The inspiring career of errol douglas
Errol Douglas is one of the industry's most high profile hairdressers famed for his beautiful editorial work and stunning catwalk creating.
Nominated 12 times for British Hairdresser of the Year, Errol runs a hugely successful salon in the affluent London district of Knightsbridge.
What are the biggest issues affecting you right now?
I really want to expand and get more floor space in my salon as demand is high, we are always growing and getting busier. I don't want to move locations as I have always been here and it wouldn't feel right to pick and up and move, so I am talking to the landlords to possibly build up, or move across.
Who do you admire?
Creatively, Anthony Mascolo is one of the most unique people in the industry. He's multi talented; he's a genius when it comes to company identity, as well as creatively.
John Frieda is someone that all hairdressers have to bow down to. He is the originator of designer hair products, and that's now a global brand.
What's the best career advice you have been given?
Sam McKnight who I used to assist said to me that to be successful and to do fashion work you have to be able to work with everything; you have to be able to do everything and you can't be afraid of the unknown.
What ambitions do you still have?
I'd still love to win HJ British Hairdresser of the Year - that has to be the ultimate accolade for me.
Has there ever been a crossroads in your career?
When I first qualified I was artistic director for another company; I used to do a lot of work in the states and in Canada and thought that was going to be it for me and I would stay over there. After about nine months I realized it wasn't for me and headed back to stick at it in London. The rest is history.
My first job was at Roger Heart's on Stamford Street as an assistant. From here I met Paul Edmonds, when he left and opened up his own salon, he asked me to go with him and I went. From then on I was surrounded by the most creative people; all the great hairdressers, Sam McKnight, Thomas McKiver and Paul Yacomine I learnt a lot from being immersed with these people.
What's the best part of your job?
It's such a varied job it's hard to pick one best part - there's the instantaneous kick you get from changing someone's appearance and making them look amazing, but I also love working on imagery, so putting together a beautiful shoot is another 'best part'.
What's the worst part of your job?
Dismissing people
If you could give yourself advice as a 20-year-old what would it be?
I would have started developing a product line early, and lived in a different country for a while. I have always liked Italy and France; I'd have liked to pick up the vibe and the language. Instead of buying a house/flat I would have bought a commercial freehold that I could have lived above. I could work in the shop and live above it, then I would have progressed from there opening up other salons.
If you could change one thing about the industry what would it be?
I would make the apprenticeship longer; sometimes people take the easy way out and don't learn every aspect of hairdressing. I would make it essential to train for at least four to five years.
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