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Beverly C - Joins UKHairdressers "Ask The Experts" team

	Exclusive Interview with the first woman to win the British Hairdresser of the Year twice
	UKHairdressers chats with Beverly C (formerly known as Beverly Cobella). Internationally renowned hairdresser and now joining our team on "Ask The Experts" to help with hair questions and problems in the popular section on our site.

Talking about future trends - one of the major styles that is coming in for the next 12 months draws its inspiration from the 'Golden Twenties'. Styles that are short, glamorous, classy, feminine and genderless. Beverly recommends a glamorous androgynous feel. "Women should draw inspiration from the suffragettes who began the sexual revolution." The nation's new favourite model Agyness Deyn shows how to wear this style with absolute perfection. With the emergence of fabulous hair extensions we can have it all; adding wefts of colour and/or length as our mood takes us, we can truly have the best of both worlds. Beverly loves mixing the extremes of Rock and Romanticism; creating a leather and lace Rockmantic feel. Women need to feel sexy whilst still being in control, these new short, easy to manage styles are perfect for hectic lives. "We haven't seen short styles at the height of fashion for about seven years; many techniques are available to hairdressers that can be used compliment the masculine look and create a feminine version that is bang up to date". Beverly found time in her very busy diary to answer some of our questions, giving us a great insight into her interesting and exciting life. Q: What exciting projects are you involved with at the moment? "I'm working very closely with my new associates Goldwell in the UK and internationally on education, shows abroad and creating imagery. I'm also involved in several projects with Babyliss including new imagery and their electrical appliances website. And most importantly I'm developing my own product line - watch this space!"

Q: We're delighted that you are joining UKHairdressers as a member of the "Ask The Experts" team - are you looking forward to it? "I'm delighted to be a part of the 'Experts' team - I always enjoy handing on my knowledge and experience." Q: When did you first realise you wanted to become a stylist and how did you get started in the profession? "It happened accidentally when I was working in a salon and was then offered to take it over at the age of 17. My initial training was with Morris Masterclass in their advanced

academy in Tottenham Court Road and within 18 months I became a teacher. At the age of 20 I went into business launching my own salon Cobella in Shepherds Market, Mayfair. The business grew and within a few years further salons opened in Battersea and the Marriott Hotel in London with a flagship Cobella Akqa salon - the first day spa/salon to be launched in the UK - in 2000 in Kensington. Following my divorce from husband Anestis and my departure from the Cobella group, I have worked as a consultant creative director for both George Hammer at Aveda's Urban Retreat and for Toni Mascolo at essensuals/ Toni&Guy;, whilst continuing a global ambassadors role for Wella. In January 2007, in an unprecedented deal, I joined Goldwell as a brand ambassador and am currently overseeing the artistic development of Goldwell in the UK and represent the business in the international arena. I'm also planning to open a new salon in London during 2008.

Q: If you had chosen another profession, what would it have been? "A physical education teacher. I was a fitness fanatic at school and entered local and national running track events."

Q: Everyone here has admired the perfection of your front cover Goldwell hair image for the autumn issue of Estetica magazine. How was it selected to appear? "The most important thing to remember when creating a collection for yourself or a company is how to get the most coverage from it. You should have one to one meetings with key magazines to place the collection and to PR it as much as possible. It's quite unusual to get a front cover and the editor has to absolutely love it, so we think a lot about 'stand-out' when we're shooting the pictures."

Q: Your ethos is to make women look sexy and take years of their age, giving them an edgy, stylish look. Which celebrities have featured recently on your client list? "All sorts but unlike many stylists I tend to respect their wishes and keep their identities a secret. It's often women like the ones you've described who are in the public eye and need to look great."

Q: Describe how you felt as the first woman to win the British Hairdresser of the Year award twice? "It was phenomenal to get that award (especially twice!) and being the first woman to win was very very special. It's not an easy journey and takes years of extremely hard work. There's lots of travel involved and lots of sleepless nights but winning makes it all worthwhile. It's like an actor or actress winning an Oscar after years of hard work!"

