20 questions with jamie stevens

Name

Jamie Stevens

Age

29

Salon

Errol Douglas/Jamie Stevens

What is your biggest achievement?

Winning Men's British Hairdresser of the Year in 2008/09

If you weren't a hairdresser what would you be?

Footballer (honestly, I played professionally) or a personal trainer.

How would your clients describe you?

Honest, fun, passionate, dedicated and amazing!!! They're so kind...

Which one style do you wish you had created?

The Wedge - a real classic.

Who is your style icon?

James Dean, a legend for his looks and style. 

Who is your hairdressing idol?

I have four: Trevor Sorbie, Vidal Sassoon, Errol Douglas and my mum.

Which hairdresser would you most like to work with (past or present)?

Teezy Weezy, Leonard and Trevor Sorbie.

Who cuts your hair?

My sister (Tasha, she works at Anita Cox) and my girlfriend (Megan Zarrabi from HOB).

Favourite part of the job?

Making people feel amazing about themselves. A great haircut really does make people feel a million dollars.

Who is your most famous client past or present?

Kylie's the most famous, but I'm a very lucky boy and I get to do quite a few celebs, including models Elle McPherson and Eva Herzigova. Gok Wan is known everywhere and I just did Stephen Fry's hair.

Last time you were lost for words?

When I saw my logo go up outside  my new salon.

Which one product couldn't you live without?

Loosely Defined, by Matrix from the Design Pulse Range. 

Is there anything about the industry that makes you mad?

Not really, but I think there should be an event where everyone gets together for a big event - just socializing. No awards, no politics, just everyone together as a big hairdressing family. 

What's the biggest gaffe you've made in your career?

Not moving to London when I was younger. I moved from Somerset when I was 22.  I have come along way in 6 years of being here, but I believe if I'd had the confidence to move earlier I would have hit it sooner.

What's the best career advice you've ever been given?

"Aim for the moon, even if you miss you will end up among the stars" and "Life is a sponge, absorb as much as you can from everyone and every thing as you never stop learning, and the day you think you know it all.... Give it up!"

Last time you were star-struck?

When I cut Stephen Fry's hair the other day. He's the nicest, most intelligent man ever.

Time you were most proud to be in hairdressing?

Every day when I open my eyes. I love, eat, sleep and drink the industry,

What celebrity haircut do you wish had never caught on?

The Jennifer Aniston (Friends) cut. It's beautiful, but really dull and boring! 

What haircut would you love to make a come-back and how would you re-invent it for the noughties?

The Wedge! I love it. The graduation, the sharpness and the variety you can create with it. I'd do nothing to change the style as it's amazing but maybe change the name as I think it scares people. Something like The Weight maybe! 

Sleek and shiny or messy bed hair?

Messy bed hair. I call it "shag hair" - it always puts a smile on my clients' faces and makes them feel a bit naughty!