When it comes to Michael Young, few names command power in the hair world. Celebrated for his mastery behind the chair, Michael has always approached hair as more than style – to him it is sculpture, movement and story. Now with a camera in his hand he has extended that vision beyond the salon, capturing hair in a way that feels raw, cinematic and alive. We caught up with Michael to get an insight into his world!

Michael, thanks for sitting down with us, we’ve a few questions for you…

1. What inspired you to expand from salon mastery into professional hair photography. Was it a creative itch or a deliberate shift?

It began as a natural extension of my creativity. When you spend years perfecting shape, texture, and finish, you start to see hair more as a medium of expression. Photography was my way of preserving and amplifying that artistry. It wasn’t about leaving the salon behind, but about channelling my creative energy into a different direction. 

2. How do you balance the tactile process of hairstyling with the visual storytelling demanded by editorial photography?

Hair in a salon is about feelings, emotion and being engaged in the moment with that person. Photography demands that you step back and see the bigger picture: how light sculpts the texture, how the those nuances make or break the mood. For me, the balance lies in being fully present in both stages: immersed in the hair process, then shifting into the storyteller’s lens when shooting.

3. Which project excited you more: the salons or the campaigns? And why?

They feed different sides of me. The salon is intimate — real people, real transformation. Campaigns are more conceptual, where I can push boundaries, push creative boundaries and tell stories. If I had to choose,  shoots excite me because they live beyond the chair; they enter culture, fashion, and memory.

4. @myhairphotography has become a go-to for capturing editorial hair stories. How did your photography aesthetic evolve from your salon-based perspective?

I’ve always been open to new ideas, new ways of thinking – working, and I guess over time, I realized imperfection often tells a stronger story. Now, I focus less on the “salon polish” and more on movement, light, and emotion. The hair is still the hero, but the storytelling is looser, more cinematic.

5. Any memorable campaign where the hair shot was more story than style?

Yes – we recently shot on location in Marrakesh, where the model’s hair wasn’t just styled, it became a narrative about identity and freedom. Wind and motion turned the hair into magical moments – it reminded me that hair photography isn’t always about showcasing the perfect style; sometimes it’s about capturing human experience through hair.

6. How do cultural narratives and fashion trends influence your artistic direction both in salon and behind the lens?

Hairstyles carry history, identity, rebellion and celebration. I stay tuned to trends, but what excites me is how hair becomes a vessel for cultural storytelling – whether that’s soft movement , blunt lines, or avant guard textures. My photography translates that narrative into something visual, powerful, and I hope, lasting.

7. Collaboration is key. How do you approach shooting with models or stylists to ensure the hair remains the visual hero?

It’s about trust. I make sure everyone on set understands the purpose: the hair isn’t a backdrop – it’s the main character. I’ll direct models, control lighting, and even clothing choices to frame the hair. When the team is aligned on that vision, the hair commands attention naturally.

8. Many clients trust you for both cuts and campaigns. How does that dynamic inform your creative process?

It’s feels quite unique – when we are tasked with creating a hair campaign and shooting the images – it allows me to design a looks that I know will photograph beautifully, then capture it in a way that feels authentic to the client’s story.

9. What has been the most unexpected lesson from juggling luxurious salon services with editorial photography?

That both worlds feed each other. Editorial shoots sharpen my eye for detail and drama, which I bring back into the salon. Meanwhile, the salon keeps me grounded in reality, reminding me that hair is ultimately about confidence and wearability, not just the image.

10. If you had to sum up your creative ethos in one line, what would that look like?

“Hair is like story telling – we cut it, style it, and capture it so it can live beyond the moment.”

11. You travel frequently for work. How do those experiences influence your approach to both hair and photography?

Travel humbles and inspires me. Every culture has its own relationship with hair — from rituals to aesthetics. Those encounters broaden my mind visually. They push me to experiment with texture, color, and lighting that I might not have discovered in one place alone.

12. If you could only recommend three hair essentials every client should own, what would they be and why?

• A quality moisturizing product — because healthy hair is the best foundation for any style.

• A versatile finishing spray — not for stiffness, but to enhance texture and movement, both in real life and in front of the lens.

    •   Self belief – to where you’re style confidence.