Meet the Team
What is North Laine Hair Co?
The North Laine Hair Company is a leading colour and creative hair & beauty salon in the heart of the busy and fashionable North Laine in Brighton.
What makes the North Laine Hair Company unique to others is the balance of quality, friendliness and value in a welcoming salon with a really talented team that cares and have a real passion for their work. We work hard to be the best hairdressers in Brighton & Hove.
Who are the team?
North Laine Hair Company strives to offer the best to its customers with a team of some of the most skilled stylists in the industry. Our team of stylists have over 50 years combined experience and are highly skilled in all aspects of cutting and colouring. As a leading independent Brighton salon all our stylists operate at the highest level and are part of a continual professional development (CPD) programme. The aim is to ensure the team is up to date with the latest techniques and skills so you are guaranteed an excellent result each visit.
Kate Winder
Owner & Salon Director
Kate setup North Laine Hair Company in 2007 with the goal of creating a hair salon that was really focussed on excellent quality and customer service as well as being a great place to work.
Previously working for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Kate enjoyed travelling the Caribbean and Americas which was excellent preparation for her joining Crystal Cruises in 2003, a company that has been recognised as the world’s best in luxury experience for an unprecedented 15 consecutive years. As assistant salon manager on the Serenity, the world’s finest cruise ship, Kate was responsible for a team that worked to the highest standards of hairdressing and customer service. That gave her the experience and inspiration to set up her own salon.
Kate has been in the industry for over 25 years and has trained at leading institutions including Sassoon and Kevin Fortune. As well as being one of our expert wedding hair & hair up stylists, Kate now dedicates her time to cutting and styling and has huge experience with all hair types and is our curly hair expert who specialises in coily type 4 afro hair:
Specialist in: Curls, coils, graduated bobs, restyles, hair up, wedding hair, pixie cuts
Knowing how difficult it can be to look after your hair, Kate is always ready for her and the team to share ‘salon secrets’, insider knowledge and tips so you can recreate the ‘salon look’ in between visits.
It is very important that, as a salon, we are able to look after everyone, no matter their hair type, age, background or gender. I see one of my strengths is putting a nervous client at ease by really taking my time and giving a thorough consultation to make sure I am talking the ‘same language’ with my client. I really enjoy working with curls and coily hair especially when I can educate and help a client love and embrace their volume and have confidence to style themselves.
Kate
Style Team
Mike Johnny
Style Director
Mike joined North Laine Company in October 2016 with over 20 years of the highest level of salon experience. Mike has a huge wealth of knowledge in how to create perfect styles, from the finer details of layering choice for your faceshape to his expertise with curly hair.
A visit to Mike you will leave knowing more about your hair and its full potential than you ever thought possible. Mike is genial and very enthusiastic to provide advice on what to do, what to use, what not to do and why! Mike’s passion is giving the client the gift of knowledge! ‘I get a feel for my client and match their hair to who they are and what they’re about!’
Mike doesn’t have a favourite style – he loves short, long, bobs, lobs, barbering… everything! He has vast experience with thick and frizzy hair and he loves variety & change and will ensure you have variety too!
Mike grew up in Wimbledon, and found his passion for hair styling and qualified at the young age of 17. Mike also studied fashion design and this led him to see every hair cut as a piece of art, focusing on all the finer details, taking time to perfect each masterpiece. He progressed through the ranks at Headmasters rising to the top as a Manager and Consultant at their flagship Wimbledon Village salon (the busiest salon per square foot in Europe!).
Specialist in: Barbering, clipper cuts, skin fades, graduated bobs, thick, frizzy or difficult to style hair, restyles
Mike has many hobbies and along with his hairstyling career he is a web designer, but says hair will always be his main passion. In his spare time, Mike builds, from scratch, custom made motorbikes! He is also a member of the Guild of Master Sommeliers and is a specialist in Belgian beer, so if you need any advice on wine or Belgian beer, he’s your man!
Sarah Williams
Style Director
Sarah joined North Laine Hair Company in 2012 and is a master of highlights achieving beautiful bright bold blondes and enjoys working with long hair and using our GHD Platinum stylers and Curve range, she can create elegant curls or softer beachy waves. Sarah also loves creating all over colours such as mahogany and auburn.
Sarah qualified as a stylist with Toni and Guy in 2000 and continued to train at Trevor Sorbie with his artistic team within their Brighton salon. After working for 8 years in some of Brighton’s busiest salons Sarah worked within a newly established salon in Hove where she grew a strong loyal following across 4 and a half years.
Sarah is very focussed and passionate about her profession and the service she gives. With Sarah you are guaranteed excellent attention to detail and enjoy the most calming salon experience.
