Educating in athens - andrew barton

I spent the first four days of this week in Athens with Saks presenting three seminars a-day. Around 100 people attended each seminar and we were there to share creative ideas on cutting and colour and future trends. We often visit Greece – we’ve been presenting there for the past 10 years. It’s hard work, with 7am starts every day and the final seminar finishing late in the evening – but its also very rewarding. It’s great to be abroad representing British hairdressing. Greek hairdressers are well educated, but they do look to the UK for influence.When you travel, it becomes clear that in a lot of countries hairdressing is still seen as a subservient role. We try and encourage hairdressers to offer more advice and expertise. I’ve lost weight from all the rushing around. I also have to be careful with my diet when I’m travelling. If I eat lots of junk it makes me feel sluggish, which is no good when you’ve got to inspire a crowd of people. Keeping fit is important in a job like mine. I always try and get some exercise every day, whether it’s going to the gym, swimming or a yoga session. I’m definitely taking a break this weekend. My mother is coming to visit from Yorkshire so I have a lovely family weekend planned. When I’m tired like I am now, I find it easy to switch off. Generally, though, I’m engrossed by work and constantly have a notebook to hand. Next week should be interesting – I’m touring Asda shops around the country to promote Shiny Happy Hair, offering advice in the aisles! I’ll give you an update in my next blog.