Colin Greaney

Colin's quiet manner and consultative approach belie his award winning creative strength. His distinctive style harbours perfection in technique that is loved by both Mahogany's pioneering staff and the international hairdressing industry. His role drives the creative growth of the Mahogany brand and brings beauty and versatility to every head of hair he touches. Colin spends his time on education stages around the globe, driving photographic and education streaming projects and serving a loyal client base in each of the Mahogany salons.

What do you love most about your day-to-day role?
The variety and the opportunity to work with all the members of the Mahogany Team. I'm in a different salon (or country!) each day and it's a delight to spend my time with likeminded professionals who give their all to everything they do. My team mates and peers are a constant source of inspiration to me and I do my best to give them plenty in return.

What's the best piece of advice you have for someone who wants to be a hairdresser?
I would tell them that the most important principle in achieving a good haircut is that it's not how much hair you cut off, but how much you leave on! The process of every cut should take into account, the shape, the poise, the lifestyle, and most importantly, suitability.

What's ALWAYS in your session bag?
My iPod docking station. I never want to be without my music, it's an essential source of inspiration.

Where have you worked internationally?
Australia, America, Brazil, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and Serbia.

Any award wins?
Yes. I do think awards are great recognition for the quality of work you create but I also never forget that it's the things you practice every day that make the biggest difference to your career and your clients' lives. I've won London Hairdresser of the Year 2001 and Southern Hairdresser of the Year 1991. Oh and I was British Judo Champion 1982!

Why do you think Mahogany International Education is so successful?
Dedication and quality. For the last 25 years Mahogany has been globetrotting the planet, building the reputation of both our brand and that of British Hairdressing through real education that shares beautiful but contemporary hairdressing.

What's your favourite film?
Enter The Dragon. It's vintage Bruce Lee and it was his last movie. Beautifully shot to show off his amazing skills.

Where do you go to be inspired?
Inspiration comes from every genre of life and changes every day, whether it be contemporary art, music, fashion, film, dance, icons, politics, religion, kids, family, pets, or the planet. But right now I'm loving Gustav Klimt. I think inspiration by its definition must come from different sources and hairdressers should seek every opportunity to interpret hair through them.

What's next on your 'to do' list?
To make sure that Mahogany stays at the forefront of British hairdressing and continues to be inspirational to all our hairdressing peers.

For interviews, quotes, images or hair tips please contact admin@mahoganyhair.co.uk or call our PR and events on 0207 408 0665

I would tell them that the most important principle in achieving a good haircut is that it's not how much hair you cut off, but how much you leave on! The process of every cut should take into account, the shape, the poise, the lifestyle, and most importantly, suitability.

Antony Licata

Antony's philosophy and concept as the UK Creative Director has always been a perfect balance between creativity and commerciality.

His hairdressing hallmark is beautiful technical work that transends to his loyal clientele and the International hairdressing community.

As a driving force behind the Mahogany Creative Team, Antony keeps a strong eye on the Mahogany training system as well  as ensuring that the salons maintain their formidable high standards.

Antony shares his time teaching the world renowned Mahogany cutting techniques to the global world of hairdressing as well as the Mahogany Team.

Why did you choose to be a hairdresser?
I was attracted to hairdressing by the glamour and the transformative qualities of hair. The appreciation that clients show when their spirits and their personal style is lifted by a great new look was also a huge motivator.

What music inspires you?
I gather inspiration from many sources and like those sources, my taste in music is varied and eclectic. Music is an important part of life in hairdressing, after all we spend all day listening to it and our clients only spend a few hours! So I seek music artists who can set a vibe, who raise the energy levels or calm the mood and who get my mind moving. I like Prince, Rage Against The Machine, Everlast, Pearl Jam and Van Morrison.

Which artists inspire you?
I love the irreverence of Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollack and Banksy. There is a simmering energy in all their work which is something I seek to recapture in my own.

Favourite city?
NYC for the non-stop cool madness of it all and Miami for the blend of white beaches, turquoise ocean and its louche lifestyle.

Which photographers have you worked with?
I have been very lucky to work with some of the best. Each is an inspiration in their own right and each brings something fresh to my work. They include Alberto Badalamenti, Gustavo, Jenny Hands and Andrew Olgilvy.

Where has Mahogany hair been seen?
Mahogany photographic work has been published all over the world and the Creative Team is constantly travelling; Europe, America and the Far East. You name it and I would say that most countries would have seen Mahogany in some form either live or photographically.

What are your thoughts about training and education?
Education is the only way forward! I work hard to ensure that every Mahogany stylist is skilled and confident and when I am on-stage, I like to share that with the audience too. Hairdressing should never be disconnected from the client; it is the reason why we are all in the business. So I stay inspired and improve my own skills constantly so that I can pass that on to others.