Specialist in: Blonding services particularly highlights, glamorous bouncy blow dries, beachy waves, graduated bobs, restyles
Sarah’s love of fashion, forward thinking personality and ambitious nature are all reflected in her stunning work.
Sarah is in salon on Fridays & Tuesday & Wednesday mornings. When not in the salon Sarah enjoys being a mum to young Layla.
Tamara Gandey
Style Director
Tam has been a stylist in Brighton since 2011, most recently in Worthing as a Director at Rush. As a L’Oreal colour expert, Tam has the expertise to create the beautiful colours that are a trademark of North Laine Hair Company.
Tam also specialises in barbering and precision cutting having worked at a barbers in Lewes, “Barbering for me is one of the things I enjoy most about cutting. It brings precision and creativity every time”.
Born & raised in Brighton it all started when she became at age 15, a Saturday girl in a small salon in Brighton. This is where she found her love for hair.
“After qualifying I then went on to learn new skills in barbering, creative colour and colour correction.”
Tam learned all aspects in colour and how it works under the legendary tuition of Chris Williams in the Covent Garden Academy
“I now feel privileged to be able to pass my knowledge and skills on to other stylists.”
Specialist in: Colour changes, root melt, root shadow, disconnected styles, shag/wolf and mullet cuts, barbering, clipper cuts, skin fades, restyles
Tam is really excited to be back in Brighton with the diverse range of clients Brighton offers, “Doing the thing I love to do most as my job is a dream come true”.
Jamie Arnott
Style Director (Freelance)
“With over two decades of experience in cutting and colouring hair, in prestigious salons such as Taylor Taylor & Trevor Sorbie I bring expertise to every client’s chair. My journey in hairstyling began with a fervent passion for colour, which has evolved into a speciality from balayage techniques to colour corrections.
I’ve honed my skills throughout my career to meet and exceed my clients’ expectations. Whether you’re looking for a subtle change or a bold statement, I pride myself on creating customised looks that perfectly complement each individual’s style and personality.
My dedication to staying current with the latest trends and techniques ensures you’ll always receive the highest quality service and results. From classic cuts to avant-garde colours, I approach every appointment with creativity, precision, and a commitment to exceeding your expectations.
With my expertise and your vision, we’ll create hair that looks stunning and makes you feel confident and empowered.”
Specialist in: Colour correction, balayage, restyles
Please note Jamie is a freelance stylist who operates from the Salon under their own professional insurance. Any questions or concerns regarding appointments with Jamie can be addressed by contacting Jamie at the following email:
Mary Carr
Senior Stylist
Mary qualified as a hairstylist in early 2018 and then went on to complete her advanced apprenticeship at the end of 2018. Having joined us in 2015 on our apprenticeship programme we are delighted to see Mary develop into an exciting talent.
Mary has excellent skills in both cutting and colouring & loves to work with bright colours and create graphic sharp shapes in cutting. Balayage is one of Mary’s specialities which can be seen from strikingly beautiful natural colours that she creates.
Specialist in: Vivid creative colours, balayage/foilyage, highlights, long hair, braiding, beachy waves
I like to approach my clients with a friendly and professional attitude, I really like to make them feel comfortable and at home while also getting a good understanding of what they think of their hair and how I can help them and make them look and feel their best.
Mary
Hannah Bailey
Senior Stylist (Freelance)
Hannah loves to create short, precision cuts and is a wonder with a pair of clippers, excelling at creating those perfect skin fades! Hannah’s passion for her work is clear and you can see how she really enjoys every haircut and colour that she does, particularly her beautifully blended balayage.
Having spent 3 years as an Educator training new talent in the industry, Hannah has now returned to being a full time stylist so you can benefit from all of that knowledge with her expert guidance on how to care for your hair in between visits.
Hannah joined North Laine Hair Company in summer 2021 having moved to Brighton from London. Previously working at Headmasters in Clapham Junction, she has been honing her styling skills since 2013. Beginning her career as a photographer and having achieved a degree in digital photography, Hannah enjoyed photographing models with dramatic tattoo art work and also live music events. Having always enjoyed doing her own hair and her friends hair, she then took the step to train as a stylist a decision for which we are very grateful!
Specialist in: Vivid colour, balayage, shag/wolf and mullet cuts, restyles, clipper cuts, skin fades
Hannah’s three favourite things that do not involve hair are horror films, heavy metal music and true crime documentaries…. oh and unicorns and rainbows!
Please note Hannah is a freelance stylist who operates from the Salon under their own professional insurance. Any questions or concerns regarding appointments with Hannah can be addressed by contacting Hannah at the following email:
Becky Botha
Senior Stylist
Becky loves lightening hair, particularly with the amazing balayage and highlighting techniques she has developed since joining us in 2020. We were delighted she joined the team because she combines her technical talent with a really calm and friendly personality.
