HAIRSTYLIST Lisa Bates has been rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in music – but she won’t let it go to her head.
The senior stylist at The Vinery Hair Salon in Huddersfield helped performers look their best at the Chime for Change charity concert at Twickenham.
Lucky Lisa met stars such as Jay-Z, Elli Goulding, Rita Ora, Ryan Reynolds and US group Haim at the event, which was headlined by superstar Beyoncé.
She volunteered her time to help the charity, which aims to promote education, health and justice worldwide.
Beyoncé, fashion designer Frida Giannini and actress Salma Hayek are leading figures in the charity.
Lisa was at the event as part of the Sebastian Cult Team – a group of stylists and make-up artists assembled by hair products firm Sebastian Professional to work on various assignments, including fashion shoots.
Lisa has an 18-month contract with Sebastian, which she was offered after making a big impression during a workshop in Manchester.
Speaking about Chime for Change, she said: “It was a fantastic experience. The team went down to Twickenham the day before on press day and stayed overnight at a hotel.
“On the day of the concert, we were there from 10am until it finished at 11.30pm and then we were invited to one of the after parties. It was pretty much access all areas.”
Lisa said working in the frenzied atmosphere of the hair and make-up room at the concert was a world away from her usual role at the Belmont Street salon.
“You have to deal with whatever comes through the door,” she said. “It is generally styling on dry hair and it is all about speed.
“I was working on some of the artists, band members and dancers, including the lead singer of Haim.
“We were also able to watch the performers in rehearsal and bumped into quite a lot of A-listers.”
Lisa, who has an eight-year-old son, Christian, works at The Vinery three days a week and has a part-time career as an “educator” for Sebastian, visiting other salons across the North East to advise staff on the firm’s products.
Lisa, who lives at Lindley, only began training as a stylist after a varied career which included window dresser, chalet maid and sales account manager.
The former pupil of All Saints’ RC High School at Bradley studied graphic design at Dewsbury and Batley Art College after leaving school.
She was introduced to the hair and beauty world by working as an account manager for skincare specialist Clarins and then as a receptionist at a Huddersfield hair salon.
