Rae Palmer is an award-winning hair professional, international art director, and a trailblazer in the UK hairdressing industry with over 25 years of experience. Beginning her career in 1986 as a Redken technician, Rae’s journey has taken her from working as a top stylist and educator for Umberto Giannini to a colour technician role with Toni & Guy. In 1997, she realised her dream by opening her own three-storey salon, Rae Palmer Hairdressing, in Portsmouth.

Renowned for her passion for colour, Rae holds a prestigious L’Oréal Colour Specialist degree, placing her in the top 1% of L’Oréal colourists in the UK. Her salon was celebrated for its innovation, featuring a unique 'Colour Bar' for interactive consultations and even offering a VIP beauty room for private appointments – ideal for weddings, hen parties, or luxurious treats. In 2006, her salon was named one of the top 5 salons in the UK by IPC Hair Magazine.

Throughout her career, Rae has collaborated with industry icons such as Anthony Mascolo, Umberto Giannini, and Sean Hanna, working on photo shoots and shows. Her creativity and expertise have earned her accolades, including winning £10,000 for her Colour Optics invention on the industry’s answer to Dragon’s Den, The Dream Factory. She’s also a proud British Hairdressing Award (BHA) winner, solidifying her reputation as one of the industry’s top talents.

Rae’s passion for elevating the hairdressing profession led her to found WELOVE and the WELOVE Purple Hearts Club, a pioneering initiative aimed at setting new educational and professional standards for hairdressers globally. With WELOVE endorsed by Habia, Rae’s mission is to provide qualified, certified standards to ensure excellence within the industry. As Rae says, “Chefs have Michelin Stars, now Hair Pros have Purple Hearts!”

When she’s not shaping the future of hairdressing, Rae enjoys walking her dog along the coastline, exploring new cultures through travel, and spending time in Sandbanks. Her latest collection, Individuality, reflects her ethos of celebrating unique styles and has been a significant inspiration behind the philosophy of WELOVE. Rae’s career is a testament to her dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to empowering hair professionals worldwide.