British hairdresser of the year nominee: errol douglas

Errol Douglas is the only 2010 nominee to have been given the Royal seal of approval - he received an MBE for services to hairdressing and it is one of his biggest achievments to date. "It's not something that happens every day, to be given an honour by the Queen; it's very establishment, and I am still in awe of it."

Errol knew from the age of 10 that he wanted to be a hairdresser after visiting a salon with his mum. But it wasn't the girls who caught his eye - he was in awe of the shapes and textures that were being created.

"I was attracted by the design, composition of hair, and the fulfilment that it gave me. I loved the fact I could create a style and image. I wanted everything: I wanted to work with all types of hair and to conquer all aspects of hair and hair design."

And, over the years, he has done just that. He is a member of the Hall of Fame after winning HJ's Afro Hairdresser of the Year three times - and has won almost every other award going.

Every award, that is, except British. This year, he is celebrating his 14th nomination. "I like to think that I am nominated because of the consistency of my work, my mentoring and the time I give back to the industry.

"You are nominated by people who think you are worthy of the title and I would like to prove them right. When I was first nominated, I was alongside Nicky Clarke, Trevor Sorbie, and Anthony Mascolo. To be nominated with these people was exhilarating."

Errol has to be one of the hardest working hairdressers in the world, travelling, mentoring, running a busy salon and attending events. "I don't get days off - this year has been all about work."

However, there is one subject that makes him smile - his family. The mere mention of his children melts his professional demeanour and he presents photographs of his son and two daughters - which are nestled, of course, among hundreds of hairdressing images.