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 Interview
with Akin Konizi
International Creative Director of Hob Salons
HJ’s British Hairdresser of the Year 2011, 2009 & 2008, Akin
Konizi defines the dedication, skill and passion required
to warrant his status as one of the hairdressing greats. His
strong creative vision and uncompromising approach to quality
sets his salons apart and keeps the HOB salons staff on-trend
and up-to-date, giving every client access to the highest
level of hairdressing. Under Akin’s guidance and tutelage
HOB Salons has become an award winning group and his accolades
include London Hairdresser of the Year, Fellowship Hairdresser
of the Year and the British Masters Award. Akin has now won
the most esteemed accolade in hairdressing three times - the
British Hairdresser of the Year Award. His signature precision
styles and photographic imagery is revered the world over
and highlighted in the media, putting him at the forefront
of international hairdressing. Akin devotes his time to guiding
the creative direction of HOB, driving the training programme
at the helm of the HOB London Academy, creating looks for
a select clientele which include high profile names and working
on shoots and shows around the globe.
UKHairdressers.com interviewed Akin and asked him about his
latest win at the Hairdresser Awards and his work in the hair
industry:
 Q:
How do you feel about winning the British Hairdressing Awards
in November?
A: It’s always a huge honour for me and I never expect it.
I want to ensure that I use this platform to push back boundaries
for the industry. I take nothing for granted, I always work
hard for this honour.
I couldn’t believe it when my name was called out, I was overwhelmed
and delighted – winning the title is a dream come true.
Q: Salon International is one of the main events in the
hair industry’s calendar - what excited you most at this year’s
event?
A: The GHD stand this year was really phenomenal. I am now
the Global Ambassador for GHD and it’s a real honour for me.
I think that the synergy between us is working well. I want
to go out and re-affirm to hairdressers what a cool brand
GHD really is.
 Q:
How did you get started as a stylist?
Who were your hair mentors in the hair industry?
A: I did my apprenticeship at Alan International and my mentor
was John Rawson who is now a hugely successful photographer.
Q: If you hadn’t become a hairdresser, which career would
you have followed?
A: I would have liked to be a fashion designer.
 Q:
Whose hair would you like to get your hands on and why?
A: Madonna, I think she is due for a complete change again
to get the world talking. She is beautiful.
Q: There have been many changes in hairdressing over the
years. What in your opinion is the best innovation and the
worst?
A: I think the GHD iron has been instrumental in inviting
new ways to finish the hair. It is a leader in quality and
has been the forerunner in setting the bar.
The worst would be the ceramic brush in terms of damage to
the hair and the stylist’s potential!
 Q:
Apart from a pair of scissors, what hairdressing tool or product
would you never be without?
A: I would have to say my thinning scissors, which when used
correctly can help give a very modern finish.
Q: Many of our web visitors want to become hairdressers;
could you give them any special tips to help them on their
way to success?
A: Be prepared to work hard. If you don’t work hard, you can
only hope to be average.
Q: We’d love to know what your favourite hairstyle of all
time is?
A: The bob. It is a test on the hairdresser’s skill and can
be re-invented in so many ways.
Article by Heather Bell.
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