I was told I’d never become a hairdresser because I’m deaf – but it makes me better at my job

When Drew Udall was growing up, he dreamed of being a hairdresser, practising on his sister’s dolls – and even his babysitter.

However, being born deaf, he knew it wasn’t going to be an easy path – and Drew’s ambition was challenged early on, during a careers class when he was 16.

The teenager expressed his desire to become a hairdresser – but a teacher at his school for deaf children, explained to him that it simply wouldn’t be possible because that sort of role required a high level of communication.

‘It only made me more determined to achieve my dream,’ Drew tells Metro.

He and his sister were both been born deaf to hearing parents. ‘No one seems to know why, but it is possible my parents carried the same recessive genes for hearing,’ he explains.

Growing up in Yorkshire, as part of a hearing family, brought challenges. Although Drew’s parents learned to sign, not all of their relatives could, so he and his sister became each other’s biggest sources of support.

‘We relied on each other a lot as we were the only deaf people in our family. School was easier though, as I went to one for deaf children until I was 16.

‘It gave me the chance to be around other kids like me and feel understood. I only had deaf friends throughout my childhood,’ the 40-year-old adds.

Drew’s love for hair began when he was in primary school.

‘I knew from a very young age that I wanted to become a hairdresser. My babysitter had beautiful long hair, and every time she came over, she’d let me style it. I absolutely loved doing her hair and looked forward to it every visit,’ he remembers.

His creativity even extended to his sister’s toys. ‘I also used to give my sister’s Troll dolls haircuts, which devastated her!’

At 15, Drew took his first step into the industry when he got a Saturday job at his local Toni & Guy.

After leaving school – and refusing to let his teacher’s career advice get to him – he continued to work at the salon, where he began developing his confidence as a stylist, both learning on the job and getting the necessary hairdressing qualifications.

Recalling his first client, Drew says: ‘I was incredibly nervous because I didn’t know how they would react to having a deaf stylist. I was very young and quite shy, so I didn’t chat much at first.

‘But every client helped me build my confidence and improve my communication skills.

‘All of them have always known I was deaf from the off, and we go by lip reading, or they write on notes and they show me photos of hair they want.

‘I really had to push myself outside my comfort zone at first, but it made me stronger and always gets easier after every appointment.’

Drew even believes that in some ways being deaf has actually been an advantage. ‘I think relying more on observation has helped me notice small details that others might miss.’

Communication at Drew’s salon works differently, but it has never stopped him building strong relationships. ‘I still have clients from when I was 18,’ he says.

‘My regulars have said they won’t go anywhere else. After their first appointment, they’ve come back again and again because they trust me and love the results.

‘Seeing them leave feeling happy and confident is always rewarding.’

Drew finally achieved his dream of opening his own salon, Drew Udall & Co, in Newport, four years ago.

It was a huge challenge, admits Drew, because of the amount of communication involved.

His mum played an important role, helping with the business side and making phone calls when needed. Drew also used a sign language interpreter throughout the process.

His sister and partner, who don’t wish to be named, continue to support him whenever challenges arise. ‘Without them, I don’t think I would be able to run my salon on my own, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything they do,’ says Drew.

‘I always dreamed of having my own salon. It was a very proud moment after years of hard work and dedication. Stepping through the doors for the first time felt like a dream come true. It was an incredibly emotional moment.

‘I still pinch myself every day.’

Since then, Drew has racked up the awards for his work, from Best Shropshire Hair Salon in 2025 to being crowned North Western Regional Winner at the 2026 L’Oréal Colour Trophy Grand Final.

It was a full-circle moment for the hairdresser, who had also won it 17 years ago when he was just starting out, but this time representing his own independent salon.

‘It’s the result of years of hard work, dedication, and never giving up on a dream I’ve had throughout my career.

‘I think the industry could learn more about how to communicate and interact with deaf people, creating a more inclusive environment where deaf professionals can be involved and valued in the same way as hearing people.’

Drew is now focused on continuing to grow his business and enjoying every step of the journey.

‘I have never let my deafness stop me, and I work in a public-facing job every day. If you believe in yourself and work hard, anything is possible.

‘If you have the skill, creativity, and dedication, a disability shouldn’t stop you from achieving recognition or success.’

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