What Lies Beneath...  Lorraine Dublin

Lorraine Dublin was doing her family’s hair way before she made it her profession. As a child she became the person her mum, brothers and sister turned to, learning early that doing someone’s hair meant giving them your time and attention.

And it;s that understanding of care  that still shapes her work as a celebrity hairstylist. Here she speaks about the trust clients place in her and the small kindnesses they return; sometimes as simply as bringing her something to eat. After years in the industry, she still takes pride in making people feel good about themselves.

For this edition of What Lies Beneath, Lorraine goes into  her Caribbean roots, her changing relationship with her own hair and the importance of making room for herself. There is joy in her work, comfort in familiar food and, increasingly, happiness in having nothing to prove.

TSB: What does perfect happiness look and feel like to you at this stage of your life?

Lorraine: Perfect happiness, at this stage of my life, looks like peace. It’s having a calm mind, a happy heart, and the freedom to be myself without feeling the need to prove anything to anyone. It’s feeling content with where I am in life, being surrounded by genuine love, protecting my energy, and appreciating the little things. For me, happiness isn’t about having everything figured out or living a perfect life; it’s about feeling at peace with myself, trusting the journey, and knowing that no matter what life brings, I’ll be okay.

TSB: What quality inherited from your family or upbringing would you say you recognise most strongly in yourself today?

Lorraine: I would say one of the strongest things I’ve inherited from my upbringing is my love for Caribbean food. It’s such a big part of who I am and keeps me connected to my roots and culture. No matter what’s on the menu, I’ll always gravitate towards Caribbean food. Even when I’m cooking for myself, nine times out of ten, it’s going to be something Caribbean! It’s more than just food to me; it’s comfort, familiarity, and a connection to my heritage. It’s something I’ve grown up with, and I honestly don’t think I could ever get tired of it!

TSB: You’ve previously talked about learning to cornrow at five after watching someone teach your mum. What do you remember about those early moments of doing your family’s hair, and how did they shape your understanding of care?

Lorraine: I became the main person in the house who did everybody’s hair, from my mum to my brothers and sister. Even at such a young age, I think there was something special about being able to do something that helped my family. Doing their hair gave me a way to show my love and care, even before I fully understood what that meant. It wasn’t just about making them look good; it was about giving them my time, attention, and a little piece of myself. Looking back, I realise that those early experiences shaped the way I understand care today. For me, hair has always been about more than just the finished style; it’s about connection, trust, and making people feel looked after.

TSB: The Steam Bar brings together scalp care and steam. How would you incorporate its products into a hair routine, and what would you want clients to prioritise when caring for their hair between salon visits?

Lorraine: I would incorporate The Steam Bar’s products into my clients’ routines by focusing on maintaining a healthy scalp and ensuring the hair is properly cleansed and hydrated. I believe consistency is key, so I would encourage my clients to shampoo their hair once a week or every two weeks, depending on their lifestyle, schedule, hair type, and the way they choose to wear their hair.

Between salon visits, I would want clients to prioritise using the right products at home and following a routine that supports the health of their hair and scalp. Hair care doesn’t stop when you leave the salon; maintaining your hair at home is just as important as the work we do in the chair. When clients return, it’s important that we’re on the same page about how their hair is responding to the products and routine they’ve been using. That allows me to assess their hair properly, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure we’re working together towards their hair goals. Ultimately, I want my clients to understand that healthy hair is a partnership between the work we do in the salon and the care they give their hair at home.

TSB: How has your relationship with your own hair changed over the years?

Lorraine: My relationship with my hair has evolved so much over the years. I’ve experimented with so many different styles, from locs and texturisers to cutting my hair short, wearing it natural, and doing twist-outs. Each stage has taught me something different about my hair and what it needs. One of the biggest things I’ve learnt is that my hair thrives when I leave it alone and allow it to do its own thing. I’ve realised that it doesn’t always need chemicals or constant manipulation to look and feel its best. My hair loves being in braids, having a simple routine, and being given the space to just be. I think I’ve come to understand that caring for my hair isn’t always about doing more; sometimes, it’s about knowing when to do less, listening to what my hair needs, and allowing it to flourish naturally.

