It’s been a while…

Hello again, I thought it was time I popped back on here to say HI and show you a few of the weddings I’ve done over the past little while and not shown you.

But firstly I’d like to introduce myself to you once more.

I’m known as Laurel Stratford-Ellott. I leave the last part off for work as it’s easier, though I’ve been married to Pete for 14yrs now. I have three grown Sons, two are married (oldest & youngest). Two have children, two each, who call me Lala. I live in Kerikeri, Bay of Islands, Northland, New Zealand. I travel all over Northland to do Wedding Hairstyling. I average 30-40 weddings a season. Last season was my smallest due to a nasty back injury, where I could only work at half my capacity. So I had an assistant with me for all weddings post xmas except the odd smaller one.

I am passionate about Bridal Hairstyling & also continue to educate myself by going to workshops as well as belonging to an online academy in the Uk. I have even dabbled in education for stylists. I have won a National long hair competition, been a Finalist a number of times as well as placing with highly commended. I’ve competed in live competitions, won a section & then placed 4th in the Supremes for my cutting as part of that comp. I’ve been recognised in the “Bang Style” competitions. Recently I was one of three Finalists for the ‘Wedding Industry Awards NZ 2025’ for hairstyling & business.

I’m currently the ‘Lead creative’ for the Mid North Hospice ‘Battle of the Ballroom’, held every two years. In fact this is the third year I’ve organised it. I lead a team of hairstylists who style 8-12 dancer’s hair for 2-3 nights. So much fun and such a great fundraiser to be part of.

I am also getting ready for a Wedding Expo in Whangarei July 12, the following weekend is a local High School Ball. I also contract in a Kerikeri Hair Salon 3 days a week, just in case you thought hairstyling is all I get up to.

My down time is often spent fluffing around with all things hair, knitting garments or crocheting a temperature blanket (look that one up), seeing the family in Auckland & Hamilton or at the beach in our camper van with our Cat Blue.

My favourite holiday spots are Rarotonga & Perth (visiting Son number two & family), or on a Roadie with Pete & Blue in the Camper van exploring NZ. Next place to see is the Coromandel down to Tauranga.

My aim for Weddings is connecting with my Bridal Party, making hair dreams come true and getting you there on time. It’s as simple as that…oh yeah and having some fun along the way.

Lxx

#northlandweddings #bridalhairstylist #lifeinthefastlane #whoami #lovehairstyling #weddings

Wedding Industry Awards NZ 2025, Finalist
Our family wedding 2023
Flying solo for Courtney’ wedding 2025
Jody looking so cool for Battle of the Ballroom 2023
Our campervan…big enough for two and a cat
Blue
Rarotonga sunsets 2024
Bangstyle SUPREME WINNER 2018
WINNER Patrick Cameron Photographic competition 2012

Certified Keratin bond & Tape-In Extension by Great Lengths

Hi All

I wanted to let you know that I am offering a new service. Earlier in the year I became a Certified Keratin Bond Extension installer using Great Lengths.

Why Great Lengths you ask and why Keratin bond?

Great Length hair is ethnically source from the Temples in India. This means the hair has been bought from the Temples and those giving their hair have done so of their own choice. From there the hair goes to the Great Lengths factory in Italy.

It’s then checked to make sure it is virgin hair(not chemically treated). After this it is soaked in oxidation tanks to remove the colour and toned using textile dyes to get the right colours. There are about 100 different colours available. This leaves the hair still in its ‘virgin’ state. The hair continues to be processed by hand & machine in the factory. Their Tape-in extensions are processed in the same way.

Each Keratin bond can be installed whole or cut down smaller to work with the individuals thickness of their hair. The bonds are ‘double drawn’ meaning the thickness is the same at the bottom as the top. They are also ‘Remi’ hair, meaning the hair’s cuticles are all downwards facing like your own hair. This enables the hair to be more tangle free.

Why have keratin bond over nano beads or any at all?

The Keratin bonds behave like our keratin, it swells and shrinks as our Keratin does when wet, allowing less damage to the hair its bonded to. The bonds are quite small & allow for greater comfort to the wearer.

You may have thin areas in your hair around your face that will benefit from having more hair there. You may just have thin hair and would like more. You may want your hair to have more length, its a great way of getting you there while your hair grows to that length. You may just want longer hair. For most its do-able. Touch base with me and we can do a consultation to see what will work.

Maintenance, How do I look after them?

The biggest thing is brushing your hair, this needs to be done 2-3 times a day. It keeps your natural hair from getting tangled in the bond area. Washing needs a sulphate free, silicon free range. I recommend La Biosthestique ranges but there are now many ranges available. It easier having a silk pillowcase & a drying turban as well. One just needs to be a bit gentle like you would with lash extensions when handling them, especially when they’re wet. Keep sunblock away from them & your purple shampoo.

How long do they last?

The bonds unlike tape-ins which need to be lifted & processed every 4-6 weeks can last 3-6 months depending on your hair type.

When its time to have them taken out the hair cannot be used again in your hair. Instead they are sent onto the ‘Little Princess Trust’ to be made into wigs for childhood hair loss sufferers.

If you have any other question, I’d be happy to answer them.

Lxx

Styled Shoot September

Just when I was thinking that I’d like to do some photos I got an invitation in my Inbox to join a collaborative shoot.

My brief was a modern urban feel and really what would go with a very cool gown. So this is what I did.

Below are the other amazing vendors:

Stylist and photography: @joelandbonita | Bridal Gown: @boomblush | Suit Hire: @omen.suit.hire | Makeup Artist: @katyjanemakeupartist | Hairstylist: @laurelstratford_hair | Florist: @botanicastudio | Venue: @weddingsattheduke / @dukeofmarlborough | Models: @lizzykacey and Cian

Pizza: @honesgardenrussell 


Rikka & Aaron Jan 10 2022

After the disappointment of having to postpone their wedding from November it was so nice to see these two married in early January. We got them ready in Paihia and off to Bayly’s farm for a gorgeous day with friends and family.

Rikka had two attendants and two Mum’s for me to do. Beautiful long hair to work with for the wedding party and then those lovely Mum’s for blow drying and styling.

Check out some of her lovely images from ‘Wildsouls’. Flowers by ‘Bronze Fig Floral’.

Vaccine Passports

Hi all,

I just wanted to let you know about how Vaccine Passports work for me in New Zealand.

As a Hairdresser/stylist (Close contact business) I have to be fully vaccinated to be able to work in Red & Orange in the Covid protection traffic light system. Can’t remember it’s proper name 🙄.
Anyway as I said above this allows me work. These are quite far reaching rules, so I’ll explain as best as I can.

What it means is I can only work with other (other close contact Vendors) who are fully vaccinated and on others (those getting hair done) who are fully vaccinated in Red & Orange. It doesn’t matter where that work takes place, it’s work. For example salon, home, hotel, public or private, I’m working so have to follow the rules for a close contact business.

In fact all close contact businesses have to follow these rules. Or face a fine of $15K…ah no thanks!!

I have no idea what the rules will be for Green. We are of the understanding that we will free to work with anyone no matter what their vaccination status is. But they actually haven’t told us definitely yet. So fingers crossed here.

I hope that explains it enough for you. There is an explanation on the Covid & nz business websites for all to look at.

Please feel free to contact me for a chatter your wedding hair. But outside of these rule I am unable to work with you.