Jo hansford awarded mbe for services to hairdressing

Jo Hansford has run her eponymous salon in Mayfair, London since 1993 and was described as the 'best tinter on the planet' by Vogue. She was awarded an MBE in 2010. Why do you think you received the award? I received the award for my services to the hairdressing industry. What did you do to get it? I have been in the hairdressing industry for my whole career and have worked incredibly hard to be in the position I am today. I was the first female hairdresser to open my own colour specialist salon in 1993 and this has grown into a very successful business which serves not only UK clients but is also a destination for a large international clientele. I have coloured the hair of numerous actors, actresses, models, celebrities and high profile individuals throughout my career and would like to think I have been instrumental in pioneering the art of hair colour and the evolvement of techniques during this time. I have also been involved in a number of charity initiatives throughout my career including setting up the Jo Hansford India Foundation in association with L'Oréal Professionnel. How did it feel when you found out? I was completely shocked; it was so unexpected! I have absolutely no idea who nominated me for the award but feel so honoured to have been recognised in this way. Is it important that hairdressers get recognised? Definitely - especially female hairdressers! I believe that any individual in any industry that goes above and beyond deserves recognition. It also inspires the next generation of stylists and colourists and gives them something to aspire to. Who would you like to see get an award and why? I would like to see Philip Rogers be awarded an MBE. He has worked and still works tirelessly for HABB and numerous other charitable organisations and deserves recognition. I would also have liked to see my close friend Joshua Galvin receive an award. He was an incredible inspiration to anyone he came into contact with and did amazing things for the hairdressing industry during his career.