What happens when a hairdresser learns to see the whole image?

Louis Driver and Jacqui McIntosh are joined by award-winning hairstylist and photographer Desmond Murray for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, career-building, competition work, hair photography and the value of mentorship. Desmond reflects on his route into hairdressing, the people who shaped him and how learning photography changed the way he creates and sees hair.

He explains why a successful image is about far more than the hair alone: it is the model, styling, make-up, clothes, lighting, concept and shared direction behind the lens. From mood boards and creative risk to the role of AI and the importance of choosing good role models, this episode is a generous look at the work behind an enduring creative career.

Key Topics Covered

• Desmond Murray’s journey into hairdressing and photography
• Early mentors, discipline and learning through observation
• Competition work, resilience and stepping outside your comfort zone
• How photography changed his approach to hair imagery
• Why hair is one part of a bigger visual story
• Choosing models, creating a concept and using mood boards
• Hair collections, awards and the value of continual growth
• AI, photography and keeping human creativity at the centre
• Finding passion, choosing role models and being willing to graft

Stay Connected

Follow the hosts:
Louis Driver: @louisdoeshair
Jacqui McIntosh: @jacqui.mcintosh

Follow Desmond Murray:
@desmondmurray

Follow Avlon:
Avlon: @avlon
Avlon UK: @avlonuk

Production Credits

Producers: Louis Driver & Jacqui McIntosh
Recorded at: Storyhouse Studios — @storyhouse_studios

The Detangled Podcast is part of Avlon Europe. Discover more at:
https://avloneurope.co.uk/