For 35 years, Jo Hansford has been Queen Camilla’s trusted hairstylist, preparing her for some of the most significant moments of her life. Along the way, she has also become a close confidante.
Jo was among the first to learn of Camilla’s engagement to the then Prince of Wales two decades ago, tinting her hair ahead of the official announcement. She was also by her side before the royal wedding at St George’s Chapel in Windsor in April 2005.
Now, the Queen has honored Jo—described by Vogue as “the best tinter on the planet”—with a prestigious Royal Warrant, one of only seven issued by Her Majesty and the first ever awarded to a hair salon.
“It’s a huge privilege,” Jo tells HELLO! in an exclusive interview and photoshoot at her Hertfordshire home, joined by her daughter Joanna—who manages the business—and her granddaughters, 16-year-old Tierney, who works at the salon on Saturdays, and 18-year-old Elsie.
“When we launched in 1993, people in the industry gave me just three months because I was a woman. And now, I look back and think: ‘Well, here we are, and look what we’ve built.’ It’s incredible.”
Reflecting on the day in February 2005 when Prince Charles announced his engagement to Camilla, Jo recalls: “She was meant to visit the salon that day, but instead, I got a call asking me to go to Clarence House. I thought, ‘What’s going on?’ When I arrived, she told me they were announcing the engagement.”
Despite years of working with Camilla, Jo admits she was nervous styling her for the wedding. “She looked stunning, thank goodness. But she was incredibly nervous. The whole world was watching—it must have been terrifying, just like the coronation. But she handled it beautifully.”
Although invited to the wedding, Jo chose not to attend as her husband had recently passed away. “I didn’t feel comfortable going alone, so I stayed home—but I still have a slice of the wedding cake,” she shares.
On Camilla’s transition into royal life, Jo says: “She hasn’t really changed. She’s adapted so well, which isn’t easy for someone joining ‘The Firm’ later in life. It’s a demanding role, with your entire year planned out. I have great admiration for both of them. The King is truly his mother’s son—strong and dedicated. And Camilla supports him incredibly well. They’re very lucky to have each other.”
As Camilla has aged, Jo has gradually softened her hair color, transitioning from bright blonde to warmer honey tones that complement her complexion. “We’ve made subtle changes over time so they’re not too noticeable. Her hair is a little shorter now and less flicked, but I think it suits her perfectly. She’s very low-maintenance and only relies on styling for special occasions.”
Jo, who prefers not to disclose her age—insisting she doesn’t want to be defined by a number—now works three days a week due to back issues from years of standing. However, she has no plans to retire.
“I’ve met the most incredible people and heard the most fascinating stories. I love learning about people’s lives. I’m not going anywhere unless they carry me out in a box. But I haven’t got time to die yet!”
