What andrew barton thinks...

In his role as guest editor of Hairdressers Journal International, it became clear that Andrew Barton has plenty to say. These are some of the things the 2006 British Hairdresser of the Year feels most passionately about.

Celebrity | British Hairdresser of the Year | Charity | Global Warming | Makeovers

Obsession With Celebrity

It’s weird getting recognised on the street as ‘that hairdresser off the telly’ – and often in the strangest of places. I’ve been asked haircare advice at the supermarket and at passport control – although that time it worked well as I was whisked through the fast track lane in exchange for a little fringe advice! There’s no denying the fact that fame (I say that flippantly) has benefitted our business. My next available appointment is next February and with a supply and demand situation it has made good business sense to increase our prices and at the same time ensure that clients expectations are truly met.But for me, I’ve never lost sight of the fact that I’m a hairdresser not a celebrity. Hairdressing is my primary task and my passion is making people happy with their hair. There’s nothing like that feeling of seeing a client’s beaming smile when she loves her hair – I’m addicted to it!I’m very wary of stories of people wanting to buy fame or saying yes to any TV opportunity that comes their way in the hope of fame, regardless of how that may reflect our beloved industry. Of course, we all have businesses to grow and opportunities to create for ourselves, but let’s not sell our souls in the pursuit of becoming a celebrity.

Becoming British Hairdresser Of The Year

What a night and without doubt the highlight of my career, I’d love to win it a second consecutive time to continue my work as ambassador of our industry. It’s a huge responsibility but I’ve enjoyed every moment of it and there’s so much more I’d like to do. There’s always speculation that surrounds such a coveted prize and there always will be – after all it’s the hairdressing Oscars. Like many of us, I’d love to be a fly on the wall of the judging process but I’m confidant that the whole process is done fairly.

The facts are quite simple and I’d like to confirm them:

1. The nominees for British Hairdresser of the Year are made by industry peers, beauty and fashion press. The list of those asked to nominate is kept secret so no balloting can be done and you can’t put yourself forward. You are nominated on the work you do for the industry, both to hairdressers and consumers.
2. The judging process is conducted in silence. Judges aren’t allowed to speak to each other while judging, and each entry is completely anonymous, each having its own unique number.
3. The winner is kept a complete secret until it is announced on the night.

Global Warming

We are living in a dramatically changing world and whether we wear Birkenstocks or Manolo’s most of us think about our own carbon footprint. The hairdressing industry is not one of the worst culprits, but there are plenty of ways we can make a difference. Many initiatives have publicity opportunities for your business.It’s not jumping on the bandwagon; it is being responsible for the future.

Charity Begins At Home

This old proverb touches our hearts deeply and certainly makes you think about how you could help others in their times of need. In a society that is cash rich, time poor I challenge those who do nothing for our industry charity, the Hair & Beauty Benevolent (HABB) , to consider what they could do. I don’t mean handing over loads of cash but just a few pounds regularly – the price of a bottle of wine each month could make a huge difference to someone’s life. HABB was created to help those professionals who fall on hard times. I recently turned 40 and as I’ve got older I’ve realised the importance of health and the effect it may have on my future career aspirations. There’s loads I want to do and without my health I can’t. One day you might need help and HABB will be there. You can contact the Hair & Beauty Benevolent on 01372 849639 of directly via the HABB website.

Makeover Magic

Makeovers are linked to our business and is a fantastic opportunity to attract new clients. In customer research we often find that clients have left their old salon because they’ve literally got bored of having the same old style. Clients don’t always know what they want but finding a hairdresser who will give them a makeover will be like winning the lottery.The public loves 10 Years Younger and I’m constantly told it’s the hair that makes all the difference. I try to showcase as many treatments, styles and procedures as I can to show exactly what we have to offer for clients.There’s no denying the power a good haircut and colour can have to a woman’s self esteem and confidence. In some instances the experience profoundly changes the lives of the participants – one even became a hairdresser!