Howard Street

Leigh first came to RRI on work experience back in 1996, and quickly found herself hooked. She qualified in 1998, spent five years perfecting her craft and training as a teacher in our Buchanan Street salon, then opened the Academy in 2003. Now an influential figure in the UK hair industry, this year Leigh helped to develop the new SVQ Hairdressing qualifications for the Hair and Beauty Industry Authority. As a hairdresser, Leigh is exceptional at colouring hair and tackling complex, creative cuts. It’s her belief that changing the colour or style of a person’s hair can genuinely bring out a different side of their personality.

Combining her two roles, Leigh says, gives her best of both worlds: training the next generation of top stylists, while still being able to work directly with clients. She loves seeing students graduate to ‘finishing school’, and watching everything she’s taught them click into place. She calls those the ‘lightbulb moments’. Her philosophy for success is clear: strive for perfection, don’t make excuses, know your strengths (and weaknesses), accept criticism, have confidence and – most of all – be creative.

Nikki joined RRI in 1998, at the tender age of 15. From that role as Saturday girl in the Royal Exchange Square salon, she went on to qualify as a stylist, do our teacher training programme (while still working with clients) and achieve her NVQ Level 3. Nikki taught her first course at the Academy in 2003. Since then, she has achieved her Schwarzkopf Master Colourist Degree and Academy Assessor qualification, and now teaches full-time at the Academy. Nikki knows first-hand that hairdressing can offer a really diverse and fast-paced career, and tries to instill that in her students, who she loves to see progressing week-on-week. Although she’ll always be extremely passionate about training, Nikki still gets a real buzz from working hands-on, colouring, cutting and styling her clients’ hair (she especially likes doing hair-ups for special occasions).

Like Training Director Leigh, Jamie first came to RRI on a week’s work experience. After just a few days, Jamie had fallen in love with the industry and decided to train. After qualifying, she worked as a stylist for two years before taking maternity leave when her son was born. When she came back (and we’re glad she did), Jamie opted for a role as a receptionist and has never looked back. Now she heads up the entire reception team here at the Academy, and has progressed to being involved with back office projects. Even after 19 years in the company she still loves seeing students blossom into fully-fledged stylists.

Robbie started his journey with Rainbow Room International through SixthSense Training's Digital Marketing apprenticeship program in March 2017, quickly completing this by December of the same year. His passion for staying active and engaged has made him a dynamic member of the RRI Family. Robbie is always on the move, whether he's within our Howard Street Salon or travelling to the other Rainbow Room International Salons to share his expertise.

While working full-time, Robbie pursued and completed his Bachelor's Degree in Business & Marketing, demonstrating his commitment to personal and professional growth. His dedication has made him an integral part of the Howard Street Team and the entire company.

Robbie is also heavily involved in the organising and running major events such as styling the stars backstage at TRNSMT, the Scottish BAFTA's and more. Additionally, he plays a crucial role in helping some of our incredible award-winning stylists shine their brightest in their competitive entries, contributing to their success with his knowledge.

Quietly confident and endlessly creative, Fabrizio is the stylist who lets his work do the talking. With a perfectionist's eye and a passion for Textured Haircuts, Highlights, and Lived-In Colour, he's all about creating effortlessly beautiful, natural looks that enhance every client's individuality.

Known for his attentive and thoughtful approach, Fabrizio takes the time to truly understand each person who sits in his chair. Through a thorough consultation, he carefully tailors every style to suit your face shape, eye colour, and personal features, ensuring your look feels completely your own. He also loves to educate clients about their hair, sharing tips and insights to help you maintain your style long after you leave the salon.

When he's not behind the chair, you'll find him watching the latest movie at the cinema, exploring fashion trends, or planning his next travel adventure - always gathering new inspiration to bring into his craft.

Sit down with Fabrizio at Howard Street - where precision, creativity, and care come together for a truly personalised salon experience.

Say hello to Miya, our bubbly, bright, and endlessly creative stylist who brings serious energy (and even more skill) to the salon floor! Known for her technical precision in cutting and her love of all things balayage and bold, bright colours, Miya takes pride in tailoring every look to suit each client’s unique features — from face shape and skin tone to eye colour and personal style. With her thorough consultations, she makes sure every detail is just right, leaving you with a look that feels uniquely you.

When she’s not crafting flawless hair transformations, you’ll find her chatting about the latest movies at the cinema, swapping stories about pets, or diving into her love of books, travelling, and fascinating documentaries.

If you’re after a stylist who’ll make you laugh, listen, and leave you glowing, Miya at Howard Street is your perfect match.

Elidah joined the team as our Front of House in August 2024 and everything fell into place from the moment she walked through the door. With her cheery and bubbly personality, she strives to create a welcoming environment where every client feels comfortable and valued.

Elidah is incredibly attentive to every client's needs, ensuring they have the best experience possible. There's nothing more rewarding for her than seeing a client's smile after a big transformation. Elidah loves to be the first and the last person to our clients as she gets to see how happy people are after they visit the salon.