Justin Mackland, a well-known Scottish celebrity hairdresser who worked from the Vanity Studio in Aberdeen, has died at the age of 36. His death was confirmed by his mother, Lynne Hutchison, in an online post in which she wrote: "My boy, my world."
Mackland, who styled clients including Emeli Sande, Sandi Thom and Laura Whitmore, had been in the industry for just over ten years. In 2019, he was appointed a digital ambassador for Schwarzkopf. He also wrote articles for How To Cut It magazine, appeared regularly on podcasts and hosted conferences.
Family tributes
His sister, Jemma, paid an emotional tribute, saying: "There aren't enough words to describe how much I'm going to miss you, Justin. You were far more than just a brother to us, you brought us up, loved us with your whole heart and were our absolute rock - my idol and my best friend. My go to, my every day phone call - the constant light on the darkest days."
She added: "The fact you won't be able to walk me down the aisle, meet my baby boy or see Jack and Hallie grow up makes me sick to my stomach. So much ahead of you, so much plans.. I'll never be me again without you. Sleep tight Justin - you'll live on in my heart forever."
Industry reaction
Tributes also poured in across the hairdressing community. The Hair Socials Facebook page described Mackland as "an inspiration to many and an incredible part of the industry", while the Fellowship for British Hairdressing called him "one of the rising stars of the industry".
Olivia Wilson commented: "You are truly one of a kind. It's hard to put into words how much you'll be missed and how difficult it is to accept that someone so full of life can be taken so suddenly. I'll be forever grateful that we got the opportunity to work side by side again and developing the relationship we have. You filled every room with light and laughter, a trait that is rare to come across. There will never be another Justin Mackland, the memories, the laughter and the happiness you brought to everyone around you will live on forever."
Craig Boyd said: "We maybe only met about 10 times in our lives, but you made such a huge impact in mine. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Today my thoughts are with Justin's family and friends, a light has went out in the Scottish hairdressing community."
Dylan Jack McConnachie added: "The industry has lost a beautiful soul. Justin will always be remembered for his bubbly personality, his caring kindness and love for everyone and his craft. He was the most beautiful human and never had a bad bone, I'm so glad to have spent numerous times laughing and having fun with this darling man."
