Hair and now: Andrew Collinge

Andrew Collinge

In his 25 years of hairdressing, British stylist Andrew Collinge has been much decorated for his services to hair. He's won many titles and competitions, and his father and grandfather were both hairdressers. As well as having 10 salons and an academy, he has his own range of hair products and electrical haircare, available here.

What's the best thing about your job?

The variety. You can own your own business when you are relatively young or work in film or on magazine photo shoots. And you get to meet some interesting people. There aren't many careers that give you the chance to meet world leaders, or be invited to royal weddings.

Your all-time favourite haircut?

The tousled cuts of today are my favourite. The heavily blow-dried styles of the 70s would be my least favourite.

What's the best thing you can do for hair?

Invest in a great haircut. If you see someone's hair you admire, find out who did it and where to go. It's essential that the hairdresser picks a style that suits your face shape and one which is easy to maintain.

What should you never do to hair?

Subject it to too many chemical treatments. Damaged hair always looks poor.

How often should you shampoo?

It depends, although most hair types should be able to last two days. It's important you choose a shampoo to suit your hair type. A moisturising shampoo, for example, is perfect for dry or processed hair but on fine to normal hair its concentration will make the hair very lank, which in turn needs more shampooing.

What's a simple trick for flash hair anyone can do at home?

Barrel curls. After diffusing the hair dry take 2.5cm to 5cm sections and by looping the ends roll the hair towards the scalp and clip into place. Use hairspray, diffuse for five minutes, let the hair cool and take the clips out to achieve soft tousled waves.

Any trade secrets for easy blowdrying?

After shampooing and conditioning the hair, towel dry and apply a styling product. Try Andrew Collinge Salon Solutions Weightless Volume Heat Protective Styling Spray. Tip your head forward and by pulling the hair gently away from the scalp with your finger tips dry the root areas first. Work evenly around the head and then proceed to blow-dry using a large round or paddle brush. This technique will not only give your hair extra volume but will also half the usual amount of blow-drying time.

Any guidelines for hair colour?

Choose the right shades for your complexion. Most women are either cool or warm toned. Cool tones suit platinum and champagne blondes or blue-red shades such as mahogany or ash tones. Warm complexions suit golden, honey and caramel blondes or orange-red shades such as auburns, coppers or chocolate browns.

Whose hair would you love to cut?

Cameron Diaz. She's quite adventurous with her hair and I'd like to meet her.

What would you be doing if you weren't hairdressing?

Anything to do with design whether it be houses, cars, even millinery. Some of Philip Treacy's hats are unbelievable.