We are very grateful to supply wigs for the cutting edge designs of Neil Lucas. And... this isn't the first time I have had the opportunity to work with Neil. Many years ago I was introduced to him by his mom, a wonderful tutor who I had met in a hair academy, where I shot upcoming hair stylists' portfolios. Neil was returning home after building a successful career as a leading stylist in London and he wanted to create original imagery of his work for the windows of his new luxurious hair salon in the Midlands. We had incredible fun collaborating, choosing fashion designers and models to showcase his creative hair designs.
I was delighted to cross paths with Neil again in 2021 as the universe guided him into the world of wigs. After the pandemic had such a damaging effect on so many salons, Neil began to translate his designs onto wigs to continue making an income. I have always admired that about Neil - he has a wonderfully creative mind and with his initiative and belief - he is always motivated to do something rather than sit back and accept fate.
Neil started his wig journey through Instagram, posting his first design and feeling very unsure whether anyone would get his vision. There really wasn’t many wigs like his in the sea of big glamorous drag wigs. After pushing himself to post - it was sold within the hour and that was the start of it all!
Coming from Toni & Guy as a stylist and educator, Neil is very creative with cutting techniques and this leads him in his career, especially in his successful wig business. He explains that he has learned to just goes with his gut. Posting that first wig on Instagram was a real test of that belief, because prior to hitting post, he had asked people close to him and they had discouraged him, even saying the wig ‘wasn’t great’.
I see this fear in a lot of people, it’s easy to scroll through other stylists work and feel intimidated or even feel that your work isn’t good enough. It feels comfortable to seek validation from people around you, but they maybe limited in themselves and enjoy comfort in the familiar zone. Those well meaning people can become your limitation! Neil and I agree that you have to take risks and you have to put yourself out there.
Neil's work has reached amazing people through his social media, creating some of the most amazing cutting edge styles for Doja Cat, Michelle Visage and an impressive list of fashion-forward Rugirls. As well as running his salon, Neil is now also passing on his skills to other stylists through training courses.
Be sure to give Neil a follow to join his journey on his Instagram. If you’d like to commission a wig or discuss training opportunities, he welcomes you to drop him a DM!