Becky qualified in 2016 and first starting working in a salon at the weekends when she was 14. The passion she has for hairdressing is what shines through. Working with long hair is a real joy for Becky and she loves the huge diversity of clients that we have.
Specialist in: Icy cool/platinum blondes, highlights, balayage, beachy waves, bobs
Becky loves to travel, going to music festivals and hanging out with her young nephew.
At 14, I fell in love with the creativity of my profession and giving my clients the best experience possible. I love getting to know my clients and finding out more about them so we can find what really works for them, making them feel at ease and leaving feeling the best version of themselves. I ensure I always give tips on how to keep their hair in the best condition.
Becky
Madison Norrell
Senior Stylist (Freelance)
Madison loves to create stunning multi-depth brunnettes from chocolate browns to lighter honey tones, mixing lighter and darker tones for exciting contrasts.
A really confident young stylist with a very exciting future ahead, Madison excels at creating a soft wave with her stunning balayage colours or even an up style for your night out.
Madison has a great passion for hair and began her hairdressing career in Lewes working along side her older sister, also a hairstylist, she has gained a huge amount of experience since she began in 2018.
Our stylist prices offer great value for money with a 60 minute cut & blow-dry priced at £57.
Specialist In: Brunnettes, balayage, high lights, beachy waves, hair up, cutting & styling medium to long hair and creating beautiful smooth or beachy blow dries.
When not in the salon, Madison loves to hang out with her friends and enjoys to travel, her experiences include Gambia and joining a charity event called ‘Football for Peace’. Madison also won awards when she was a cheerleader for 10 years, for an all-star group.
Please note Madison is a freelance stylist who operates from the Salon under their own professional insurance. Any questions or concerns regarding appointments with Madison can be addressed by contacting Madison at the following email:
I love to work with darker colours, I really enjoy a reverse balayage with a dark root. Colouring hair is my passion!
Madison
Lola Baker
Stylist
Lola is a passionate and talented hairstylist with a love for creating bold, textured and shorter styles. She joined North Laine Hair Company in 2023, bringing her expertise in barbering, choppy cuts, layered looks, and 90s-inspired blowdrys. As a stylist Lola prices offer outstanding value for money with a 45 minute cut and finish costing only £35.
With a natural talent for connecting with her clients, Lola takes pride in making each person feel comfortable and confident in the salon chair. She understands the transformative power of a new hairstyle and enjoys seeing the instant boost in self-esteem that comes with a fresh cut and style.
Lola’s love for warm, honey, and caramel tones shines through in her beautiful blonde transformations. She expertly blends shades to create natural-looking highlights and balayage, enhancing her clients’ natural beauty.
Specialist in: Short styles, Bouncy blow drys
A Brighton native, Lola embodies the vibrant spirit of the city. She spent several years living in Hong Kong and loves travelling with her family. When she’s not behind the chair, you’ll find her attending festivals like Reading, Wireless, and All Points East, or indulging in her love for sushi and dining out with friends.
Front of House Team
Ceris Gay
Front of House Manager
Ceris is our fantastic Front of House Manager who is ready to meet you with a warm welcome and to help with any questions you may have.
Providing the highest standard of service and care is paramount and our Front of House team are here to guide you and help from choosing the best stylist for your needs to advising on our extensive range of hair care products.
Ceris grew up in the Persian Gulf region living in Qatar, before moving back to the UK aged 19, to live in London and start a career in hairdressing. Having realised she loved the social and customer service side of the role the most Ceris joined our Front of House team in early 2022 initially part time whilst studying music business at BIMM.
After becoming a full time Front of House team member Ceris earned a well deserved promotion to Manager and does an outstanding job managing such a busy appointment schedule!
Ceris has a fun loving personality enjoying dinosaurs, art and its probably fair to say obsessing over Formula 1!
Natalie Sargeant
Front of House
Natalie Sargeant is our Front of House Manager on Mondays & Wednesdays and is always happy to help with any clients enquiries.
Natalie started her career working in a salon before working in property for several years. Since having her son Natalie has returned to her favourite environment in a hair salon managing the busy schedule for the team and looking after our clients.
Natalie has been extensively trained in our product range and so can offer great advice on picking the correct hair products to suit your hair from our extensive range of some of finest products available.
We will leave the last word to Kate:
It’s such a lovely atmosphere with all the team really enjoying their profession & working brilliantly together to achieve excellent results. The team have a great rapport with their clients and each other which makes North Laine Hair Company one of the most welcoming and friendly salons in Sussex.
Kate