Did you always want to be a hair stylist? Absolutely! I was utterly hooked from an early age, right from assisting in a local salon aged 11 – I’ve never looked back. I love the industry as much (if not more) now as I did back then. How did you get into the profession? It was a vocation that chose me, but it was at Roger Hart’s salon in Stamford Street, right next to IPC Magazines HQ, that I got my big break. What was it like for you growing up in the East End and then switching to the West End? Growing up in the East End was challenging in that you had to really remember not to lose focus on your goals and get caught up in the wrong stuff. But it is an endless canvas for creative inspiration – the characters, the buildings, the dreamers and above all the talent. It’s my spiritual postcode. The West End brings the glamour and polish I to like see in my own work – I’ve loved it since we opened in 1998. Whatever the postcode, I love the city, and I have a lot of love for the amazing cities spread over the UK. They’re all full of hair talent; I shout about it globally wherever I go to work. Receiving an MBE for Education and Services to the Hairdressing Industry in 2008 must have been one of the highlights of your career. What was it like meeting The Queen? Quite surreal and an incredible honour. It really was an unforgettable experience shared with my family and a time to reflect on my adventures in hair. I believe that British hairdressing sets the bar globally – I’m a proud Londoner and Brit, and this felt like the ultimate contribution to an industry I adore. Apart from your MBE, what are you most proud of? To have achieved a reputation as a salon for a high standard across all hair types. Our excellence isn’t limited to one type of client and that is something I’m extremely proud of. What is the most popular treatment in your salon? At Errol Douglas, my incredible team take
care of all hair types to the highest standards and have years of experience, so what’s popular varies depending on our clients’ hair types and lifestyle. I’m a hair health nag – it’s the foundation of rocking any look at any length – and our intense hydrating treatments are very popular. Often, our busy executives opt for Nano Keratin treatments to not just strengthen the hair but to give a frizz free and easy blow dry experience for up to two months. Is there anything in hairdressing that you don’t enjoy doing? No. Not one thing. That’s the truth! I read that you are a UK and Ireland Brand Ambassador for Moroccanoil. How did this come about? I’ve been a fan of the brand from the get go; the Original Treatment has been a game changer in my industry, totally smashing misconceptions about the use of oil in all hair types. The Original Treatment is the ultimate multi-tasker – hydrator, frizz beater and shine infuser. Above all, the styling, conditioning and cleansing products in the range are rich in potent ingredients meaning very little product has to be used to have a huge impact. They’re the real deal and I’m incredibly pleased to be their first brand ambassador in the UK and Ireland. Your salon is accredited with International Technical Excellence. To those who don’t know, what does that mean? It means that we are recognised for our versatility and expertise from Afro to Asian to European hair, and all variations on that regarding its texture and needs. It’s rare and we’re very proud. I have seen the amazing images you created with Rankin – what was it like to collaborate? Without doubt a career highlight and a life “moment” – an utter genius and gentleman. I was honoured, fired up, inspired and incredibly proud of the collection.
I wanted to combine my ethos of hair health and a luxury finish on all hair types into tools that clients could use in between salon visits. My infrared dryer combines the benefits of infrared light anti-static and ionic technology, reducing drying time, which is kinder on the hair. It dries from the inside out locking in moisture. Not only is it healthier but it reduces frizz and enhances shine. I’m incredibly proud of my Treat & Style heated styler, as it’s a first on the high street and really does work on all hair types including thick curly hair. It features the first ever Keratin capsule system built into the actual iron. It gives mega shine with a steam-infused treatment that moisturises and protects hair simultaneously. What I love is the look and feel of the hair after using Treat & Style; that luxury finish without compromising on the overall condition. What made you choose to collaborate with Corioliss? The brand and its innovation in styling tools has long made it an industry insider favourite. They push the boundaries in what technology can contribute by upping the ante on styling possibilities. Corioliss felt like a natural partner in bringing to life a solution that delivered that combination of hair health and high styling I envisioned. By Gem Dorling @lifescatwalk86
PHOTO BY RANKIN
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rrol Douglas is widely considered to be one of the most influential hairdressers in the world. He was awarded an MBE for Education and Services to the Hairdressing Industry in 2008. His salon in Belgravia is unique thanks to its International Technical Excellence accreditation, and with clients travelling all of the world to visit his salon, his reputation in unquestionable. We were lucky to interview the man himself as he prepares to launch his own electrical hair styler range.
Is there a celebrity whose hair you would love to style and why? Gaga – for an architectural adventure in hair that we’d both be up for. What would be your top hair tip for all hair types? Put hair health before anything else. Moisture infused, regularly trimmed hair gives a versatility in style choices and that luxury, glossy, high shine finish is timeless. Don’t skimp on hydrating treatments; they’re not a novelty pamper, but an investment in overall hair condition. You are launching your own range of electrical styling tools, what made you decide to do this?
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