The Detangled Podcast

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/

In this episode of The Detangled Podcast by Avlon, Louis Driver and Jacqui McIntosh are joined by Lorraine Dublin — celebrity stylist, educator and salon co-owner with 27 years of experience across salon, screen and session work.
Lorraine shares the real foundations of a career that has taken her from the salon chair to red carpets, television and major film productions. She discusses the technical range, professionalism and adaptability needed to work across different settings — and why the skills built behind the chair are what make every other opportunity possible.
This is a conversation about trusting your craft, staying open to opportunities and continuing to learn. From working under pressure and making styles last, to meaningful consultations, education for curls and coils, and building a salon space that supports independent professionals, Lorraine offers a grounded perspective on what it takes to build a lasting career in hairdressing.

Key Topics Covered
Lorraine Dublin’s career across salon, screen, session work and education
Building a career through trusted relationships and recommendations
The technical skill, preparation and adaptability behind high-pressure styling
Why every client, whatever the setting, deserves the same level of service
Making a style last when time is short
The value of strong consultations and understanding individual hair goals
Working across different hair needs, techniques and styling outcomes
Co-owning a salon space and supporting independent professionals
Why curls and coils education needs depth, time and practical experience
The importance of qualifications, fundamentals and salon experience
Why demonstrated skill matters more than online visibility
Staying open to opportunities, learning from every job and letting your work speak for itself

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

Follow Lorraine Dublin:
@lorraine_dublin

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/

In this episode of The Detangled Podcast by Avlon, Louis Driver and Jacqui McIntosh are joined by freelance hairdresser and Avlon educator Rachel Feltham, who runs her own home-based studio.
Rachel shares the energy, curiosity and continual thinking behind building an independent career in hairdressing. From creating a professional space at home and developing her own way of working, to navigating social media, education and visibility within the industry, this is a conversation about building a career that reflects who you are.
For professionals who want to keep learning, keep questioning and keep moving forward, Rachel offers an honest perspective on independence, creativity and trusting your own direction.
Key Topics Covered
Building a freelance hairdressing career from a home-based studio
Creating a professional salon experience within a home setting
Finding independence and developing your own way of working
Creativity, curiosity and keeping ideas moving
Growing confidence in your craft and career decisions
Rachel’s journey into education and becoming an Avlon educator
The value of continued learning and professional development
Navigating social media as an independent hairdresser
Using social media to share work, build community and create visibility
Staying connected to the wider hair industry beyond the salon chair

Stay Connected
Follow the hosts:
Louis Driver: @louisdoeshair
Jacqui McIntosh: @jacqui.mcintosh
Follow Rachel Feltham:
@rachelhhairstudio
Follow Avlon:
Avlon: @avlon
Avlon UK: @avlonuk
Production Credits
Producers: Louis Driver & Jacqui McIntosh
Recorded at: Storyhouse Studios — @storyhouse_studios
Cover Artwork Illustration: @bibanabi
Cover Design: Louis Driver
The Detangled Podcast is part of Avlon Europe. Discover more at:
https://avloneurope.co.uk/

Relaxers are one of the most talked-about — and misunderstood — services in haircare.
In this episode of The Detangled Podcast by Avlon, Louis Driver and Jacqui McIntosh are joined by Samantha Golding, founder of SG Hair Birmingham and a chemical-services specialist with more than 30 years of in-salon experience. Together, they demystify relaxers: challenging the idea that they are automatically harsh, outdated or one-size-fits-all, and bringing the conversation back to knowledge, choice and professional expertise.
Samantha explains that a relaxer is not simply a product or a process. In the right professional hands, it is a prescriptive service shaped around the client’s hair, scalp, styling goals, lifestyle and commitment to aftercare. She also explores where Texture Release may fit into a client’s journey, but keeps the focus on the detail, assessment and understanding required before any chemical service takes place.
From misinformation online to scalp analysis, hair mapping, home care and the reality of maintaining a style, this is a grounded conversation about what relaxers can be — when education and experience lead the way.

Revised Key Topics Covered
Demystifying relaxers and challenging common misconceptions
Why relaxers are not automatically harsh or one-size-fits-all
Samantha Golding’s 30 years of in-salon chemical-service experience
The difference between online “knowledge” and informed professional advice
How relaxer strengths and formulations can be prescribed to individual needs
Why the scalp, skin condition and hair history matter
In-depth consultation, virtual assessment and scalp analysis
The role of hair mapping in professional relaxer services
Texture Release as one option within a wider, personalised approach
Matching a service to a client’s desired look, lifestyle and maintenance routine
Shampooing, hydration and home care as part of relaxer longevity
Why skilled application, training and professional judgement are essential
Stay Connected
Follow the hosts:
Louis Driver: @louisdoeshair
Jacqui McIntosh: @jacqui.mcintosh

Follow Samantha Golding / SG Hair Birmingham:
@sghairsalon
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/

Heat styling does not have to be feared — but it does need to be understood.
Louis Driver and Jacqui McIntosh are joined by Nancy Rae, Digital Marketing Coordinator at Cloud Nine, to discuss heat protection, heat damage, styling temperature and the everyday habits that can make a difference to the condition of the hair. Together, they challenge the idea that one temperature suits everyone and explore how hair condition, chemical services, lifestyle and desired result should all inform how heat is used.
They cover the importance of preparation, sectioning, hydration, appropriate tools and salon-to-home education. Whether you use straighteners, a blow-dryer or a diffuser, this episode offers a more thoughtful way to approach heat styling — with room for choice, creativity and healthy-looking hair.
Key Topics Covered
Why one heat setting does not suit every head of hair
Heat styling for curls, coils, colour-treated and chemically treated hair
Heat protectant, hydration and preparation before styling
Why correct sectioning can reduce repeated passes
The difference between salon heat styling and home maintenance
Common myths around “optimum” styling temperatures
Heat awareness during menopause, postpartum changes and other life stages
Maintaining colour, shine and condition when using heated tools
Cloud Nine’s Temperature Calculator and Healthy Hair Hub
Giving clients the confidence to style safely at home

Stay Connected

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

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

Follow Cloud Nine:
@nancyrae_
@cloudninehair
Temperature Calculator: https://www.cloudninehair.com/pages/temperature-calculator

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/