Louise Hughes: beauty expert and owner of Lulu’s in Bridge of Weir

Louise Hughes, Salon director at Lulu’s in Bridge of Weir, takes us through her career and preferred products

How did you start?
I started as a Saturday girl when I was 14 between two local Paisley salons, Harpers, which is now in Barrhead, and Romaulds which has since moved to Elderslie. I began my training in a local Bridge of Weir salon known as Cotters before securing a job in the world renowned Rita Rusk hair salon in Glasgow city centre. When I was 27, I opened my first hair salon in Renfrew called The Hair Boutique. Starting with one assistant, it grew to a team of 13 and won several hair and beauty awards. I’ve now gone full circle, opening a smaller salon in the village I grew up in. 

What’s the best thing about working in the hair industry?
The best thing is that no day is the same. Plus, you get great job satisfaction. 

What’s your favourite hair essential?
At the moment, the oil reflection range from Wella. I use it on most clients prior to blowdrying.

What’s your most asked for celebrity look?
The Kim Kardashian French twist updo.

What’s your go-to product and why?
Milkshake Leave-In Conditioner, it’s great for detangling after colour and as a cutting lotion. Plus, it adds extra protection against the heat of the hair dryer. 

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What’s your favourite hair treatment?
I love Wella’s heat protection spray called thermal image, I use it on pre-blow dried hair before any heated tools. 

What’s the most popular treatment/service at Lulu’s?
Balayage is still a strong contender. Clients are loving that and it’s a low maintenance service. 

Lastly, what’s your top tip for relaxing at home?
When Sunday comes around, I like to have a Wella oil reflections Hair mask wrapped in a hair towel then the ZO skin health brightening sheet face mask while listening to an audiobook or favourite podcast. 

To make an appointment with Louise Hughes, call 07851 280347. Lulu’s Hair Salon, 1 Windsor Place, Bridge of Weir, PA11 3AF, Facebook.