Q: What do you consider the finest scissors to use for cutting hair? "Yaska. Available from Dowa UK." Q: Apart from scissors, what hairdressing tool or product would you never be without? "I would never be without my razor 'the slider'. If I was told I couldn't use a razor, I would give up hairdressing! My love of the razor came about many years ago when I was working in the Far East where the hair texture is very different to European hair. I use my razor about 60/70% of the time."

Q: Your hair images regularly feature in the most viewed styles on UKHairdressers Style Gallery - what is your own favourite hair style of all time? "I can't say I have a favourite hairstyle of all time because hairstyles progress and you have to keep up with current trends. One image I do adore is from my British Hairdressing Awards 2001 winning collection - the model with the blonde curly hair. The image was shot on 9/11 and the model who came from New York, was watching the TV when the twin towers went down. She was understandably hysterical, but after calming her down and switching off the TV, we took the shot. The image therefore has a very special meaning to me and her face definitely captures those feelings."

Q: The world of hairdressing is evolving all the time, what do you think are the best and worst innovations over the years (eg: straighteners, home perms)? "The best innovation over the last 10 years has got to be straighteners as they are so diverse and have had a huge impact on the hairdressing industry. The worst innovation ever is the home colour kit. I appreciate people need to be able to colour their hair at home, but the instructions on the kits are very misleading. I also highly object to professional manufacturers producing a home hi-lighting kit using complex colours. It's so irresponsible." Q: What is the strangest brief/ location you've had to work with? "The weirdest location was doing a shoot in the middle of a field, with cows, cow dung and a blowing gale. It was completely vile."

Q: Did you enjoy contributing to the BBC's popular drama "Cutting It"? "Yes. It was loads of fun and we spent a lot of time with the producers to make sure the programme was realistic."

Q: You've been described as a natural teacher, what tips can you give to up and coming stylists, that you wish someone had given to you when you started out in the business? "My biggest tip to up and coming stylists is not to limit what they choose to do. For example, you don't have to be just a cutter or a colourist. All stylists should learn absolutely everything and from that decide on what their strengths are and what they want to specialise in. Also if a stylist is keen to enter competitions and show and to do photographic or session work they won't be chosen if they don't have a traditional skill like a set or a pin curl. Unfortunately a lot of these skills are dying out but they are essential if you're planning to become a session stylist."

Q: Do any of your original customers still come to you for hair consultations and styling? "Yes. I have lots of wonderful clients who have been coming to me for years and even those who move abroad, still come back when they visit the UK."

UKHairdressers.com recommends Babyliss products - here's a few of our current best sellers: Babyliss Pro Hair Straightener Available in Black or pink The Straightener is designed for the World's Professionals with advanced ceramics and ionic conditioning system for ultra shiny, sleek, smooth results. Beverly C says: This is the only straightener a professional needs. It's super hot, perfect for straightening thick hair and wide sections.

Babyliss Dial A Heat Ceramic Tongs
Ceramics create shiny smooth finish Available in 5 barrel sizes: 13mm, 16mm, 24mm, 32mm, 38mm The unique ceramic barrel ensures the tong heats up fast and gives a smooth, shiny finish. The ceramic barrel distributes heat evenly resulting in a more natural curl.
o Ceramics create even heat o Ceramics heat up fast o Fast heat up with 25 heat settings o Cool tip o Spring lever o Safety stand o Salon length swivel cord o On/off switch

BaByliss Rebel Porcelain Conical Curling Iron
2 Sizes: 25mm Conical barrel tapering down to 13mm or 32mm Conical barrel tapering down to 19mm
o Porcelain barrel o Cool tip o No spoon/spring lever for quick easy styling o Fast heat up with 25 temperature settings o Swivel cord o On/off switch o 2 indicator lights o Soft touch handle o Includes heat mat to protect surfaces

Babyliss Professional Ceramic Hot Brush
Available in 3 ceramic barrel sizes: 13mm, 15mm, 18mm o Fast, even heat up o Cool tip o Automatic temperature control
o Multi voltage for worldwide use o Heat stand o Replaceable soft bristles o Swivel cord

Article by Heather Bell.