Akin konizi quizzed by british hairdressing awards winners

Akin Konizi, HJ's 2008 British Hairdresser of the Year, answers questions from past and present category winners at the British Hairdressing Awards.

Mark Leeson, Mark Leeson Hair, Body and Mind, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire (Eastern Hairdresser of the Year, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and Schwarzkopf Professional Colour Technician of the Year 2007): How much planning and forethought do you put into your collections and where does your inspiration come from?

Akin says:  Over the years I have realised that too much planning for a shoot can be over-kill. I have gradually grown to know the elements I like and dislike and I try to use these as my guides. When I'm planning my collection I do a great deal of research by looking through various magazines, gathering tear sheets and drawing the kind of hair looks I want to create. I take inspiration from my team, fashion and the streets and translate this into hair which encapsulates the message I want to create.

Darren Ambrose, D&J Ambrose, London (Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year 2001 and 2007): How important is avant-garde work and what ingredients do you feel make a stunning image in this field?

Akin says: Avant garde is a relevant part of hairdressing as it allows hairdressers to be artistic and to create looks which are different and thought provoking. It's important that avant-garde work still maintains links to the work we do in the salons and at shows and should not be taken to ridiculous extremes.

Rae Palmer, Rae Palmer Hairdressing, Southsea (Southern Hairdresser of the Year 2008): If you hadn't been a hairdresser what would you have been?

Akin says:  I always thought I would be a fashion designer as I had an innate interest in clothing - I even enrolled at the London College of Fashion when I left school.  However, after visiting my cousin's salon, I knew that hairdressing was perfect for me and would deliver all the elements I wanted from my chosen profession. With hairdressing I am able to work with different people everyday, be creative and am also able to be part of the business side, which is really important to me.

Guy Kremer, Guy Kremer International, Winchester (Southern Hairdresser of the Year 1988, 1989 and 1990 and Men's Hairdresser of the Year 1993): How do you think men's hairdressing has changed over the past 10 years and how do you think today's salons make the most of this important market?

Akin says: When I was training we worked a lot with men's hairdressing. However, today I think stylists are more confident working with women's hair. With men's hairdressing a booming market, I feel that this needs to be improved on as being able to cut men's hair is a very good learning tool, with strong cutting techniques and skills.

I think that salons today could maximise on this by making men feel more comfortable in the salon. Focusing on areas such as salon décor, having male hair imagery, purchasing men's magazines, remaining up-to-date on men's fashion, retailing male products and making sure you and your team have strong barbering skills will give you the tools to allow you to tap into this growing and important market.

Robert Eaton, Russell Eaton, Barnsley, Yorkshire (North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year 2003, 2004 and 2007): How important is colour to an overall look?

Akin says: Colour is 50% of any haircut and should be explained to your clients. From gloss colour to maximise shine, through to creative techniques and highlights, colour and placement can take an average cut to a beautiful total look. Colour should, and can potentially, be 30-40% of your turnover and is an important part of the hairdressing business.

Find out more about the British Hairdressing Awards 2009 or download your British Hairdressing Awards 2009 entry form.