When you’ve just crafted wedding hair for both Delta Goodrem and Mel B, it’s fair to say no two briefs could be more different. Yet that’s exactly where celebrity hairstylist Michael Brennan thrives- in the space between intimacy and spectacle, tradition and individuality. With a career that moves fluidly between red carpets, editorials, and music, Brennan has become known for fusing glamour with an editorial edge, always tailoring his craft to the woman in front of him. 

We recently sat down with him to talk wedding-day artistry, balancing the personal with the public, and the inspirations driving his ever-evolving style.

TJ: You’ve just created wedding looks for both Delta Goodrem and Mel B- two very different women, two very different settings. How did you approach each brief?

MB: Absolutely, and that contrast is exactly what made both experiences so special. Delta’s look was all about timeless elegance. She has this ethereal presence, so we leaned into softness, romance, and a really refined beauty. It was a destination wedding with an air of natural luxury, so everything had to feel effortless but elevated.

Mel, on the other hand, brought her signature fun. Her wedding was spiced up, and full of personality, just like her! We went for something much softer working with her hair texture and unapologetically glamorous, with a soft silhouette.  The key in both cases was listening- really tuning into who they are as women, and what this very personal moment meant to each of them.

TJ: Styling for a wedding is such a personal role, especially when it’s a high-profile event watched around the world. What’s your process for balancing intimacy with the spotlight?

MB: You’re walking a tightrope between two worlds. On one hand, it’s this incredibly intimate, emotional day. On the other, it’s a global stage- the photos, the press, their legacy. My approach is to always start with the person, not the platform. They should feel powerful, beautiful, themselves.

Then, once we have that emotional core, I bring in the technical lens and how it will translate in photos, how it performs under different lighting and how it moves. But the priority is always making the client feel safe and celebrated in their own skin.

Both women are so special to me, and I wanted to make them feel as beautiful as possible.  

TJ: Your portfolio spans red carpet, editorial and music. How do you adapt your craft across these different arenas?

MB: Each space demands a different kind of storytelling. Red carpet is about precision and being camera-ready from every angle. Editorial gives you freedom to experiment and push boundaries, and with music, there’s this incredible energy. The looks need to amplify a sound, a mood, a movement on stage or on film.  Most artists have an idea on what they’d like and I love prepping with them but sometimes I try and create a new direction for them which hopefully embrace and love.  They want to push boundaries too!

TJ: You’re known for combining glamour with editorial edge. Where do you find inspiration, and how do you keep evolving your style?

MB: Inspiration is everywhere, in nature, in street culture, film and I love fashion history.  I’m constantly collecting references but more than anything, I’m inspired by the people I work with. There’s something electric about watching someone step into their power and that’s the energy I chase in my work.

I challenge myself to stay curious and I’m constantly testing new techniques.  I’m so lucky to work with incredible photographers, creative stylists as well as emerging and iconic talent. The moment you stop learning in this industry is the moment your work starts looking like everyone else’s.

TJ: Product choice is clearly important to your work. What are the go-to tools and formulas you rely on when creating these big moments?

MB: It’s a curated kit, but there are definitely some ride-or-dies. For hair, I’m loyal to brands that photograph beautifully but still feel lived-in. I always prep the hair with a good heat protection spray- a favourite is Oribe Invisable Defense Protection Spray.

In terms of tools, a good set of brushes is non-negotiable. I love using a mix of Boar Bristle and Ceramic, and I like Y.S Park especially for detailed work. 

I am loving the new hairdryer from MOVA Master10, Hottools Curling Irons and am always a fan of GHD straightening Irons .

It’s those little details that make a look feel bespoke.

TJ: Looking ahead, 2025 is already shaping up to be a big year for you. What’s on the horizon that you’re most excited about?

MB: 2025 has been a really strong year so far and it’s flying by ! This year I’ve had some amazing jobs and clients and there’s still so much to come. I’ve got a few incredible shoots lined up over the next couple of months.  Some really creative projects with teams I’ve been wanting to collaborate with for a while.

There are also a few major bookings on the horizon, some dream bookings that I can’t quite talk about yet, but they’re definitely the kind of projects that push you to the next level, and I’m all about challenging myself with each and every job I do. 

Follow @michael_brennan.