Billy tries: Style session

Billy Tries is a column that sees Marlborough Weekly reporter William Woodworth turn his hand to various tasks. So far he has shorn sheep, done Pilates, raced a dragon boat, done highland dancing and dog sledding.

Apparently, my usual Saturday hoodie, running shorts and white trainers combo isn’t quite cutting-edge fashion. So I felt a little out of place walking into Thomas’s, past racks of clothes to a glamorous styling seat displaying makeup and hair products in my usual Saturday get-up accompanied by some seriously fashionable locals.

After being ushered in front of photographer David James for some “before” photos, I was sat on the styling chair for a hair style session with iHair’s Steve Wilson and Anti New York representative Glen Ruddle.

“A crucial thing with hair care is you need to get under your hair cut into the roots even with styling,” says Steve. “People will take product on top of the hair, while there’s a thing called gravity which happens quick anyway, so you’ve got to support and give it structure and texture under the hair”.

Said structure and texture looks very much like messing up your hair, but when done right with proper products Glen says spending the time and money on quality means more to people.

“I call it the ‘lipstick economy’”, says Glen. “People won’t go and buy a new Porsche or a handbag, but everyone deserves a little luxury, so they pick things that are valuable to them to splash out on like good quality haircare, skincare or makeup”.

“Products that come in big jars mean people think it’s better value but a hair product bringing proper haircare and ingredients is much better and lasts just as long compared to a supermarket shelf brand full of water and talcum powder.”

Once my hair was thoroughly styled, I was sent to inhouse stylist Mel for some clothing tips.

As I tell Mel I’m after a formal outfit and a casual option, a few jackets make their way onto style chairs, as do a range of pants before we walk around the store.

“There are some basic tips for everyone, like varying colours with a dark top and light pants or vice versa and not clashing between patterns”, she says.

“Denim is an interesting one, as the darker you go the more formal it can be dressed - to the point dark blues and blacks go well with blazer jackets.

“But really, it’s what you’re happy and comfortable with.” Now with two final outfits selected and a few pieces I’m already to buy, having the camera’s attention turn on me is the funniest feeling of the day as I pose for the after shots. “Chin down, hand in pocket, turn towards me – that’s it!” he says, before adjusting the angle of the flash for a new angle.

“Play it natural and comfortable even if you’re not feeling natural or comfortable, because the camera doesn’t know how you’re feeling unless you show it.”

Thomas’s Marketing Manager Jesse North said while the on-site expert treatment was a special one-off working with stocked brand representatives, the Thomas’s team approach every customer in the same way.

“Styling is a regular service we do for customers through their time in store whether they ask for it or not, and with Father’s Day going on it’s great to give the guys in our lives some style attention.

“We understand money is a bit tight, so if we can get our customers to enjoy themselves with a bit of a pamper session, a few tips and walk away with something for the new season, the team’s doing a good job.”