What is the last thing you think about before you sleep?
My family.

Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My parents have shaped my personal perspective on life. They always urged me to simply be the best that I can be in whatever I choose to do and take responsibility for my own happiness. Professionally I have been with Mahogany for many years and each of the Mahogany Directors has had their own influence on my career. They constantly strive for perfection with integrity it is a pretty good model for success.

Describe the most memorable event in your career to date.
The moment I passed my Final Test in classic and creative cutting and became a fully fledged stylist at Mahogany was a defining one. I felt liberated to apply myself to achieving anything. It is a moment I will not forget.

Where will you be in five years time?
Who knows, that's the beauty of it!

Neil Atkinson

Neil has a real clarity of vision and a contagious energy that inspires staff and show audiences. His strong ambition led him to the role of Creative Director early and allowed him to define his hairdressing style in precision and suitability. His career has taken him across the globe but always returns him to the salon floor where he cultivates a huge client following in the Mahogany Oxford and London salons. Neil's commercial and creative experience make him an insightful and purposeful member of Mahogany's highly regarded Creative Team. Here Neil shares the details that make him tick
 
What gets you excited (professionally)?
I love the way new collections evolve. Everything from the seed of the idea right through to selecting the final images. It's a process I never tire of and it always gets me excited because at Mahogany we are always pushing new ideas forward. I am deeply involved in the creative progression of our teams and that is also something that motivates me because I know that building a foundation of knowledge and training for the future keeps our company and our industry alive and buzzing.
 
How would you describe your approach to hair?
Pure, directional, beautiful. My work has honesty and integrity. It reflects the wearer but maintains a real depth of interest in shape, colour and texture.
 
What have you learnt and brought from your career to your role at Mahogany?
That passing on knowledge through education is the key to a brighter future for hair professionals the world over. I have and do travel the world sharing what I know. That's a real privilege. I have and do work with teams that cannot fail to inspire, from the ballroom of the Kremlin to seminars in Tokyo. It is an amazing way to earn a living.
 
Describe some highlights from your Mahogany career?
Being involved in opening a salon was both a challenge and a highlight. It broadened my knowledge of every aspect of the business of hairdressing fast and the experience was invaluable. My second highlight is a recurring one, I have gained the friendships of my peers and directors and I get to work with them every day.
 
What is your favourite famous quote?
"It takes time to become young." Pablo Picasso
 
Your dream holiday destination?
A holiday is always a dream come true and the place is anywhere with my wife and our two beautiful children.
 
What is the best book you ever read and why?
Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. It is a story within a story that beautifully describes character, plot and cityscapes, it really takes you there!
 
What gadget can you not live without?
My iPhone. It is a little piece of genius and I feel utterly disconnected without it.
 
What is next for Neil?
I never stand still. The next show, the next training seminar, the next photographic collection, the next client. There is always a next in this industry and I can't wait. Bring it on!
 

For interviews, quotes, images or hair tips please contact admin@mahoganyhair.co.uk or call 0207 408 0665

Josh

Joshua began his journey at Mahogany at the tender age of 16, where with a strong work ethic and an eye for all things creative , shot through his apprenticeship to become a senior colourist and eventually salon manager.
Josh has taken to the stage all over Europe to showcase his skills with a company he believes brings something very unique to the hairdressing world.
He has had many write ups, Harper’s Bazaar and Tatler magazines to name but two.
With a passion for the role he has and his ongoing willingness to learn and perfect his craft to the highest standard ,year on year Josh has and continues to demonstrate exceptionally dynamic and innovative colour work.

Ollie

Creative Director Oliver Prestage is a key member of the Mahogany Creative Team. He strives to create innovative designs whilst staying true to the Mahogany cutting ethos. Oliver believes in providing an excellent client service and remains committed to upholding the highest standard of care within the Mahogany salons.
Oliver’s creative work has frequently been showcased in editorial features and has recently been in the Fellowship of British Hairdressing Magazine and the Hairdressers Journal.
Oliver has been involved in demonstrating the latest collections at the Mahogany seminars at Salon International, London, as well as several stages around Europe expanding into his international experience.
With his passion for innovative hair design and technical perfection, Oliver endeavours to push the creative boundaries of contemporary British hairdressing.

Drags

Drags Vranic’s hair cutting skills exemplify the standards that Mahogany embody.
Having been part of the Mahogany team for over 3 decades he has worked throughout all the salons and enjoys an extremely loyal clientele.
Drags has been a regular feature on Mahogany seminars and shows, demonstrating his skills to audiences around the world. When he’s not in the salon you will find him cycling and socialising.

