For Sky Cripps Jackson, being a self-employed hair stylist has allowed her to take her technique to London, Paris, Italy and beyond. But it didn’t happen overnight. Through dedication to her craft, a little hustle, and adapting to the ever-changing market, Sky has been able to realise her dream of being a session stylist.
“Experience builds momentum,” says Sky. “ Many of my professional relationships have been developed over the last decade.”
Now, predominantly based in London, Sky has established herself as the go-to hair stylist for editorial shoots and celebrities alike. Recently – and more historically – Sky worked with Jacinda Ardern on her updo for HM Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
“Walking the streets of Central London early that morning was very surreal and emotional.”
“I could really feel peoples’ sentiment towards Queen Elizabeth’s life of service. Jacinda is a warm, genuine person with a great sense of style. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a tiny part of that moment.”
We speak to Sky on living abroad, assisting with the hair for the Gucci and Chanel shows, and which hair trends are coming through in her books – notepads at the ready!
What made you decide to go and base yourself in London?
I love the anonymity of living in a big city and have lived there on and off for ten years. London has its own velocity, I find its eclectic aliveness very energising.
You’ve recently been to the Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks. Has it always been a dream for you to work on these huge fashion shows?
I did always want to work in this part of the industry; I started working on the international runway circuit when I moved to London, with a small break during COVID-19. The shows I work on change depending on which key artist I am working with and the shows they are doing.
You assisted on the hair for the Gucci show – what was your role? How many models did you need to do?
Paul Hanlon is a true creative visionary, assisting him in bringing his ideas to life is super inspiring. The Twinsburg concept was very cool and the team had a lot of work to do duplicating the 68 sets of twins to look exactly the same. The nature of human connection is so delicate and twins share this in the most unique way which made the show feel intimate and special.
While you’ve been between shows, what has it been like being in Paris during fashion week?
Paris is actually a small city in terms of size so you really feel the fashion takeover during these weeks. There is always a lot going on: parties, pop-up exhibitions etc. This season, I had a day off and managed to check out an exhibition at Osservatorio Foundazione Prada in Milan which was cool – that doesn’t always happen.
What hair trends can we expect to see come out of this season?
Everything has become very polished with an emphasis on clean partings, high-quality condition, and shine. Lean silhouettes in slick-backs, ponytails, and hairline detailing are a heavy feature. In contrast, there is definitely a raw ‘80s punk element with an anything-goes vibe, just in a more refined way.
What’s next for you?
That’s a good question. I take everything week by week as it can all change. So, I guess I’m just trying to enjoy the moment and be appreciative of things as they land.
The last book I read was…
Nina Simone’s Gum by Warren Ellis.
The last great film I watched was…
Moonage Daydream.
If I had to listen to three songs for the rest of my life they would be…
Personal Jesus, Depeche Mode. All Things to All Men, Roots Manuva. Ai Du, Ali Farka Toure
The best hair advice I’ve ever received…
Don’t overthink it
My artist icon is…
Issey Miyake
My favourite place to dine…
Mangal 1, Dalston, LON
Best coffee spot…
Kawa Archives, Temple, Paris
If I could have dinner with any three people on earth, dead or alive, I would choose…
Coco Chanel, Nick Cave, Maya Angelou
Best current season fashion purchase…
Axel Arigato Orbit sneakers
The item at the top of my wish list…
Pink Chaise lounger
This season I’m splurging on…
Homewares
My guilty pleasure is…
Long holidays
My favourite place to travel to is…
Portugal
