Heather Dapaah is the owner of hair salon, Her Definition and an emerging hairstylist. She has worked with celebrities such as RayBLK, Darko and Perri Edwards, creating looks for global campaign shoots and music videos. 

She has also created a niche for herself as a bridal salon and the go-to lady for creative hair styling. Her Definition is a thriving salon based in South London where she manages a team of four. Heather took time out to tell me about her career and the beauty product she cannot live without. 

How did you get into hairdressing?

I have a background in biomedical science and I kicked off my career in 2015 by working for Charlotte Mensah as an apprenticeship. I learnt a lot from her because she has immaculate standards and working with her taught me how to set the bar at a very high level. After that I went on to work with Janet Joshua at Angel’s Hair and Beauty Salon. Then in 2016 I opened my own salon. 

What made you decide to go it alone? 

It was hard going from having a secure salary to being my own boss. However, I am passionate about hair and I knew I wanted to do it at a high end . I was fortunate to rub shoulders with the right people who opened doors for me. 

How did you go about raising investment?

Seeking investment was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I used my science background and worked on Harley Street where I saved up some money. I also gained Enterprise funding and I was a winner of the Shea Moisture UK Community Commerce Salon Relief Fund.

Tell us about the beauty product you cannot live without.

The beauty product I cannot live without is Keracare Oil Moisturiser. I first discovered this product when I was working with Charlotte Mensah and when I opened my salon we started stocking the brand. There was a shift from relaxers and weaves and people wanted to wear their hair natural. I started using the brand to find out how it worked on me personally. I also had a lot of customers who loved it too. 

I use it every three days and I have the one bottle in my home. Usually I have three but my Mum recently paid me a visit…. Now I keep it locked away with all my prized possessions.  It lasts around four to six weeks before I have to repurchase it.  I love this product because of how it locks in moisture. Once I put it in my hair it leaves it soft and manageable.