Introduction
Catherine Hawkes is a name synonymous with excellence in the beauty industry. With a career spanning continents and multiple accolades, she has emerged as a leading colourist, stylist, make-up artist, and educator, acclaimed for her unmatched expertise in hair colour and styling. Known for her creativity and dedication, Catherine’s journey has taken her from her London roots to Dubai’s bustling beauty scene, transforming not only the tresses of countless clients but also the standards of the beauty industry worldwide.
Crafting a Legacy in Colour and Style
Having established herself as a renowned colour transformation specialist, Catherine’s skill in signature techniques, including block colour, pixelation, and unique artistry, sets her apart. Her technical prowess and innovative approach have drawn the attention of prestigious beauty brands and academies worldwide. As the owner and artistic director of various celebrated salons in both London and Dubai, Catherine’s dedication to her craft has allowed her to establish her brand as a powerhouse in hair artistry.
Since 2021, Catherine has been a valued member of the artistic team for Schwarzkopf in the Middle East, adding to her role as colour ambassador for the brand, a position she has held since 2019. Her expertise has taken her to prestigious venues, from hair shows in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai Opera to stage performances at Professional Beauty and Arab Fashion Week. As a Schwarzkopf artist, Catherine also played a key role in the “Essential Looks” collection in 2020, solidifying her reputation as an authority in colour transformation.
From Red Carpets to Magazine Covers
Catherine’s impact extends beyond the salon floor. A graduate of The London College of Fashion, she has collaborated with celebrities and influencers for television appearances, red carpet events, and major publications. Among her high-profile clients are Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Delta Goodrem, Samantha Bond, Holly Willoughby, and Olly Murs, making her a trusted name in celebrity styling.
Beyond her hands-on work with clients, Catherine is often featured as a contributor in leading fashion and beauty magazines, such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, Grazia, and Savoir Flair. Her insights into beauty trends and styling expertise have made her a go-to expert in the fashion media.
A Commitment to Educating and Inspiring
Education and industry empowerment lie at the heart of Catherine’s mission. Passionate about raising the standards in hair styling, she offers extensive training for salons and stylists across the UAE. Her educational programs are held both in person and online, providing accessible resources to beauty professionals seeking to elevate their skills. Catherine also collaborates closely with Schwarzkopf, training their regional stylists and sharing her innovative techniques to help elevate the quality of beauty services.
An Award-Winning Career Built on Innovation
Throughout her career, Catherine has amassed numerous awards that underscore her talent and influence. Her achievements include the prestigious Professional Beauty Colour Technician of the Year award in both 2020 and 2017, finalist spots for Business Director of the Year in 2021 and 2018, and recognition as a finalist for Bridal Stylist of the Year in 2020 and 2017. She also earned the title of Stylist of the Year from Grazia in 2018 and was inducted into Beauty World Middle East’s Hall of Fame in 2017.
These accolades reflect Catherine’s dedication to her craft and her relentless pursuit of perfection. With every recognition, she continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in hair artistry.
Salon Ownership and Expansion
Catherine’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish and run multiple salons across London and Dubai. She opened her first salon, The Dolls House, in London in 2004, followed by a second location in Ascot in 2009. Her success continued with the launch of Butterfly, a boutique salon concept that became popular in the local beauty scene.
In Dubai, she co-founded Marquee, a brand that quickly grew to include four branches and earned the title of “Salon of the Year” at the 2017 Grazia Beauty awards. Following Marquee’s success, Catherine took on the role of Artistic Director and Business Development Manager at Tips and Toes, overseeing an impressive network of 26 branches across the UAE, as well as four additional locations in Saudi Arabia.
Today, Catherine is the proud owner and artistic director of Salon 971 in Dubai, where she continues to create and inspire through her innovative vision and exceptional service.
A Vision for the Future
Catherine Hawkes has established a powerful legacy in the beauty industry, blending creative artistry with a passion for education. Her influence on the global stage is a testament to her unwavering dedication to hair styling and her drive to empower stylists worldwide. With a career that bridges continents and includes high-profile clients, industry accolades, and successful businesses, Catherine remains a transformative force in beauty and fashion.
As she continues to shape the industry in Dubai and beyond, Catherine’s commitment to excellence and her dedication to mentoring the next generation of stylists solidify her role as a true pioneer in beauty. With every colour transformation, salon opening, and educational session, she continues to redefine what it means to be a leader in the world of hair and make-up artistry.
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