Twenty questions with andrew barton

Name: Andrew Barton Age: 40 Salon: Saks Biography: Andrew Barton is International Creative Director of Saks and is responsible for creating images, seasonal collections and the company’s signature hairdressing techniques. His down to earth approach and warm manner have ensured a faithful following of clients including TV and media celebrities. The 2006 British Hairdressers is perhaps most recognised as the resident hair expert on hit Channel 4 make-over show 10 Years Younger but he frequently appears on other including GMTV and LK Today and regularly works on consumer magazine shoots.What is your biggest achievement? Being crowned British Hairdresser of The Year in 2006 If you weren’t a hairdresser what would you be? I can’t imagine not being a hairdresser...but it would probably be something in design. How would your clients describe you? I hope it’s something along the lines of down to earth, approachable and honest. Which one style do you wish you had created? I was a wearer of the wedge in the 80’s. I loved its silhouette and still do! Who is your style icon? Cate Blanchett is so glamorous in a modern way. Who is your hairdressing idol? I’m lucky to work with an amazing team at Saks, Tracey Gallagher our Shows Director is a huge inspiration for me. Which hairdresser would you most like to work with (past or present)? It would have to be one of the French greats. I was sad to hear of the recent death of Alexandre de Paris Who cuts your hair? Anyone from the Saks Art Team or from the Saks salon I work in - and I have been known to cut it myself out of desperation. Favourite part of the job? People and the smile on a woman’s face when I’ve finished her hair…it’s infectious! Who is your most famous client past or present? I’ve worked on a few over the years from Robbie Williams to Elle McPherson Last time you were lost for words? This question! Which one product couldn’t you live without? Majirel - it’s been with me every day of my hairdressing career. I’m not a colourist but believe it totally transforms hair. Is there anything about the industry which makes you mad? Poor quality and hairdressers that accept OK as a standard and charge low, low prices for their work. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve made in your career? Ermm…probably something really silly when I was a junior. What’s the best career advice you’ve ever been given? Listen! My first ever boss was a stickler for quality and she’s been in my head ever since the start! Last time you were star-struck? Meeting Madonna at a party recently! I didn’t know what to say! Time you were most proud to be in hairdressing? With the Saks Art Team presenting a show to 2,000 hairdressers in China. What celebrity haircut do you wish had never caught on? Some of the dos Jordan has had... What haircut would you love to make a comeback and how would you re-invent it for the noughties? I’m so peeved at the fact that hairdressers today are so unconfident to use perms. I’m not saying the perm is back or that it’s right for every head of hair, but for many it’s a great tool and an answer to their problems. I hear that many schools don’t teach it and I think that’s a shame. Sleek and shiny or messy bed hair? Sleek, gorgeous, groomed and polished