Andrew Clark, founder of the F.A.M.E. Team program says: “We’re keen to stress that being part of the F.A.M.E. Team does not necessarily make young hairdressers “famous"! It’s not an instant path to glory. However, it is a spectacular launch pad for young stylists, many of whom have gone on to become the key players in the industry over the past fifteen plus years. Over the course of the year F.A.M.E. Team members experience the creativity of their fellows and get an invaluable insight into how the top end of the industry really works. The Fellowship gives the team wings, and then it's up to them how and where they fly…"

F.A.M.E. Team

The Fellowship Academy of Merit and Excellence (F.A.M.E.) Team are selected annually to promote a new generation of bright young hairdressers Nominated exclusively by Fellowship members the potential team members undergo a rigorous selection process that includes photographic work, a test of the candidates' ability to recreate their photographs under time pressure, a detailed CV, an in-depth interview, a haircut, a long hair assessment and a 2-minute live demonstration of their hairdressing skills onstage at Salon.

A busy and fulfilling year is organised for the F.A.M.E Team. This involves photographic shoots, media publicity, fashion shows, hairdressing seminars and events. Above all the team hone their skills and are given a unique platform to shine.

Top hairdressers who started their careers in the F.A.M.E Team include Umberto Giannini, Errol Douglas, Antoinette Beenders, Lisa Shepherd, Carolyn Newman, Paul Merritt, Zoë Irwin
… and many more.

Introducing the F.A.M.E. TEAM 2010
“Remember, you saw them here first…!”™

Ross Taylor, 25, from Falltrick's Hairdressing, Romford
 “When I first starting talking to Paul about entering the F.A.M.E. Team competition a year ago, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d get this far. It was a dream, an ambition and I can’t believe I’m actually in the 2010 F.A.M.E Team! When I was shortlisted to the final 24, what an honour! After spending the day re-creating the image I’d originally submitted it hit me. I loved the experience so much and it made me long for a place on the F.A.M.E. Team even more. I’ve trained and worked at Falltrick’s for seven years so it’s going to be a fantastic opportunity to work with other hairdressers and learn their wealth of knowledge too. My ultimate ambition is to win the British Hairdresser of The Year award – tell me a hairdresser who doesn’t! But for now I’m just going to enjoy the amazing experience I’ve been given by landing a place on the F.A.M.E. Team.”

Olive Tucker, 26, House of Colour, Dublin
 “I still can’t believe what’s happening to me. Being picked for the F.A.M.E. Team 2010 is my fairytale come true! I entered last year and when I wasn’t selected, instead of focusing on the negative, I immediately applied for the next year making sure the work I submitted was my best ever. I focused on every detail, so the hair I created was pure perfection and it worked! Amazing! Being only the fourth Irish girl to ever make the team makes me feel so proud and the thought of working alongside Errol Douglas – one of my hairdressing icons – is almost too fantastic to envisage. If I look at my year ahead, the thing that excites me the most is our trip to Australia in June. Never did I imagine my career would take me to there. Ultimately, I want to be the female Angelo Seminara – a long way off I know but, if I can achieve what he has at some point in my career, that will top it off for me. Bring on 2010!”

Ben Moth, 24, Brooks and Brooks, London
 “This is my second year of entry and I just missed out last year coming fifth. Hugely disappointing and frustrating on my part but never did I think of giving up - in fact the opposite. I corrected the errors I made which lost me a place last year and built on growing my confidence. When my name was called out at the Fellowship Luncheon & Awards, I cannot explain the feeling of relief. Mainly because my work has been appreciated and liked - it was an amazing emotion. The year ahead is all mapped out and I’m most excited about working with the three other F.A.M.E. Team members. Bouncing off ideas and working to create something original will be awesome and hopefully, with all our creative input we can take the 2010 F.A.M.E. Team to the next level. I try not to set myself ambition goals, preferring to enjoy the moment and make the most of this brilliant opportunity. I spend lots of time doing session styling and I’m happy to carry on with this but focus on stepping it up and getting my name out there. This F.A.M.E. Team opportunity will hopefully allow this to happen.”

Kim Rance, 21, Clipso, Watford
 “I was truly shocked when my name was announced at the Fellowship Luncheon & Awards. I honestly didn’t think my work was good enough to win myself a place on the F.A.M.E. Team so I just decided to go and enjoy the lunch and a day away from the salon! The year ahead just seems so exciting. To work with Errol and Bruno will be inspiring, as I’ve admired their work and commitment to hairdressing since I started training. I do get such a buzz when entering awards and competitions – I’d say that’s what I love most about my job at the moment. I just missed out on the L’Oreal Colour Trophy this year so one of my future ambitions is to win that. I do put my whole heart and soul into my job so when it comes to competitions, I know I’ve done the very best I can do. So to get selected for the F.A.M.E. Team is such an amazing compliment. I haven’t set myself a career map, I want to enjoy my time on the F.A.M.E. Team and relish meeting lots of amazing people and I’m sure after a year working on the team my hairdressing ambitions will increase tenfold.”

2010 F.A.M.E. Team Artistic Director - Errol Douglas
Team Manager - Bruno Marc