The Team

Salon Director Claire Mariscal has been a qualified stylist for 19 years.  She has worked for a large hairdressing chain in Australia, Greys Hairdressing in Hertfordshire, and a luxury spa group in Bermuda.  

Back in the UK again, Claire worked for celebrity hair stylist Charles Worthington before returning to Greys Hairdressing where she managed their three salons for 12 years.

Claire was also chosen to take part in the L'Oréal Professionnel ID Artist programme, one of the most sought after educational opportunities for talented, inspired and motivated hairdressers.  ID artists are coached in the latest catwalk looks, session hairdressing, cutting &  styling techniques, and the latest hair trends.

Let's find out a little more about Claire...

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Which styles or colours do you absolutely love doing?  I love anything to do with colour,  being creative and  trying new techniques.  I enjoy every aspect including bold and fresh colours, soft and subtle change, and sharp short hair cuts.  I love bringing someone's hair to life by creating a fresh new style and colour that suits them and works best for their hair.  I also enjoy artistic work on fashion shows and shoots.  

What do you love about being a hairdresser?  I love being part of this artistic, professional industry and being part of a team.  There is nothing more rewarding than seeing clients leave the salon happy with their new hair and returning for you to do it all again. 

Which celebrity hair would you like to get your hands on and why?  I would love to do something creative with Cara Delevingne's hair.  You could do anything with her hair and it would look good!  Her hair colour could go bright and bold, dark or really light.  She could have a short style, long hair or an avant garde creation.  She is an open palette , short, long,  avant garde creation, she is an open palette to be creative with. 

Who or what inspires you to create fabulous hair?  I am inspired constantly by this industry of creative talented hairdressers, fashion, and new techniques by L'Oréal and all other great brands that have new ideas. 

If you had to live on a desert island, which three hair product items would you take with you?  Dry shampoo, serum, conditioner 

What is your ultimate ambition?  To turn Johnson Blythe Hairdressing into a successful business and to grow it into a very successful group of salons.

How would you describe yourself in three words?  Friendly, driven, ambitious. 

Salon Director Helen Elliott has been in the hairdressing industry for 23 years, starting out as a hairdressing apprentice in Australia.  

She has worked as a senior stylist for Saks and Elysian hair salons, and also has extensive experience managing salons including The Cutting Room and Greys Hairdressing, both in Hertfordshire. 

A specialist in wedding hair, Helen has travelled extensively around Europe and is now looking forward with excitement to running Johnson Blythe Hairdressing in Hertford with her best friend Claire Mariscal.  

Let's find out more about Helen in our fun Q&A...

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Which styles or colours do you absolutely love doing? I love all aspects of hairdressing. To me, a cut isn’t a cut without a big bouncy blow dry or some form of colour flowing through it. I would be lying to say there is one section of hairdressing I prefer - for me it's a mixture. Everything compliments each aspect. I love to do it all but I have to say I am renowned for my blow dry.

What do you love about being a hairdresser?  I love creating. I love making people feel good about themselves. Seeing a client genuinely happy after I have done their hair does it for me! 

Which celebrity hair would you like to get your hands on and why?  Tough one… there are loads! I love doing hair!! If I had to choose one, probably Cheryl Cole,  as she has good hair and really can pull off any style. As much as I love her long hair, I would love to take hers quite short as I think she would really suit it. 

Who or what inspires you to create fabulous hair?  Fashion, my friends, my three girls. They all love having their hair done and I love coming up with new ideas for them to keep it interesting and also to keep my mind going.  

If you had to live on a desert island, which three hair product items would you take with you?  Shampoo, serum, dry shampoo.

What is your ultimate ambition? I'm embarking on it right now, opening Johnson Blythe.  Then on to opening another one!

How would you describe yourself in three words?  Hardworking, courteous and control freak!