What is Against the Grain?

Against the Grain is the creative practice of Karen Tonks, a former hairstylist and now creative director based in Warwickshire. It brings together hair artistry, editorial photography, and AI-assisted reinterpretation to create bold, story-led pieces.

What kind of hair art do you create?

Karen creates named collections of hair art — real physical pieces photographed on wigs and mannequins — spanning themes like Wild Nature, Cubist, Phoenix, and Celestial. Each piece is a standalone creative work.

Do you still work as a hairstylist?

Karen is a former hairstylist. She trained full-time at North Warwickshire College and honed her craft at Daisy's Hair Shop, founded by her late mother, Janet Watkins. Her focus today is creative direction and hair artistry rather than in-salon services.

What else does Against the Grain stand for?

Alongside her creative work, Karen is a survivor advocate, campaigning for institutional accountability and supporting trauma and domestic abuse survivors.

Where is Against the Grain based?

Warwickshire, UK.