Feature - Tracey Sajno Interview

Text / Images by Jamie Harrison // Published Wednesday 15 December 2010

Tracey Sajno talks exclusively about her inspiration, influences and philosophy of hair colouring and tells us how she uses MyHairDressers.com at Stockport College and what it means to her within Further Education. Tracy joined us at the new state of the art MyHairDressers.com studios where she filmed a hair colouring tutorial with model Katia Ivanova.

Why did you move into further education?

I believe there's a huge divide between private and college education. There was always a stigma attached to the colleges in this country and they undeservedly have a bad reputation in the private sector and among the bigger salon chains and brands. I believed I could make a difference. 

 
From where do you draw inspiration?

A multitude of places and people really, I don't take my inspiration from one place; I'm interested in the arts and music but my inspiration comes from a number of different sources. I find cities are a great source, different cites’ around Europe and the world. I feel that there's a certain calibre of person drawn to cities and I like that off the wall quirkiness that you can find in urban areas.

 
Who are your influences?

I'm influenced by many things and many people. But I think at the age I am, I can now pick a bit of everything to create something that's my own. There's not only one particular thing. People that inspire me, that 'wow' me, are those that can throw anything on and look fantastic, you know who can layer things and take a bit of this and that and just pull it off - hats off to them every time.
 

Do you have a favourite technique?

Not really. I feel that...to me it's about seeing a haircut and wanting to work with that cut. It's a like a marriage, so it's about whatever technique that will go with that. For today's look, we'll bring about a strong but very commercial look, but what I've done today can be done in a salon, or can be as strong or as subtle as you want it be. As long as it works with the haircut and the person, I think my favourite technique is my imagination!

 
What's hot right now?

Reds are obviously very big at the moment. But I think anything goes nowadays in terms of colour. I opted to not use any reds on the shoot I did today, because I felt it was appropriate to Katia. I think romantic is back, lots of romance, very feminine with a bit of a twist - a 1920s feel.

 
Do you have any favourite products?

I'm a little bit of a Wella, fan. It's not new but I love Wella Color Touch, it’s wonderful. It gives a lovely finish, with lots of shine, and makes hair look really healthy. As far as styling products go, it's got to be Moroccan Oil. I love it!

 
Do you have any tips or advice?

Give it your all and always think outside the box. Sometimes people feel they can only work within their vicinity, in a salon. I've had an absolute blast and continue to have one no-where's too far, nothing's too much. One of my favourites quotes is, "never go under it, never go over it, never go round it, just go through it". I think it makes you a better person for having gone through it. It's hard work and it's not an easy industry, it's ever changing. But if it's truly what you want, being a hairdresser is your passport to anywhere. Life's a ball, go and have it. It’s great!

 
What do you think of online education?

I've followed MyHairDressers.com for the last couple of years and there's been a massive growth. But the 24/7 hour access is imperative. It covers such a wide range, from the simplest most basic things to real creative cuts and colours and it ticks many boxes. We're in an era where we're conditioned to get education from a box, TV, MAC or PC, and as tutors, we're not always able to get it over to someone in one go. I love that MyHairDressers.com is chunked, you can stop, pause, rewind. It's pieced together so that someone can further their education at home. They can watch it and reproduce it themselves, then come back and watch part two. I love it, and it's great to be a part of it.
 

How's your day been?

Awesome! I’ve had a great day. We've been really well looked after, and met some really lovely people as well as old friends. It's been awesome; I can't wait to come back!