About Our Saks Artists
New for 2026 and beyond, our super-strengthened team of Saks Artists is responsible for rocking all things hair at Saks. From providing excellence in education for our stylists to show-stopping looks at shows and shoots.
Led and *inspired long-time* by our creative leadership team, Luke Pluckrose and Clare Murphy, our Saks faces are all serious about delivering gorgeous hair, whatever the platform and brief. On sets and runways. On stage and online. And always for our customers in our salons.
Clare and Luke BTS
LEADERSHIP BRING IT TO SAKS
Luke’s A-lister celebrity styling and Clare’s mega-experience on major films and TV series bring out-of-this-world hair expertise straight to Saks. Always close to our stylists, they channel the energy of their high-profile gigs into our education and head up hair teams backstage. They love teaching in small groups, sharing their industry knowledge, and empowering our stylists to assist on session styling gigs.
As Luke puts it: “Part of my role at Saks is to ensure our education stays relevant and reflective of the hairdressing world today. That means covering the full spectrum – from the day‑to‑day reality of salon life to session work. It’s about giving our teams everything they need to grow, progress and express their creativity.”
Clare adds, “We want our stylists thinking creatively and feeling prepared when clients ask for something a bit different. Joining us on shoots and at shows helps them feel confident making suggestions and sharing their ideas.”
Maisie, Shannon and Alice at Fashion Week shows
SAKS EDUCATION IN ACTION
At the Saks Hub at HQ and in our salons, Saks Artists deliver everything from our week-long Simply Saks foundation in classics course to colour techniques and trends, along with workshops on short hair, bridal styling, red carpet and avant-garde wig making.
From Saks Hub to Teams to the open all hours WhatsApp chat, new course concepts and ideas are always taking shape. We’re on the chat, so we see how it comes together. Grey Blending is all we’re saying here (more on this colour trend later in the blog).
SAKS ARTISTS’ INSIGHTS
Backstage is fast and high-pressure – what’s your trick when the energy is intense?
Alice of Saks Guisborough: “I love the pressure. The buzz drives my energy up, and working back-to-back in the salon prepares you for that. Stay hydrated and keep calm. On the outside anyway.”
For someone wanting to go backstage, what should they focus on building, e.g., skill, speed, mindset, organisation?
Shannon of Saks Hexham: “All those things and building up a fully stocked hair kit, as you never know what you might need on the day.”
Johnathan of Saks Redcar: “Get yourself out there. Volunteer, watch, learn, work on your skills. I couldn’t braid for years, so I worked on a doll’s head at home until I could do up to ten-strand plaits.”
Can you remember your first backstage gig for Saks
Nicola of Saks Chester: “The Clothes Show Live in Birmingham, back in the day. I met Peter Andre. There’s a pic somewhere.”
Jess of Saks Barnard Castle: “Yes, Clothes Show Live was an amazing experience. I did it for two years running at the start of my career. We had teams backstage and ran a big Pamper Lounge for visitors. It was crazy-busy!”
Shannon: “Harris Reed at V&A Fashion in Motion with Luke as the lead. I was so nervous, putting my heart and soul into a slick back. Only to find out the model was wearing a hat. That’s fashion!”
What’s the most rewarding part of educating?
Zoe of Saks Hair Newark: “Passing on the knowledge to the next generation, like it was passed on to me. Seeing people grow in their confidence and their craft is the best thing.”
One colour trend that clients are asking for, and how are you teaching it?
Alice: “Grey Blending. After a year in development, our workshop launched earlier this year. As more women choose to embrace their greys, we approach this personal journey with empathy and techniques which deliver beautifully blended results and soften regrowth.
Something social media doesn’t show about hair education?
Claire of Saks Chester: “The prep! It takes a team to create and run the day. I pride myself on my knowledge and adapt my delivery depending on the delegates. A lot of personal training for the full skill set – technical knowledge, quick thinking, problem solving, staying focused, keeping people engaged…”
Alice, Shannon and Jess assisting at our brand campaign shoot
Anything about working closely with Luke and Clare that’s seen you right?
Maisie of Saks Guisborough: “They’ve opened my eyes to how they achieve the looks with tips along the way. And how their calmness in such a creative and mad space!”
Jess: “That doing hair is meaningful and valuable, but it’s only hair. Don’t overthink or complicate things. And that if you work hard at Saks, you get amazing opportunities.”
Zoe: “Everything! They’re my mates now. Always loyal, truthful. Always there. No egos, just love and support and top-of-game creativity.”
Celebrations and success: Nicola, Zoe, Johnathan and Claire
SALON LIFE
How do you balance representing Saks Artists with salon life?
Claire: “I work part-time in the salon, so I can stay involved with the other Saks Artists. This year has been exciting, building our grey blending course with L’Oréal Professionnel, tailored to Saks and our customers.”
That Thing about being in salon?
Johnathan: “OK. I love being best friends with 76-year-old Joan, whose hair I have done for 20 years. I love welcoming a Saks nephew because one of my colleagues has had a baby. I love planning weddings with clients. I love that we have a total family vibe.”
Nicola: “100% making our clients happy. It never gets old.”
What’s one thing about Saks that people might not realise, but really sets it apart?
Shannon: “As evidenced for us all here – opportunities and support! Since I joined Saks, I’ve been part of loads of backstage work and teaching courses. I’ve been supported in becoming a salon manager and in my creativity. So many options if you’re willing to work hard to get it.”
Inspired by
Maisie: “My mum and boss, salon owner Sarah at Saks Guisborough. She’s always worked so hard and makes the salon a gorgeous place to work. Seeing her hard work over the years, from being a small child, watching behind the scenes, to joining the team, she’s always inspired me. She loves hairdressing, and you can tell.”
OUT OF OFFICE
Something people may not know about you?
Alice. “Saks-related… my dedication to education. I’ll be teaching Simply Saks the week leading up to my wedding!”
Claire: “I’m a total Beyonce fan – never missed a tour. If I could swap lives with someone for a day, it would obviously be Bey.”
Jess: “I have a matching tattoo of a lighthouse with my brother, signifying protection and guidance from danger.”
Zoe: “I can say the longest place name in Wales… Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.” [ Reel please, Zoe ]
SAKS ARTISTS ONSIDE
Luke Pluckrose – Lead Creative Director
Clare Murphy – Creative Director
Principal Educators:
Alice Haley – Saks Guisborough
Claire Price – Saks Chester
Nicola Hughes – Saks Chester
Educators:
Jess Hesp – Saks Barnard Castle
Johnathan Proud – Saks Redcar
Shannon Currah Posen – Saks Hexham
Zoe Horbury – Saks Hair Newark
Extensions Educator:
Maisie Ross – Saks Guisborough
A SHOUT TO STYLISTS
If you love what you do and are keen to explore education, backstage work or absolutely rocking salon life, join a Saks salon and let us know that this is a bit of you.