TSB: The hairdresser’s chair can be a place where people let their guard down. What has being trusted in that space taught you most about people?

Lorraine: Being a hairdresser has taught me that everyone is going through something, and we all come from different walks of life. Sometimes, people just need a safe space where they can talk, feel heard, and be themselves without judgement. And sometimes, that person just happens to be their hairdresser. I’ve learnt that sitting in my chair is about so much more than having your hair done; it can be a moment of release, comfort, and connection. People may come in wanting a new hairstyle, but they sometimes leave feeling a little lighter because they’ve had the chance to talk to someone who listens. I feel privileged when clients trust me enough to open up, and it’s taught me the importance of being present, listening without judgement, and recognising that a little kindness and understanding can go a long way. For me, it’s a reminder that what we do goes beyond hair; it’s about caring for the person sitting in the chair, too.

TSB: Your work often involves helping someone else feel confident. When your own confidence has been tested, what has helped you find your footing again?

Lorraine: When my own confidence has been tested, I’ve found that taking time for myself really helps me find my footing again. Exercise is a big part of that, as it helps me clear my mind, reset, and feel good within myself. I also love taking regular trips away whenever I can, as stepping out of my everyday routine gives me a fresh perspective and allows me to recharge. Most importantly, spending quality time with my family and friends brings me back to what really matters in life. Their love, support, and the happiness we share remind me of who I am. I’ve learnt that finding your confidence again isn’t always about doing something big; sometimes, it’s about slowing down, looking after yourself, surrounding yourself with the right people, and giving yourself the space to feel like you again.

TSB: You spend a great deal of time caring for other people. What does being cared for look like for you, and how do you make room for it?

Lorraine: Being someone who spends a lot of time caring for others, I’ve learnt how important it is to allow myself to be cared for, too. Even in the salon, I experience that in little ways. I have clients who will bring me food or a drink, sometimes without me even asking, and those small gestures remind me that the care I give to others is often returned to me in ways I don’t always expect.

I also make a conscious effort to create time for myself, whether that’s enjoying a massage, a sauna or spa day, travelling somewhere warm, or simply stepping away from my everyday routine to relax and recharge. I find that taking time out allows me to reset, reconnect with myself, and return to my work and the people I care for feeling refreshed.

I think it’s important to recognise that you can’t pour from an empty cup. As much as I love looking after others, I need to make sure I’m looking after myself, too. For me, being cared for is about feeling considered, allowing myself to receive love, and giving myself permission to rest without feeling guilty.

TSB: What would you say you’re most proud of that would never appear in your professional biography?

Lorraine: I think I’m most proud of staying grounded and never losing sight of who I am, regardless of where my career takes me. I’m also proud that I continue to fall in love with what I do. Even after all these years, I still have a passion for my craft and a genuine love for making people feel good about themselves. I never want to lose that feeling or take the opportunities I’ve been given for granted. For me, success isn’t just about what I achieve professionally; it’s about remaining true to myself, appreciating the journey, and continuing to find joy and purpose in the work I do.

TSB: People may know your work before they know you. What would you like them to understand about you, the woman behind it?

Lorraine: I would want people to understand that behind my work is a strong, hardworking woman who has always done the best she can with what she’s had to work with. My journey hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve learnt the importance of perseverance, believing in myself, and continuing to show up even when things get challenging. I’ve worked hard for what I’ve achieved, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come without losing sight of who I am. If there’s one thing I hope people take from my story, it’s that hard work really does pay off. You may not always see the results straight away, but if you remain dedicated, passionate, and true to yourself, you can build something you’re proud of. Ultimately, I want people to see not just the work I do, but the woman behind it: someone who is grounded, resilient, passionate, and still growing.