The Edwardian Edit
THE PERIOD STYLIST ACADEMY MINI-COURSE
Learn to Create Soft, Romantic Edwardian Hair with Professional Structure
Master the volume, movement and controlled softness behind beautifully balanced Edwardian hairstyling, taught by film-industry hair and make-up artist Gemma Waugh.
This course gives you lifetime access to professional techniques developed across nearly three decades in film, television, bridal and education.
as trusted by
"I have worked with Gemma for many years on film sets all over the world. I can vouch from first-hand experience that she is a fabulous hairdresser. I would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to upskill and increase their earning potential."
Meinir Jones Lewis | BAFTA Award-winning Hair & Make-up Designer
"Gemma's understanding and obvious expertise in handling hair, along with her sense of colour balance and style, all combined to create the exact look I required."
Jenny Shercore | BAFTA Award-winning Hair & Make-up Designer
Soft Edwardian Hair Still Needs Structure
Edwardian hairstyling may look soft, romantic and effortlessly full, but that beautiful finish relies on careful construction beneath the surface.
Without the right foundations, volume can collapse, the silhouette can lose its balance and the finished style may look more like a loose modern updo than a convincing period design.
The Edwardian Edit will teach you how to combine controlled structure with the generous volume and movement that give this era its distinctive romantic character.
Inside The Edwardian Edit
Gemma will teach you the core techniques behind soft, voluminous and beautifully balanced Edwardian hair.
You’ll learn how preparation, sectioning, volume and finishing work together to create a style that feels romantic without losing its shape or period identity.
Soft Wave Construction
Learn how to prepare and direct the hair to create soft, controlled movement throughout the finished style.
Building
Volume
Understand how to create generous Edwardian volume while maintaining balance, proportion and a secure internal structure.
Shape and Silhouette
Learn how to recognise and recreate the sweeping curves and distinctive proportions associated with Edwardian hair.
Period-Appropriate Finishing
Discover how to refine the style so it feels soft, polished and historically considered rather than simply loosely pinned.
Self-paced learning · Lifetime access · Immediate access after purchase
All for just £97 one time payment.
Learn from Nearly Three Decades in the Film Industry
Gemma Waugh has worked as a professional hairdresser and make-up artist for nearly three decades, predominantly within film.
Her credits include productions such as:
James Bond: The World Is Not Enough
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
X-Men: First Class
And much more...
Gemma has also taught future industry professionals at respected London hair and make-up academies.
Inside this course, she brings that experience into clear, practical training, helping you understand not only how an Edwardian hairstyle should look, but how its volume, balance and softness need to be constructed and finished professionally.
Is This Course for You?
The Edwardian Edit is suitable for hairstylists and hair and make-up artists who:
Want to develop their period-styling skills beyond heavily structured hair
Create bridal styles and want to offer a more distinctive romantic look
Want to understand the difference between genuine Edwardian structure and a generic soft updo
Are interested in bridal, film, television, theatre or editorial work
Want to create period-inspired hair that feels soft, wearable and professionally finished
No previous Edwardian styling experience is required, although some general hairstyling knowledge will help you get the most from the training.
What people who have worked with Gemma say
Gemma shaped my skills and taught me a lot about period styling over the years and has the most amazing way of understanding what her protégés need and how to teach them in the best way for them. Would recommend!"
- Rosie Oction
Hair & Makeup Artist
"Gemma brings her fantastic film experience to both hair and makeup — and that is why I chose her. I wanted a period twist to my hair and makeup to suit the grandeur of the day and the venue, and Gemma did an amazing job."
- Antonia Wright
Bride
"Gemma has years of experience and it is really obvious when you work with her. At the trial she convinced me to try a hairstyle that looked slightly sixties, because my dress was a shift dress. It should not have worked — but it absolutely did. I am so glad I found her."
-Katherine Evans
Bride
"I was looking for someone who could give me a 1920s hairdo, but was worried it might look a bit over the top. I was so wrong. I looked like a black and white movie star."
-Tamara Moore
Bride
"Gemma brings her fantastic film experience to both hair and makeup — and that is why I chose her. I wanted a period twist to my hair and makeup to suit the grandeur of the day and the venue, and Gemma did an amazing job."
- Antonia Wright
Bride
"If you are wondering which stylist to book, then Gemma is definitely your woman. Having someone with a background in wigs and hairpieces was a massive plus."
- Stephanie Isbell
Bridesmaid
Klarna and Clearpay is available at checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the course live?
No. Edwardian Softness is a prerecorded online course that you can complete at your own pace.
How long will I have access?
You’ll receive lifetime access to the training.
Do I need previous period-styling experience?
No. The course is suitable for stylists who are new to Edwardian hair or want to strengthen their understanding of volume, movement and period-appropriate construction.
Is personal feedback included?
No. This is currently a self-paced course without personal feedback.
Is this only suitable for bridal stylists?
No. The techniques are relevant to stylists interested in bridal, film, television, theatre, editorial work and historical styling.
What makes Edwardian hair different from a modern soft updo?
Edwardian hair has a distinctive silhouette, with carefully positioned volume, sweeping movement and a structured foundation beneath its softer finish.
This course will help you understand those period characteristics so you can create a style that feels considered rather than simply vintage-inspired.
Will this course make me a period-hair specialist?
The course gives you professional Edwardian techniques and a clear method to practise.
Developing any specialist skill requires repetition and practical application, but this is a strong way to expand your period-styling knowledge.
Gemma also offers the complete Period Stylist Academy if you would like more comprehensive training across several different eras and styles: https://theperiodstylistacademy.com/sign-up
Join the The Edwardian Edit Course
A single investment. Lifetime access to the full programme to learn at your own pace.
Self-paced learning · Lifetime access · Immediate access after purchase
All for just £97 one time payment.
Copyright 2026
THE PERIOD STYLIST ACADEMY - LONDON
Gemma Waugh is the founder of the Period Stylist Academy and a specialist in period and vintage bridal hairstyling. She grew up in her mother’s wig company in London, which created wigs for some of the biggest film productions of the 1980s and 90s - including Star Wars, the James Bond films and Superman. She later worked in the film industry herself before transitioning into bridal work, bringing with her the technical standards and professional precision of a film set. Through the Period Stylist Academy, she teaches hairstylists how to develop a recognised specialist niche in period bridal styling, move away from competing on price, and build a career defined by genuine expertise.