- 04 September 2025
- Apprentices & Recruitment & Success Stories &
Styling the Stars Backstage at Creamfields Festival!
When it comes to unforgettable opportunities, few can top styling the hair of world-famous DJs backstage at one of the UK’s biggest festivals. For Cheshire-based VAIN Salon and Kleek Apprentices Rose and Teddi, Creamfields 2025 wasn’t just another weekend - it was a chance to showcase their hairdressing skills to the stars!
Representing their salon at the heart of the action, the apprentices worked alongside their employer to bring festival-ready looks to international artists and performers. From high-energy sets to behind-the-scenes glam sessions, the experience gave the apprentices an inspiring taste of where a career in hairdressing can take them.
We couldn't wait to catch up with VAIN salon owner Siobhan, and Kleek Hairdressing Apprentice Rose to hear all about their backstage styling experience! Here's what they said...
VAIN Salon Owner, Siobhan:
Why did you choose Rose and Teddi to represent your salon at this event?
It was a no-brainer for us to give Teddi and Rose an opportunity to work backstage at Creamfields. They work so hard for us in the salon; we cannot run our busy schedules without their help. They are such an important asset to the team that this was a great opportunity for them to experience the fun side of the industry. We have worked with the artists at Creamfields for the last 12 years, and we want to make sure our assistants get to experience this too.
What does it mean for Vain Hairdressing to be part of such a high-profile festival?
We value our team first and foremost. Without the team, we have no VAIN, and so being able to give the team this opportunity of working hard and partying harder is so valuable for a happy work-life balance. They get to style the hair of the superstar DJs, and this is something that they love! The buzz in the salon this week after Creamfields has been at an all-time high, and that’s what it’s all about.
How do you think experiences like this help apprentices grow in their careers?
Getting to work backstage at any festival gives our apprentices so much confidence! They have felt valued as an important part of the team, and it gives them the hunger to boost their profile. It’s a great beginning to a wonderful career ahead.
What advice would you give to other salon owners who are thinking about taking on an apprentice with Kleek?
We cannot run our busy salon without our apprentices. We currently have three, all at different stages of their NVQ with Kleek, and they are so crucial to a successful day. They can put their hand to any role within the salon - whether that’s looking after our clients at the backwash, answering the phone and helping us keep the salon running smoothly and clients happy and looked after - so they are a huge investment into a successful business.
We want homegrown talent at VAIN to be our future, and we have always promised that in return for all their hard work, we will make sure they qualify with us as an experienced and knowledgeable, confident stylist/colourist. Their success is our success. I always say it, learning on the job as an apprentice is the BEST way to understand the role of a hairdresser!
You learn so much without even realising! Every single day is a school day. The highs AND the lows! The happy clients and the not-as-happy clients. Everything is important to witness for them as part of their qualification! Not every day is a breeze!
Kleek Apprentice, Rose:
How did it feel to be asked to style hair backstage for artists at Creamfields?
Being asked to work backstage at Creamfields was definitely a shock to me, but knowing I was thought after by my employer, to participate made me super excited and appreciated! The atmosphere was good vibes all weekend, with the friendliest people around! The entire weekend was filled with laughter and smiles.
Can you share any stand-out moments from the weekend?
A standout moment for me was definitely the opportunity of doing Horsegirl DJ’s hair backstage before her set. I had 10 minutes to curl her wig, but I made it happen, and she was made up with her hair!
Can you name any of the artists you got to meet?
I met Horsegirl DJ and also many other DJs from the weekend, also I got the chance to do some of their hair, including Anna Eager DJ! I also got to go backstage to watch Patrick Topping and Sonny Fodera. All of the artists backstage were excited about the chance to come to our glam tent for hair and make-up.
What techniques or skills from your apprenticeship did you use while styling hair at the festival?
One skill that I definitely felt benefited me this weekend was my consultations. My Kleek Educator Jane, is always so adamant before any training that I have a full consultation with a client to make sure everyone is aware of the finished product. I used this when people came in unsure of how to style their festival hair in the heat.
How has this opportunity helped boost your confidence as an apprentice?
After a weekend of styling the stars, I am now able to bring this confidence back into the salon and into my work, feeling confident to continue my training on new models.
What was your favourite hairstyle of the weekend?
My favourite hairstyle this weekend is definitely the gent! I did chunky braids into a low bun, with tapering around his ears and the nape of his neck. One of the barbers from my team helped me with this.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of doing an Apprenticeship with Kleek?
The advice I would give is to take each opportunity that is offered to you, big or small, because any bit of training and experience will always benefit you and eventually lead to bigger opportunities, just like this one!
Creamfields Festival 2025 was more than just a weekend of music for Rose, Teddi and the VAIN Hair Salon team - it was a career-defining experience! What are YOU waiting for? Start your dream career today by applying for an Apprenticeship with the UK's BEST hair and beauty provider, Kleek!
