Exclusive: Wig stylist to Dita Von Teese, Dolly Parton launches new exhibition in Derby

A Derby based wigmaker to the stars - whose clients include Hollywood A-listers Dolly Parton and Dita Von Teese - has opened an exhibition in Derby.

Sarah Wood, founder of Necia Hairstyling is a UK based hair and wig session stylist. 

Born in Derby and now living in London, Sarah’s impressive portfolio showcases clients from diverse industries including high end fashion, music and television.

The powerhouse creative crafts stunning pieces that have won her fans from across the globe.

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Now she is shining a spotlight on her home city of Derby by holding an exhibition at Dubrek Studios, on Bridge Street, Derby.

Speaking exclusively to DerbyWorld, Sarah said: “I’m a bit nervous but excited to have my work [exhibited] at home. I wanted to do something for home, with my friends, and it’s great.”

Speaking about how the talented creative got into the unique craft of wig making, Sarah said: “I went to Derby College a while ago, I got sidetracked, worked in the dementia [sector] for 10 years at the Royal.

“I just really felt like I needed to do hair, then wigs came from that. 

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“I do a bit of everything, from session work to wig work.”

When asked how she feels when she sees people wearing her creations, Sarah said: “It’s a bit weird but I have to stay detached. I’m very proud but I send them all around the world. It is pretty amazing to see people wearing them.” 

Sarah’s aesthetic is timeless, transgressing centuries to channel Barbara Stanwyck’s 1940s femme fatale in Double Indemnity, to present day icons Dolly Parton and Dita Von Teese to name a few.

When asked what they were like to work with, Sarah said: “Dita was my first-ever client.

“I was still working at the hospital when I first did her hair. 

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“She’s a friend and I’ll always make sure to talk about her because she’s such a big part of my life. 

“She is absolutely amazing.”

Speaking about Dolly Parton, Sarah said: “Dolly is just wild. She is exactly what you think she would be, she’s the dream!”

“I started working with Dolly in 2020, I did her niece, Rebecca Seaver’s hair for the Graham Norton show. Then it snowballed from there, which was amazing.

“Now I am just happy to do something at home.”

Over the years Dolly Parton has had several wig stylists. 

Her aunt Colleen Owens was one of the first from Dolly’s early Nashville days, right through her time in Hollywood in the mid 1980s. 

David Blair styled Dolly’s hair for approximately one decade (from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s), and Cheryl Riddle has been wig master since the 1990s to present day.

Sanjana, 39, from Manchester, was one of the attendees who travelled into Derby for the exhibition.

She said: “I love Dita Von Teese and fashion, so this exhibition is a real treat for me.

“I’ve seen Dita Von Teese’s show and love her style, she’s not known as the ‘Queen of Burlesque’ for nothing!

“It does feel surreal, seeing something associated with Hollywood royalty like Dita, and Dolly Parton, here in Derby.

“When I found out about the show I had to plan a road-trip to the city.

“I’ve only been to Derby a handful of times in my lifetime, and I made a special trip to Derby just to see the wigs on display.

“I think events like these really really help creatives, and it’s such a cool experience for fashion fans like me too.”

When asked about a favourite wig on display Sanjana said: “I like them all! The hair salon pink wig is different, I don’t think I’ve seen anything like it before.”

Sarah Wood, Necia Hairstyling exhibition is on at Dubrek Studios till November 30, 2024.

To appreciate one of Derby’s finest exports, visit Dubrek Studios now.

Location: Dubrek Studios, 67 Bridge Stree, Derby DE1 3LB

For more information about Necia Hairstyling click here.