VALERIE BENAVIDES

Valerie moved to the UK as a teenager after living in Nigeria, Malaysia, and London. Swedish and Peruvian. Valerie studied as a professional dancer before pursuing a career in hair styling. Training at Brooks & Brooks Hairdressing, one of the UK's most acclaimed salons, and then joining the Art Team for ten years. She subsequently went on to work on Sam McKnight's core team for nearly 15 years, serving as Sam's first assistant for five of them.

Valerie has lead runway shows for couture fashion house Roland Mouret, and lead teams on behalf of Sam for Chanel Replica shows globally. Runway, amongst fashion and beauty is her passion. A finalist for London Hairdresser of the Year at the prestigious British Hairdressing Awards and a Finalist at Creative Head It List Awards for ‘One to Watch’. 

In 2025 Valerie signed with Premier Hair & Make-up. 

Photographers

Alice Hawkins , David Sniper, Edwin Freyer, Gabby Laurent, Matt Easton, Nick Knight , Morelli Brothers, Julian Broad,  Hugo Comte,  Hannah Hillier

Brands

111Skin, 16 Arlington, Agent Provocateur,  Charlotte Tilbury, Chanel , Dolce & Gabanna, Louis Vuitton,  Trinny London, Halpern Studio , Richard Quinn , Luna Mae, Hair by Sam McKnight and Coco and Eve ,

Magazines

5Eleven, 10 Magazine , Wonderland, Ponystep, Schon , Phoenix , Antidote , V Magazine, Elle Croatia, Elle Spain, Tatler, Latest, Vogue Brasil

VIPS

Abby Champion, Amelia Gray, Cate Blanchett, Celia Imrie, Candice Swanepoel,  Ella Purnell ,  Joanne Froggart, Joan Smalls, Leann Rimes, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Paloma Faith, Rose Ayling-Ellis,  Stella McCartney and St. Vincent.

Shows 

DSQUARED2, Stephan Rolland Couture, CHANEL Replica