Hair to there with hairdresser to the stars

New Zealand hairdresser Joby Snowden Hill styles the hair of some of the world's most glamorous women. Picture / Paul Estcourt

New Zealander Joby Snowden Hill has styled the hair of some of the world's most glamorous women, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Elle Macpherson.

Snowden Hill began his hairdressing career in Auckland 15 years ago, working at Spositos in Parnell before moving to Britain.

Nine years ago he landed a job in London with Nicky Clarke, hairstylist to the stars.

Snowden Hill's career break led to glamorous jobs including runway shows for Versace, Prada, Calvin Klein, Mui Mui, Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Marc Jacobs, and fashion shoots for Italian Elle, Glamour and Italian Vogue.

How did you break into the big time?

I started my celebrity client base nine years ago with Sarah, the Duchess of York. I found her very formal but she does have a great sense of humour. With all celebrities, you have to play the game. They can be awfully demanding, which is fine because they are paying for a quality service. The trend among celebrities these days is for the hairdresser to go to them in their own home. I go to the houses of a lot of my clients, and often I go on holiday with them. These are women who have their hair done every day. It's not a luxury for them - it's a necessity.

What is the secret to beautiful-looking hair?

Maintenance - shampoo, conditioner and regular conditioning treatments. You can improve hair with commitment if you are prepared to spend the money and time. When a woman walks into a room, no matter what she looks like, a fantastic head of hair will always turn heads.

Who is the most beautiful person you have worked with?

Gisele Bundchen, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, but at the same time I call them freaks of nature. They are all gorgeous.

Who has the best hair?

Gisele. She has a good head of thick, slightly wavy hair. It can be blow-waved straight in a flash and it always looks glossy and thick.

What's the secret to getting Gwyneth Paltrow's hair looking good?

She's not doing much at the moment so it's just a blow dry; very low maintenance.

You've also done hair for Rob Lowe - what was he like?

He has the most amazing piercing blue eyes. He's cool, generous, open and warm. He and his wife Sheryl are the most amazingly kind and giving people. They were in London while Rob was doing a play called A Few Good Men and I had dinner with him and his family most days of the week. We clicked immediately and became extremely close. He's doing a movie this year and hopefully when he signs on the dotted line I will go to Los Angeles for six months.

Any other celebrities you particularly like?

Gillian Anderson. She is a very quiet and chilled blonde with curly hair halfway down her back. And she is very petite. Salma Hayek is fabulous. The first thing she said to me when I was doing her hair was, "Darling, no surprises!"

Why have you made it onto the celebrity circuit ahead of other hairdressers?

Lots of sacrifices, including moving to another country. Taking a risk. It's pretty scary going all the way to London and knocking on opportunity's door. But you have to want it - if you don't have a dream how can you make it come true?

Is it nerve-wracking working on a celebrity's hair?

If they are not nervous, I am fine. But if they are nervous I have to be extra cool and calm. If they pick up that you are nervous they panic because they think you don't know what you are doing.

What is the latest look in Hollywood?

The sex-kitten look is big, with long extensions. A biker chic look that's not curly, but not straight either. It might have a slightly tonged look but not a perm. It's sexy with volume on top.
JOBY SNOWDEN HILL'S 10 TOP TIPS

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

Come to me, but failing that, go to a good hairdresser.

2. What should you never do to your hair?

Use a rubber band to put your hair up.

3. How can you get salon-perfect hair at home?

Towel dry your hair. Use a good serum styling product and blow dry with a brush, taking your time to gently blow dry, section by section, without overheating or burning.

4. Any blow-drying tips?

Don't hold the nozzle too close to your hair. Remember to brush around the hairline to smooth out fine hair.

5. What's your best hair gadget?

A hair-tie that consists of a piece of elastic with two hooks on each end.

6. Desert island product?

Sea water. I love beach hair.

7. What's your tip for a five-minute hair miracle?

Blow dry the front, then tip your head upside down and roughly dry hair. As long as you have done the fringe and hairline, it will look good.

8. Curls or straight hair?

Curly.

9. What are the latest colours?

Chocolate brown, caramel blond and honey blond.

10. How do you make sure you get the haircut you want when you go to the hairdressers?

If you are not sure what you want, take along a few pictures and be specific about what you like about each style and what you don't like.