Interview with author: Richard Kavanagh

We all know that if we look good, we feel good, and a big part of feeling good about yourself is your crowning glory.

Ask any woman how she feels after she's had her hair styled. Imagine if you could get the same feeling at home.

Well, here is your chance.

Award-winning international hair stylist Richard Kavanagh has released a wonderful book to help women create their own glamorous hairdos.

Love Your Hair has 24 easy-to-follow "recipes" with step-by-step instructions on styles such as the classic ponytail, the elegant French twist, sexy beach hair and even a modern beehive.

Photographs by Steven Chee help inspire readers to try styles that are a little different. You'll also find chapters on hair care, hair type and products.

I asked Richard some questions about his book:

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO WRITE A BOOK?

I became aware just how big an impact having great hair can have on someone back in the early 90s, when I saw how much confidence a woman has when her hair looks great. I had the most inspiring experience with a client having a haircut.

She was so shy and almost apologising for her existence when she came into the salon and, after little bit of hair love in the shape of a haircut and blow-wave, she stood straighter, made eye-contact for longer and had a magic little skip in her stride. How could I not want more women to have that feeling? So, when I was researching for my spot on the Good Morning TV show a few years back, I started collecting hair tips women consistently asked about.

Somebody suggested it would make a good book, so I started writing ...

AREN'T YOU MEANT TO KEEP YOUR TRADE SECRETS TO YOURSELF?

It's funny, you're not the first person to say that. At the end of the day, even if a woman goes to the salon twice every six weeks (and let's face it, not that many women do these days) that still means she is doing something to her own hair 43 out of 45 days, so she might as well be doing something great. Besides, every girl is an individual and she still needs her stylist's advice on shape, colour and the best products for her. I just teach her how to ask the right questions.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A FAMOUS HAIR STYLIST?

I love doing hair. The best thing about my work and my life is that I get to do exactly what I love doing at the highest level globally, with people I love and admire and respect. I get paid well for doing what I love and am passionate about.

AND THE WORST?I do spend a lot of time on the road, so I miss my family at times. Skype is fantastic for keeping in touch, but it is tricky taking my son for a surf via

Skype.

DO YOU EVER GET NERVOUS ABOUT THE OUTCOME OF A STYLE?

I'm always a little bit nervous. For me, it shows I care about the outcome. I'm not nervous about it not working, but I'm always pushing the boundary slightly and trying to get people to have a bit of a change. I always hope I've offered the right advice, or made the right decision.

WHAT IS THE FASHION FOR WINTER HAIR IN 2013?

Winter hair in 2013 has a definitive 60s' influence. However, it's not retro hair. It's sophisticated and playful at the same time. It encapsulates the essence of Brigitte Bardot and Jackie Onassis and Mary Quant, playful, strong, beautiful, sexy women, confident in their femininity. Colours are cool and shiny, and sometimes really playful.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF EQUIPMENT FOR THE HOME STYLIST?

A good cut and colour are the foundations for making your hair look great. If you invest in only one great piece of equipment, get a good-quality blow dryer. If you already have a good blow dryer, get a decent curling iron. It'll help you get so many great looks.

THREE TOP TIPS FOR HEALTHY HAIR?

Regular trims.

Salon-quality shampoo and conditioner.

Regular conditioning treatments.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR?

To surf as much as I can, go to Fashion Week Australia, New York and hopefully Paris, sell lots of books and shoot lots of beautiful images.