Mayfair salon owner Jo Hansford receives royal recognition after decades of styling for the Queen.
Queen Camilla has officially recognised her long-time hairstylist, Jo Hansford, with a royal warrant, bestowing the prestigious royal seal of approval upon her Mayfair-based salon. Having been entrusted with the Queen’s hair for over thirty years, Hansford is among only seven recipients of this honour, granted in December.
In response to the recognition, Jo Hansford expressed her gratitude, saying, “It’s an incredible privilege to receive a royal warrant from The Queen, who I’ve had the honour of working with for more than three decades.” She also highlighted the significance of the award, particularly for her all-female-run business, noting that it reflects the power of determination and hard work in achieving remarkable success.
In the 1990s, US Vogue hailed Hansford as “the best tinter on the planet,” and last year, she reminisced about the first time she styled the Queen’s hair, recalling that she immediately felt Camilla “had to be blonder.” Since then, Hansford has managed the Queen’s hair through key moments, including her marriage to King Charles and her coronation. Despite the fanfare of such events, Hansford explained there would be no dramatic changes to the Queen’s hair on her coronation day, as “nothing special happens to a woman’s hair when she becomes Queen.”
Beyond the stress of working with such a high-profile client, Hansford shared that her relationship with the Queen is relaxed and friendly. “Camilla has a wonderful sense of humour,” she said, adding that they both share a passion for gardening.
At her Mayfair salon, Hansford’s services range from £75 for a men’s cut and finish to £600 for a full head of highlights. Royal warrants are issued to businesses whose products or services are favoured by members of the royal family, and Jo Hansford is now part of an exclusive group.
In addition to Hansford, Queen Camilla issued royal warrants to couturiers Anna Valentine, Fiona Clare, and Mr Roy, milliner Philip Treacy, skincare supplier Heaven Health and Beauty, and veterinary product supplier The Forum Veterinary Practice. This year, over 500 companies received royal warrants, including well-known brands such as Moët & Chandon, Jaguar Land Rover, Kellogg’s, and DHL.
