Who reads Hair magazine and how many of them are there?
Hair is the go-to national magazine for anyone looking to update their look. We work closely with all the big names in the hairdressing industry, too. Our readership is around 30,000.
What subjects do you cover?
All things hair, basically! We create a style guide each issue to offer inspiration for new cuts and colours, and also feature product reviews, celebrity style steals, how-to guides, trend pages and reader makeovers – to name just a few!
What stories are you most interested in covering?
We love everything hair-related! But I personally love the makeover section as it's so nice seeing someone getting completely transformed and confident with their new look.
How do you decide the content, front covers and headlines?
Because we're a hair magazine, the model on the cover has always got to have a great style that's on-trend, so that's a big priority when choosing the cover image. In terms of content, we always aim to brainstorm new and exciting features so readers can learn more about how to look after their hair and keep it healthy, as well as re-vamp it style-wise.
Do you produce a features list?
I always produce a features list – it helps me keep track of what we're doing and plan ahead for the next issue. Sometimes you have so many ideas that you have to push them back to future issues!
Do you work closely with PRs? And if so, what types of PR agencies do you work with?
We work with many big brands like Toni and Guy, Mark Hill, Fudge, Paul Mitchell and ghd, so yes we work very closely with PRs! They keep us in the loop with the latest products and hairdressing awards/events (which we luckily get invited to!)
Of all the press releases you receive on a daily basis, what percentage of them make it to publication?
I'd like to think that we use as many new press releases as we can! It's often tricky because there's only so much space per issue!
Do you find that your idea of what makes a story and a PR's tends to differ? How?
The PRs we work with usually get things spot on – we often get some great updates on latest products and happenings in the hair world that we can use for features!
What interests you most about your job?
I love that every day is different. One day you could be interviewing a celebrity hairdresser about their latest work at an awards ceremony, the next you are having your hair done in a posh salon and writing about it as a makeover. It's very fast-paced and exciting! The team here are wonderful, too!
Where have you worked previously, and how did you end up in your current position?
I worked on a very small local publication in Sevenoaks before I got my first real job at County Wedding Magazines. I was the features editor of An Essex Wedding and Your Herts and Beds Wedding, but this was only maternity cover. After my contract ended I interviewed at Hair for an editorial assistant position, and felt it went well. A couple of days went by and I thought I hadn't got the job, as I was making the jump from a regional to a national magazine. Then one evening I received a call to say that the editor's chair had become available, and I was asked if I'd like to fill it. It was a wonderful opportunity and a big break for me. I jumped at the chance! I've also been made managing editor of our A5 titles: Hair Now, Hairstyles Only and Perfect Hair and Nails.
Where do you expect to be in five years time?
Who knows? That's one of the great things about life – you never know what opportunities are waiting for you around the corner! I'm happy to just go with the flow for the time being and continue enjoying my time at Hair.
Do you tweet?
My Twitter feed @EmilyLOvery is linked to my London lifestyle blog, www.luvleylondontown.com. I love to write about the latest film, music, food, fashion and art in the capital. I also have a travel section for those needing an escape from city life! All follows are gratefully received!
If you could time travel what time would you go to?
Probably the 60s – I love the bold and bright fashion from that era, not to mention the hairstyles!
Emily can be found tweeting @EmilyLOvery.