In this exclusive interview, we talk to Liverpool’s multi-award winning stylist and salon owner, Michael Franks. Having just styled hair for the music artists at Download Festival, Michael has worked for the likes of NBC News, the Irish President and top sports stars — developing a reputation as one of the best in the industry.
Michael and his partner Darryl, a lifelong Liverpool fan, opened Michael Franks salon on The Strand in Liverpool in 2017 and have consistently been one of the highest rated salons in the region. Michael Franks salon has gone on to win many awards such as Best Salon In Merseyside, the Diversity & Inclusion award at the LGBTQ+ Business Awards and others.
To book a treatment visit their WEBSITE or call 0151 345 6148!
LVL: So, firstly how are you and how is life at the salon?
MICHAEL: I am really good thank you, life at the salon is great, nice and busy. We recently had Eurovision right in front of us on the waterfront which has been amazing to see and experience the atmosphere.
To book a treatment visit their WEBSITE or call 0151 345 6148!
LVL: Taking it back to the start, how did you get into hairdressing?
MICHAEL: I started working Saturdays in a salon back in Essex where I grew up. At 16 straight from school I moved to London and started working and training with TONI&GUY. Hairdressing was always something I wanted to do but always had people trying to put me off doing it so thought I’d give it a go for a year and see what happens! Once I got to see what it was all about I was even more set on it!
LVL: How did you work your way up and progress?
MICHAEL: I started off as a Salon Assistant, working alongside the hairdressers, attending college and training — during the evenings I completed my NVQ qualifications. I worked my way through the salon stylist levels and became a technical (colourist) director and then gained the L’Oreal colour specialist qualification. I then trained to do cutting and styling and I was one of the first to do that in the company as up to then you were only allowed to specialise in one or the other.
To book a treatment visit their WEBSITE or call 0151 345 6148!
LVL: What made you choose Liverpool as the city to open your own salon in?
MICHAEL: It’s an amazing city with incredible people and we instantly fell in love with the city from the first time we visited. The diversity, culture and style of the city was exactly what we wanted to be part of — plus Darryl is a huge Liverpool and Paul McCartney fan!
LVL: How would you compare salon life in Liverpool to down south?
MICHAEL: Liverpool has its own rhythm, I don’t think there is anywhere else like it. It’s full of amazing, creative, fun and friendly people that are the most welcoming and for me this shines through in everything including salon life.
To book a treatment visit their WEBSITE or call 0151 345 6148!
LVL: Michael Franks has become one of the highest rated salons around — what’s the secret to your success?
MICHAEL: Listening, trying our best and having an incredible team that works well together.
To book a treatment visit their WEBSITE or call 0151 345 6148!
LVL: You’ve won an award for diversity and inclusion — why is that? What do you do that’s so special?
MICHAEL: The award we won for diversity and inclusion is something we are very proud of. When creating the salon we wanted to create a space where both the client and stylist felt happy and comfortable to be themselves.
To do this we decided from the start we would have a gender neutral service menu. Hair has no gender, both women and men wear their hair short and long so we price by what we are doing not the gender of the person we are working on.
Having a private area was also important for us. For some it can be religious beliefs, some the over stimulation of the salon environment is uncomfortable and for some they just prefer to have a one on one service.
To book a treatment visit their WEBSITE or call 0151 345 6148!
LVL: What makes a good stylist?
MICHAEL: In my opinion it’s all about attitude. You need to love hairdressing, care about what you are doing and be prepared to evolve and learn.
To book a treatment visit their WEBSITE or call 0151 345 6148!
LVL: What’s it like having celebs and famous people as clients?
MICHAEL: To be honest just like having any other person as a client. I’ve been able to meet and work with some amazing people from singers and athletes to presidents. Each have been great and it’s so interesting hearing about their lives and what they are doing. I’m just doing my same job just in some exciting locations!
To book a treatment visit their WEBSITE or call 0151 345 6148!
LVL: And finally, what advice do you have for anyone wanting to get into the industry?
MICHAEL: Do your research, find the salon and brand you believe in and can see yourself aligning with. Take every opportunity you can to watch and assist, it’s the best way to learn.
Michael Franks / 33 Strand Street, Liverpool, L1 8LT / 0151 345 6148
To book a treatment visit their WEBSITE or call 0151 345 6148!
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