Twenty questions with richard ward

Name: Richard Ward Age: 40 Salon: Richard Ward Hair & Metrospa Biography: Pioneer of the 'Super Salon' concept, Richard's award-winning Sloane Square salon plays host to a team of 75 expert staff, looking after the hair and beauty needs of not only a glittering celebrity clientele but also over 1000 clients per week. Richard’s huge consumer media profile is endorsed in his regular GMTV slot, his monthly column in The Sun and his position as a style commentator in both trade and consumer press. His successful product range echoes his ethos of glamorous, wearable and achievable hair; his mission is to ensure women love the way they look – every day.What is your biggest achievement? Starting and growing my own business – I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished in our 15 years. If you weren't a hairdresser what would you be? Probably an architect or interior designer by profession, but I’d have probably ended up a property developer as it’s a side line of mine. How would your clients describe you? Great in bed! No seriously - Cheeky, talented (hopefully) and a good listener. Which one style do you wish you had created? Jennifer Aniston’s 'Rachel' because it’s the biggest haircut to have taken off in the modern era. Who is your style icon? David Bowie is incredibly stylish and a pioneering trend setter across every spectrum, and Coco Chanel has to be an all time style icon. Who is your hairdressing idol? Leonard – he epitomised glamorous hair and making women feel beautiful. I was trained by one of his ‘descendants’ and hundreds of top hairdressers have grown from his family tree. Which hairdresser would you most like to work with (past or present)? Robert Lobetta. Who cuts your hair? Anybody and everybody who is free at the time in the salon, but Robert, who is one of our creative directors, cuts it fantastically. Favourite part of the job? Growing talent through our in-salon training programme, and seeing them develop into busy, top hairdressers and technicians. Who is your most famous client past or present? Elizabeth Hurley. Last time you were lost for words? When I try and have an argument with Hellen at the wrong time of the month/lunar calendar. I simply can’t win! Which one product couldn't you live without? Elnett is pretty unbeatable and I love Sebastian Moulding Mud – I always have a tub in my session bag. Is there anything about the industry that makes you mad? Some of the egos. Say no more... Also, why do we constantly send ourselves up? What's the biggest gaffe you've made in your career? I can’t think – so many!!! What’s the best career advice you’ve ever been given? Constantly set yourself achievable goals and once you’ve accomplished them, set another. Last time you were star-struck? Meeting my newest VIP client who I cannot name! Time you were most proud to be in hairdressing? My first nomination as British Hairdresser of the Year. What celebrity haircut do you wish had never caught on? None – why would I? Any new look helps us to make our living!! What haircut would you love to make a come-back and how would you re-invent it for the noughties? The wedge which I love – to re-invent it I’d soften it up a bit more. Sleek and shiny or messy bed hair? Messy bed hair – I’m a red blooded male after all!