FaQ

An Interview

Of Sorts

In this little mock interview, hopefully you’ll find all the answers to the questions people ask me most. I’ve tried to respond to the emails I’ve got since the site went up, and a big thanks to everyone who has been in touch. If you keep sending me your queries I’ll add to the interview over time and credit you for your contribution.

Who was the first person’s hair that you cut?

It was my Dad’s and he seemed really quite pleased with the result; I was ecstatic about it though, I couldn’t leave it alone, and kept touching it and adjusting it in the car on the way home.

Have you ever made any big mistakes on a client’s hair?

Once I cut off someone’s comb over by mistake, it only ended up going half way across his bald head in a dead straight line. He never came back in, but I always thought that I did him kind of a favour.

Why did you go into hairdressing?

It was something I fell into. I remember my mum saying, when we were in a salon one day and discussing my work options, you don’t like getting your hands dirty, you hate the cold, you like wearing nice clothes and you love women; I have never looked back.

Why did you want to create your own hair products?

So I didn’t need to use a bit of this and a bit of that and could bring new and exciting energies to the mind and head. Most of all to have something that I was and am, totally proud of.

What are your ambitions?

Well I’m really interested in opening some more salons; I know so many people whose work I respect and whose talent and enthusiasm would be great to be around. They inspire me and I hope I can inspire them. The success I’ve had recently is enabling me to create my dreams and ideas in a far more rounded and complete way. Whether it’s through the interior and feel of my salon in Soho to my yearly style collections, it’s great to have these visions turning into reality. I’m really lucky to have this sort of opportunity.

With my products, in exactly the same way as Poker Straight was new and revolutionary I’ve got more ideas for innovative products which I’d love to see people using and creating great new styles; keep your eye out they’ll be coming soon and I’ll be keeping my eye on you.

Which celebrities’ hair do you cut?

I can’t deny that we do have famous people coming into the salons, some of which I’ve worked with, others who are just interested in the sort of thing that we do, which is a great complement, especially when you see them again and look at their style and think I did that. I dislike name dropping though, I’m as committed to creating a good look for any client whether a-list, b-list or shopping-list and so are the people who work with me. We care about what we do, not who we do. Let’s just say I have been known to style a celeb or two, and leave it at that.

I’m curious to know if you own a Staffordshire Bull Terrier? Andrina Morton from Staffordshire Bull Terrier Fun

Unfortunately where I’m living at the moment they won’t let me have any pets, so I’m without my favourite dog; also it wouldn’t be very fair to the Staffie as I’m always on the move. But give me time and I’ll get my Staffie back.

Where did you get that cross necklace?

A number of you were interested to know where I’d picked up the cross necklace that I was seen wearing in The Hairdresser.

I bought the necklace sometime ago from Dolce & Gabbana and really loved it. But I won’t be wearing it anymore as one of you offered to buy it off me, so congratulations to the lucky new owner.

Who cut’s your hair?

One of my directors, Steve Turner, normally cuts my hair but I trust all my team.

How do I get my hair cut by Lee Stafford?

Just ring up one of the salons and get yourself booked in, I’m looking forward to seeing you all soon!

What’s your advise to young hairdressers?

My advice for someone starting in the industry is start with the best you possibly can. If you have to travel a long way, do it; if you are going to earn very little because of the cost of travel or digs, just do it.

The training is essential what ever the cost. If you play tennis with Sampras every day, and you have the enthusiasm, energy and drive, the chances are looking hot; its the same in our game.