Success in hairdressing doesn’t require a London postcode, and Kirby Blythe is living proof. Based in Lincolnshire, Kirby has built an impressive career that’s taken her around the world, working with global brands, international clients and backstage at Fashion Weeks. This year marked another major milestone as she became a finalist in two industry awards with her very first hair collection. Kirby shares how she’s carved out big opportunities and why ambition, not location, is the real key to success.
What does success look like for you and when did you realise you were living it?
Success looks like so many things and it feels like over the years it’s constantly evolving. It was only ever a dream to work for brands, to attend Fashion Weeks not only in London, but Milan, Paris and New York. Honestly, it feels totally surreal to have been noticed by brands and more so to say that I’m a 2025 British Hairdressing Finalist… I hadn’t even realised I was actually living my dreams and loving every second.
What were the biggest challenges you’ve faced stepping out a small village?
Being from a small village in the back of beyond in North Lincolnshire I realised very quickly that I was geographically challenged and that I was going to have to really push to be able to be a part of the huge things i had dreamed of. My every day work is far away from the big cities where such incredible things were going on, meaning I really had to make an effort to attend everything I could, to meet new people and to open doors. This has meant setting off from home in the early hours of the morning or paying for over night stays just to make myself available. All while offering to work for nothing hoping someone would notice me. And turning down paying clients to be there.
I loved everything I attended but it was scary spending hundreds on travel and accommodation with nothing guaranteed at the end of it all.
How did you get into Fashion Week hair teams?
Fashion has always been a passion of mine. I’ve personally reached out to every brand I’ve ever worked with to ask to be part of their team. It was actually Great Lengths hair extensions that first offered to send me to Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks to work with session stylist and lead stylist Beppe Delia. That is were my journey began. I did a season with him and his team and it was wild; so much fun, fast-paced, and I loved every second. Covid hit and I told myself that was it… But as things re-opened Beppe asked me to be his UK master stylist and rejoin his team. Since then I’ve attended London, Milan, Paris and New York haute couture, and also worked backstage at NTAS, Soap Awards, Netflix, BFA, Inside Soaps, Pride of Britain, and ITV.
When did you start producing collections and what has made them successful?
This year is the first time I’ve shot my own collection, it was incredible. Totally nerve wracking but I’m so proud of what I produced with such an amazing team and I can’t believe we made the finals for The Big One Trophy and BHA’s. It’s mind blowing that my name and images were up there with some of the UK’s biggest names in hair. I mean what an honour.
It took a lot to actually go ahead and do it. After years of saying “one day,” I suppose I finally had the belief in myself to actually do it. When I started thinking of shooting and knowing the type of collection I wanted, I knew it would take a large budget and that feels like such a huge risk when you have know idea about how it’s judged. Working with a team that already had so much knowledge was a key thing for me. That, and us all understanding what I wanted to create. As a debut collection I don’t think I could be happier. I’ve had wonderful feedback from many and can’t wait to throw myself into it all again.
Tell us about brand collaborations, what makes you want to work with a brand?
I never thought i would have the skill-set that a brand would cherish like Great Lengths and Indola do. They really have helped me grow. I don’t think I ever really believed in myself until these brands asked me to just start collaborating with them and it has led to unbelievable bonds and for me to be recognised by them feels out of this world. It makes me strive to learn more and grow with them.
I love to be given a brief from them and really push myself to impress. The moment i started working on stage for them I worried if I would even be able to introduce myself but I now absolutely love it. I feel if I can inspire just one other person to keep going and let their dreams evolve, then it’s been worth every nerve beforehand.
How does it feel when a client chooses to fly you overseas?
I’ve been very lucky with my bridal and styling work and from a very young age I’ve looked after wedding parties both in the UK and abroad and wow, I can’t believe my work has already taken me so far. I still have to pinch myself that I’m actually doing the jobs that come in and I’m still absolutely buzzing to create beautiful hair for people on their big day or for a special moment – I never take for granted that they chose me and have paid to fly me out to help them feel nothing short of perfect. It’s a wonderful feeling to be trusted with such a task.
How do you balance clients, travel and creative projects?
The last few years have been a total whirlwind but my clients in the salon are absolutely incredible. Some have been with me my whole hair journey and it’s like having 100s of cheerleaders. I try and be as organised as possible but if something comes in and it doesn’t interfere with any other big commitments… My clients love to see where I go and what I’m doing next. I feel like being from a small village they love that I’m getting out and about and it feels so special to come back and tell them about all the adventures and experiences I have.
Sometimes the balance is there and sometimes I do over do it! i have 3 beautiful little ones at home too so the juggle is real! But for me, it’s all about the support I have around me. Going off and doing such exciting things keeps me totally in love with my job and knowing that every other aspect is being looked after either by family and friends or the incredible team we have put together it means I can really push the boundaries in my career and aim for the stars.
After an extraordinary year, what are you most looking forward to in 2026?
Im starting 2026 with a week off to reset and re-focus. Then I will be attending more education to grow and develop my skills so I can give back to the brands that support me. I’m already vision boarding for my next collection and my diary is filling up so quick.
I’m excited to bring my team on a journey with me to enjoy our industry and be a part of as much as possible I cant wait for 2026 and everything it throws at me.
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