Lauren McCowan is a globally recognised Creative Director, hair consultant, and award-winning stylist with over 17 years of experience shaping the international hair industry. With a rare ability to bridge editorial artistry and brand innovation, Lauren has led creative direction, formulation, education, and content for some of the industry’s most iconic brands—including Cloud Nine, evo, Olaplex, Moroccanoil, K18, and DYSON.
A powerful voice in global hair education, Lauren has spent over a decade designing and delivering transformative learning experiences for professionals across the U.S., U.K., Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. She has written and developed education frameworks and content that are now considered foundational in modern salon culture for multiple brands. Her live workshops, mentoring programs, and large-scale stage presentations have empowered thousands of stylists to elevate their craft, confidence, and creative thinking—bridging technical mastery with human connection. Lauren’s current work continues this legacy through The Manuscript and her consulting for brands seeking to deliver truly progressive and inclusive education platforms.
A seasoned session stylist, Lauren has directed hair for Australia and New York Fashion Weeks—working with brands such as TOME, Bibhu Mohapatra, Albus Lumen, AJE, and CMEO Collective. Her editorial work has been featured in Vogue (AU, US, UK, Russia), Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Rolling Stone, Interview, Russh, 10 Magazine, ELLE and NYLON among others. Her digital trend reporting and expert commentary have appeared across Refinery29, Body & Soul, Popsugar, and MamaMia as well as digital versions of multiple international magazines.
Lauren has styled global artists including Kimbra, Gotye, Matt Corby, Gin Wigmore, Jesse Rutherford, Neil Patrick Harris, and Penn Badgley, and is trusted by top-tier influencer clients such as Nadia Fairfax, Simone Holtznagel, and Georgina Burke.
Her accolades include multiple finalist nominations for AHFA and Hair Expo Session Stylist of the Year, Educator of the Year, and NSW Hairdresser of the Year, and she was a finalist for the AHFA Australian Hairdresser of the Year 2024.
From developing breakthrough products and education platforms to consulting for disruptive brands like P.O.D. by ECOHEADS, DunGud, and O&M, Lauren brings a future-forward, deeply strategic lens to her work. She is known for her ability to connect hairdressers and consumers through meaningful experiences—driving relevance, innovation, and creativity across both professional and editorial spheres.
Instagram: @laurenmccowan
TikTok: @laurenamccowan
