Flamingo Amy

Let me tell you a little something about my hair. It's thick, dry, frizzy and if I must confess, going a little grey (ok more than a little...). I believe out of sight out of mind, it's all I can do to run my fingers through it most mornings.  I've got by like this for more years than I care to mention and I've passed caring about it.  But if I ever get the call to make a little more effort I think I may have found the lady to tackle the task!

Amy Taylor is a vintage hair stylist - and having watched her at work for two hours last Saturday I can tell you she's a damn good one.

Originally from Southend on sea Amy came to Norwich in 2003 to study at the NUCA. By the time she graduated in 2006 she had fallen for our fine city and decided to set up home. During this time she had attended a Rock n Roll weekender and it was here that her love for the 40s and 50s was born.  She even married a Johnny Cash tribute artist Sun Of Cash (who I've since checked out and is well worth a listen!).

So in 2008 she launched Flamingo Amy, originally selling hair accessories, she now has a Saturday residence in Flint Hair Salon on Bridewell Alley. From this lovely spot she styles hair for everything from fashion shoots to weddings and every occasion in between. Armed with not much more than a can of hairspray, a comb and armfuls of hair pins Amy can transform your modern day swinging locks into magnificent curls, quiffs and beehives! It really is something to watch...

On the day of my visit she was doing a trial run on bride to be Daisy who is getting hitched in April.  Daisy had brought in a picture of her beautiful 40s style wedding dress (her groom was dressing as a farmer - would love to see that!).  After going over images of the dress and a consultation Amy set about trialing various styles, taking pictures as she went so that Daisy could look through them in her own time ready for Amy's arrival on the big day.

It was such a relaxed sunny morning, Flint hair is a great place to be.  Owner Conor O'Brien who worked for years from his Clerkenwell salon is not only a top hairdresser, he also collects art - it's worth popping in just to check out his collection ranging Mr Bingo to Stella Vine.

For two hours we chatted & laughed while I shot and Amy worked her magic on Daisy. This really is quite a skill, but she makes it look all too easy.  And yes I asked, and yes she does set her own hair every. single. day!

I really do need to make more of an effort...

Flint owner Conor O'Brien sneaking a peek...

Amy will be showing at the Vintage Wedding Fair in St Andrews Hall on April 16th (where you can also catch yours truly shooting away). So if you want to see her in action yourself, this could be the perfect opportunity...

Daisy was off on her hen night straight from her session with Amy - and although she had no idea what her friends had in store, she was certainly going to bring a little glamour to proceedings x

Thanks for having me in Amy, you really are one talented gal!

And a special thanks to Daisy for being such a lovely model - good luck with the wedding, you're going to look Flamingotastic!!  sorry, couldn't help myself ;D