20 questions with claire atkinson
Published
07th Aug 2011
by rachael
Name: Claire Atkinson
Age: 40
Role: Head of HOB Education/HOB Creative Team Member
Salon: HOB Salons, Camden
Claire joined HOB as a trainee and soon worked her way up to become a founding member of the award-winning artistic team.
As well as heading up the education team at HOB, Claire also travels the world working on shoots, seminars and backstage at shows.
What is your biggest achievement?
Winning Artistic Team of the Year in 2008 and 2009. To win it for a third time and make it into the Hall of Fame would be, without a doubt, the proudest moment in my career.
If you weren't a hairdresser what would you be?
I would love to be a personal stylist - the female version of Gok Wan!
How would your clients describe you?
Loyal, creative and trustworthy. After all the stories that I've heard over the year they need to trust me!
Which one style do you wish you had created?
The bob - it's timeless.
Who is your style icon?
Sienna Miller. I love her understated, cool style which looks like she hasn't even tried.
Who is your hairdressing idol?
Trevor Sorbie.
Which hairdresser would you most like to work with (past or present)?
Trevor Sorbie. The 80s are my favourite era and my three older brothers all had the famous wedge, which gave me plenty of practice.
Who cuts your hair?
When I am looking to have a big change I always go to Akin Konizi, but if I just want a trim I'm happy to go to anyone in the salon.
Favourite part of the job?
I love that every week is different for me, whether I'm teaching, presenting on stage, doing a photographic shoot or travelling the world. I just love every aspect of what I do.
Who is your most famous client (past of present)?
Pixie Lott.
Last time you were lost for words?
My best friend bought me a Gucci purse for my 40th birthday and I lost it two days later at my party. Fortunately I had just dropped it in the taxi and the driver found it - when I went to go and get it I just burst into tears and couldn't speak with relief.
Which one product couldn't you live without?
Dry shampoo. My handbag is never without it.
Is there anything about the industry that makes you mad?
I can't stand gossips.
What is the biggest gaffe you've made in your career?
When I was just starting out as a stylist I was chewing gum while cutting a gent's hair. I laughed and spat out my gum and it landed on his lap - safe to say he never came back to me, and I never chewed gum again.
What's the best career advice you've ever been given?
Never chew gum! But seriously - never compromise, resulting in you always striving to be better.
Last time you were star-struck?
I met Robbie Williams in a club after my boyfriend at the time went over to speak to him. The next thing I know Robbie was coming over and introduced himself to me...I couldn't even get my name out.
Time you were most proud to be in hairdressing?
2008 was a great year for us at HOB Salons and we had a great winning streak following winning numerous of industry awards. It seemed that everything we were working towards as a team finally came together and HOB Salons was finally on the map.
What celebrity haircut do you wish had never caught on?
The Kevin Keegan. Definitely a fashion faux pas!
What haircut would you love to make a come-back and how would you re-invent it for the noughties?
I would love to see The Wedge make a comeback. I'd change nothing about it, maybe just tweak it and have colours working in harmony rather than clashing. Also, I would make it a bit a prettier as it was quite an angry hairstyle back in the day.
Sleek and shiny or messy and bedhead?
I am all about sleek and shiny before you go to bed and messy bed hair in the morning!
