Profile of a tv hairdresser: jamie stevens

Hairdresser Jamie Stevens started his career working at his mum's salon in Somerset at the age of 18.

In his early 20s, he decided to move to London to seek new challenges but not before training his younger sister up to take over the family salon.

Once in London, Jamie worked at a number of top-name salons, before moving to Errol Douglas - via a stint in the FAME Team.

Following two wins at HJ's British Hairdressing Awards in the Men's Hairdresser of the Year category, Jamie opened his own eponymous in salon in Somerset before opening a second salon in heart of London's glamorous Knightsbridge. 

Jamie has become a firm favourite on television, appearing on shows including This Morning, How to Look Good Naked and most recently, The X Factor.

How did you end up in your current job?

My mother, grandmother and great grandfather were all hairdressers, so it's in my blood. The TV work all kicked off after winning HJ's British Hairdressing Award for Men's Hairdresser of the Year in 2008. 

I was recommended to cut Gok Wan's hair and then one day his hairdresser let him down for one of his shows. He called me on the Saturday evening to see if I could arrange a team to do the hair for the Sunday morning, which I did! 

Everyone was really happy with how it went and I became resident hairdresser on How to Look Good Naked and Gok's Fashion Fix and then went on to win OK! magazine's Celebrity Hairdresser of the Year, which got me noticed by the producers at ITV's This Morning. 

From working on This Morning, I got noticed by the producers at The X Factor and was interviewed along with 350 other hairdressers - and was given the job.

What tips would you give for anyone who wants your job?

You've got to be very hard-working. Everyone sees the nice fluffy side of what I do but I work seven days a week, sometimes doing 20 hour days, and I've only had one holiday in the past four years! 

You've got to be dedicated and passionate. For me, It's not really work because I love doing it so much.

What are the best and worst parts of your job? 

The best bits have got to be the buzz, excitement and the opportunities it offers. It's amazing to have the chance to meet the people I have met - for example, I've got Kelly Rowland and Gary Barlow's numbers in my phone.

The worst bits have to be the sleepless nights, bags under the eyes and the wrinkles.

What do you like best about being involved in the hair industry?

There are so many elements but transforming people when they come into the salon feeling a little bit drab and then leave feeling a million dollars is what hairdressing's all about.