So salon international - patrick cameron

UK hairdressing exhibition extravaganza Salon International is just around the corner. We at HJi thought it was a good time time to catch up with some of the the hairdressing industry's most prominent figures to chat to them about the event.

See Patrick Cameron in action at Salon International!When do you start preparing for Salon International?

Usually about March of that year but the idea for the theme has been in my head a lot longer. My art director Marco Erbi starts making the costumes around February. We shoot the collection in June or July and then launch our collection at Salon Live in October.

What is the concept of your show/seminar this year?

Next year I celebrate 20 years of my international work and 20 years of collaboration with Wella worldwide and so we have prepared a spectacular show with retrospective tones, which revolves around 10 iconic looks and techniques. The show is filled with education and inspiration. The long hair market is growing yet the number of salons who specialise in this area are few. I want my audience to take away my ideas and techniques and use them to develop their salon businesses.

Apart from presenting - what do you enjoy doing at Salon International?

Presenting is what I enjoy the most but if I get the chance I like to look around the exhibition hall and see what other hairdressers are doing. I have done this since I first came to Salon International in 1990 and it really does motivate me.

What's your favorite Salon International memory?

I have so many but one memory, which sticks in my mind, was a performance by Andrew Collinge about 17 years ago. He was working on the Tresemme stage and he captivated the audience with an 'up-do' demonstration which inspired me to keep doing what I was doing.

What makes Salon International so special?

It's the people. ExCel is a fantastic venue and the shows and seminars and array of new products are amazing but it's the people who make Salon International. You see the same faces each year, which is wonderful, but there are so many new faces too. The influx of international hairdressers and press has grown too, which is tremendous. I love the Monday, which is the day when all the students arrive. Wide-eyed students with 'first time' written all over their faces. They want to see everything and take it all in and this is what Salon International is all about.

Why should hairdressers at all levels visit Salon International?

There is something at Salon International for everyone. If you want education it's there in abundance, if you want to find out about new products you have only to walk the aisles in the exhibition hall. If you need inspiration for your business there are fantastic motivational seminars to attend. Even if you are a newcomer to the industry it's worth a visit. It's a hairdressing networking meeting house but most of all it's fun.

Patrick Cameron, the long hair-dressing expert is returning to Salon International with the exclusive preview of his new collection 'Gold.' Celebrating everything fabulous in long hair, past and present, this show is packed with inspirational education in the infectious style that Patrick Cameron in renowned for.  Throughout this 20th anniversary show you can expect to see Patrick Cameron classics coming together with new techniques that reaffirm Patrick's global reputation.  Book your ticket to see Patrick now!!!