Dionne Smith is a celebrity Hairstylist within the fashion and entertainment industry. Having styled everyone from superstars to supermodels, Dionne Smith has the hairstylist job that some of us could only dream about.
With the likes of Venus Williams, Regina King, Jhene Aiko, Michaela Coel and so many more under her belt, we decided to speak with Ms Smith and find out how to steal her job.
Name: Dionne Smith
Job title: Hairstylist & Influencer
Company: DionneSmith.com
What does your job role entail?
I cover various things within the hair industry such as working with Celebrities, Photoshoots, Magazines, Blogs, Education & my real everyday clients. I specialise in Afro/Textured hair types but can work on all types of hair.
Describe your working day or week?
My weeks are never the same and I like that it’s varied, keeps it interesting. I could be doing everyday clients one day, then a photo shoot for my portfolio or a brand the next day. Then I could be somewhere across the globe, educating and training on hair and product use, or in a hotel somewhere in London making a celebrities hair look amazing.
Which key skills do you need to do your job?
I would say a will to learn and creative mind, as a lot of the magic done on hair comes from that.
What made you decide to go for this job role?
From a child, I have always dabbled in hair, from doing my sisters, neighbours and then building upwards on to clients, so I eventually fell into it full time and haven’t looked back since.
The best part of your job?
I love the way I make people feel when they look into the mirror after their hair is done and how it lifts them up! I also love how clients share and talk about things that may be going on in their lives, they say hairstylists are like therapists and this is so true!
The worst part of your job?
As a freelancer, your income is not always guaranteed and you have to also take care of all your admin, tax returns and bookings which can be tedious at times, but I guess on the flip side of that, its new skill sets being mastered.
If I’m choosing a course to study, what type of course suits this job best?
I would definitely say NVQ level 1 & 2 in hairdressing if your wanting to really go the distance and be classed as a true pro then Level 3 would also be a great course to take too.
Does work experience really help you to get a dream job?
I would say yes it does, as experience teaches so much, it’s not the only way to a dream job but it sure does help in growth.
Give us a tip on how to steal your job.
Get qualified. It really does make you stand out as a professional in this field and allows you to grow to newer heights. Make sure you love what you’re doing, be determined and ready to stand on your feet long hours. Get creative and don’t be scared to express your skills and stay current on trends and new things happening. Put simply, just go for it!
Follow Dionne Smith on Instagram @dionnesmithhair & @dionnesmithofficial
