video editing app InShot to make my video entry with all of my favourite hair creations, and collating all my work together definitely made me proud to see everything I’d achieved over the year.

Do you have any exciting plans up your sleeve for the next year?

I have started hosting content creating days for bridal hairstylists. It offers them a chance to practise and perfect their techniques without the pressure of a wedding morning. These days are perfect for creating images for awards too.

How has winning Professional Bridal Stylist of the Year 2024 impacted your business and your clients?

It has given my brand the spotlight to help and inspire other bridal stylists to achieve their goals. My bridal clients are also very proud to be able to tell people they have an award-winning stylist! I will always be so grateful to Pro Hair for creating this fantastic opportunity

Lastly… where have you put your trophy?!

My trophy takes pride of place in my salon!

*Thank you to Professional Hairdresser for permission to use this article and for providing all the content and images. All Copyright remains with Professional Hairdresser Magazine.