Danny Richardson, famed for his transformational hair styles on E4’s Body Fixers, joined Level 3 hairdressing students for an inspirational tutorial on how to boost their social media portfolios through Instagram.
The 27-year-old, who hails from Kirkby-in-Ashfield, regularly stars on the E4 programme which features people who have extreme and often shocking hair and beauty fails. Danny and other stylists and professionals join together in a one-stop shop to give clients an instant beauty fix.
His visit yesterday, (8 January) kicked off the New Year at college for students who are studying at the college’s Derby Road-based Revive salon and spa. Learners picked up his top tips on how to make their professional portfolios really stand out on Instagram and how to get recognised.
His advice to students on gaining followers and following inspirational stylists and hair trends came after his own success was boosted by building up his Instagram account.
Stating that the popular app has helped him be where he is today, Danny added: “Instagram is a fantastic platform to gain publicity as a stylist. Back when I was a student the aim was to create a physical book of photographs for your portfolio. Now we have the digital means to share these portfolios far and wide.
“It was through Instagram that I was approached to do television for Body Fixers so I appreciate how far-reaching your profile and reputation can be on there.”
Students took part in a question and answer session with Danny, and discovered more about his journey in the hairdressing industry and how he’s worked abroad with clients, how he ventured into television work and what it’s been like setting up his new Sheffield-based business – Black Cactus Salon.
Danny’s advice for new stylists is to display great confidence in their skills. He said: “I only got my confidence through knowledge. In the beginning I was shy and was uncertain of my skills. So I put my all into learning, not just the theory, but the practical elements and just did it over and over until I felt that confidence.
“My advice to students is to never be shy of a challenge. Go for it because you never know what you might create.”
Level 3 hairdressing student Karen Albrighton said: “Danny is such an inspirational person and I admire his honesty about the industry and am inspired by his passion and energy.
“I will be going to New York in the summer to work with a few clients I’ve made through contacts, so I am definitely going to take some of Danny’s great advice and get my Instagram account focused and smart before I venture out there.”