Tara

Tara started with Mahogany at the tender age of 16 years old.
Having trained through the company, her leadership skills and superb quality of work took her through promotions to Senior Colourist.
Tara is a Loreal colour specialist and head of colour education for the company.
Having travelled over Europe educating and demonstrating, you will find her at our Little Clarendon street salon.
Tara’s passion, alongside education, is looking after her devoted and loyal clientele.
“ I've been fortunate enough to travel Europe with Mahogany , but my clientele is the most important thing to me. I guess I would describe my work as classic with a creative twist”.

Sara

Sara started with Mahogany at the age of 15 as a Saturday girl, then full time as she left school.
Having trained with the company and qualifying as a Stylist Sara went on pursue her creativity and push her superb quality to becoming a member of the Creative team. This took her around the globe, taking in Australia, Japan, and most of Europe . After 15 years of Creative Team involvement her life took a different path into motherhood and she is the proud mother to Connie and Jed. She now works 3 days a week ,with the love of a close family and excitement of exercise to keep a healthy mind and body.
Sara’s passion for hairstyling comes out in a classic style but with a creative twist and a clientele of more than 20 years, she views her clients as good friends!

Donna

In 1997 , at the age of 16 Donna joined the Mahogany team! She has a passion for hair, attention to detail she feels is key and finds great pleasure in giving every client a great experience from start to finish.
From a young age Donna knew she wanted to manage one of the Mahogany salons, so at the age of just 23 Donna became one of the youngest managers within the company, she helped every staff member become the best they could as being part of a highly skilled, energetic and passionate team is important to her.
Donna put her management duties on hold for a short while to start a family and returned to manage the Turl st salon in 2010.
She now enjoys the role of Executive Stylist in our Turl st salon, working with the team using her 12 years of managing experience to help support her colleagues.
Donna lives in Oxfordshire with her husband and her 3 children, her passion alongside hairdressing is politics, education, gardening and fundraising! She has a nephew with a disability so is passionate about campaigning for inclusion and loves to run in the local countryside in her spare time.

Nicola

Nicola is a long standing part of the Mahogany family. She has a love for people and a respect for the courage it can take to come to visit a new stylist. She likes to work with a client “to establish what they’re really looking for in a haircut and to achieve a stylish and practical cut that works for them on the day and when they’re at home , whether that be with my well established clientele or someone new to me”.
A creative spirit with a strong working ethic and professional edge, Nicola has been with the company since 2005 and has held various senior positions, now in a different phase of her life , she works part time in our Turl street salon.

Kavita

As with our senior staff ,Kavita is an extremely experienced , key member of the team. She began her path when as a teenager, joined the team as a trainee.
Throughout her career Kavita has held various positions including Senior Stylist, Creative Stylist and Salon Manager. At present Kavita works part time.
A valuable member of the team, she has a genuine passion for clients needs, “I have specialised in cutting since starting my career with Mahogany so am a competent stylist in all aspects. I enjoy being able to work on a varied clientele and ensure great attention to detail in everything I do”.

Nicole

Nicole started life with Mahogany in 2009, where she came through the training programme and worked with focus and dedication to go on to become Assistant Manager of our Little Clarendon Street salon , then on to Manager.
She has a clear and strong work ethic , has been involved with many of the Oxford Universities balls doing creative dressing on long hair which she very much enjoyed, Nicole looks after a very busy client list.
After having her little boy Rowan, she returned to Mahogany where she works going between our Turl Street and Little Clarendon Street salons.

Libby

Libby joined Mahogany at the tender age of 14 doing work experience from school, she loved this and joined as a Saturday girl while finishing her studies, then joining as a trainee when she left school. Travelling through the training programme with determination she qualified and is now a Colourist going between the two salons. Libby has always been a confident team member and has helped and observed at photographic shoots and our Salon International shows, expanding her creative knowledge.

Phoebe

Phoebe joined the company at the age of 15 as a Saturday girl, gaining confidence and realising this was the career for her she joined the company full time as an apprentice.
Phoebe worked hard through her training and managed to get herself involved in helping out at photographic shoots, shows and seminars. She has worked in both the Oxford salons and continues to learn and develop her style and sense of direction with her work. Her salon work is classic and clean , continuing her pursuit for perfection.

Will Sherrington

Will is a stylish and creative hairdresser with a sharp eye for fashion and an easygoing charm that instantly puts clients at ease. With a keen sense of trends and a passion for personal expression, Will blends classic techniques with bold, modern styles to create looks that are as unique as the people wearing them.

Having come through the rigorous high standards of the mahogany training system will now enjoys building his loyal and keen clientele in the salon. Will enjoys an interested in the fashion catwalks and shows, designers Margiela, Rick Owen’s and Comme des Garçons being his favourites.