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WINNER ANNOUNCED THE NATION'S FAVOURITE HAIRDRESSER AWARD 2009

For many across the country, hairdressers have become long-standing friends, relationship counsellors and confidants to millions of people. So after months of online voting across the UK, the competition revealed the country's most loved and favourite Hairdresser out of 9 regional finalists! The Grand Final took place recently in London, where 9 regional finalists, consisting of hairdresser and client, went head-to-head to prove that not only do they have great hairdressing techniques, but that they have the best client relationships. The winner was announced in the evening after the final at a fabulous and glitzy red carpet event in the heart of the nation's capital.

The Nation's Favourite Hairdresser Awards 2009 is now in its third successful year. The event allows customers to publicly thank their hairdresser and was judged this year by a high profile panel including celebrity stylist Melissa Brown and TV presenter Emma Willis. Right: The winner Dion Padan from Hooka salon - Liverpool, walked away with a £2,000 cash prize, national coverage in Look, Hair and Now magazine, local PR for his salon and a year's supply of head&shoulders; damage rescue shampoo and conditioner. His client Andy Dews also won a £2,000 cash prize and a year's supply of the shampoo and conditioner. The runners-up each won a runners-up trophy and goody bag worth £50. Right: Kizzy Edkins from Charisma salon, the North East finalist won the most Highly Commended Hairdresser. See the video below, with Emma Willis, the finalists and the delighted winner Dion Padan.

The 9 Finalists were:
SCOTLAND: Marilyn Neave – Retro Hair & Beauty
MIDLANDS: Shaun Wilkins – Altro Mondo
NORTH EAST: Kizzy Edkins - Charisma
NORTHERN IRELAND: Charlene McCartin – Hair Square
NORTH WEST: Dion Padan - Hooka
REPUBLIC of IRELAND: Simon Sweeney – Simon Sweeney Hair Design
SOUTH EAST & LONDON: Nuska Cohen – Nuska’s
SOUTH WEST: Becky Tanner – OMG Hair & Beauty
WALES: Wayne Elias – CW Hair Platinum Suite

INTERVIEW WITH EMMA WILLIS
Both celebrity stylist Melissa Brown and her long term client, model and TV presenter Emma Willis, have taken time to talk to us about their careers and hair.

In 2002 Emma broke out of modelling and into the world of UK television, joining the team of presenters on MTV UK, working on various shows interviewing many stars of film, TV and music. Now it’s UKHairdressers turn to interview Emma and ask her a few questions, here’s what she had to say:

Q: “You successfully screen tested for MTV in 2002 and haven’t looked back since, which part of your TV work have you enjoyed the most?”
Answer: ...It’s so hard to pick. Meeting your idols is a pretty awesome part of the job. Going to Australia and being part of I’m a Celeb was great fun. I think generally it’s the spontaneity that’s best. You never know what’s going to come up, who you’ll be working with or where you’ll be going. I love it.

Q: ’Sugar Style’ was your own show for MTV Hits, how much input did you have for the fashion, beauty and celebrity style content?
Answer: ...It was quite a small team that worked on that show, only 5 of us. So we’d all have input and discuss the various items and what content went into the show.

Q: “Many of our web visitors are interested in becoming models. Is it true you started modelling at the age of 7? How did you get started in the profession?”
Answer: ...No, I think that was a misprint. I started modelling when I was 17. My mum sent off some pictures to an agency in Birmingham who added me to their books. I did some test shots with them which came back ok and they said they’d like me to meet with an agent in London. I travelled down for the day and met with “Models 1” who said they’d like to represent me, but would I chop my hair off and dye it brown? I said yes and moved to London a month later.

Q: “You’ve worked for many of the glossies like Vogue, Elle and Marie Claire... can you tell us what it’s like behind the scenes of a magazine shoot?”
Answer: ...It’s fun working on a shoot however there can be lots of hanging around while the camera is set up, or makeup is retouched. Most magazine shoots are pretty much the same really, although for the glossies, its a lot more nerve racking!

Q: “Where do you like shopping for clothes, who or what influences your fashion choices?”
Answer: ...For me, comfort is key. If I feel comfortable, I’ll feel confident. I love all sorts of shops. Topshop, French Connection, Zara. There is a great little boutique shop near my house called Powder which stocks Mark Jacobs, Sonia Rykiel and Marlene Berger which I’m a big fan of and then there’s Selfridges, which has everything you could possibly want under one roof!

Q: “Your hair always looks fab, how often do you see your stylist Melissa Brown? Would you ever consider going blonde?”
Answer: ...I’m always up for changing my look, however I coloured it a lot last year so want to give it a rest for a bit! I have been using head&shoulders; Damage Rescue shampoo and conditioner to keep it looking healthy and shiny.

Q: “Presenting ‘I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!’ with your new hubby Matt, sounds like the best of both worlds – is it as easy working with him as it looks?”
Answer: ...yeah, it really is. We’re like peas in a pod really. We spend so much time together anyway that a few extra hours at work doesn’t really make any difference. I count myself lucky that I get to see him as much as I do.


INTERVIEW WITH MELISSA BROWN
Melissa Brown enjoys a rich and varied career within the music and fashion industries, and has collaborated with world famous photographer David Bailey. She’s also worked for Marie Claire, Wallpaper and Elle as well as being a head&shoulders; ambassador.

Q: “Why do you think people have a unique relationship with their hairdresser?” Answer: ... People generally form great relationships with their hairdresser because it’s someone you trust to make you look and feel good. When you find a good hairdresser you also stick with them, so you get to know them over the years and become friends outside of the salon too. Q: “Why do people love going to their hairdresser so much?” Answer: ... Going to the hairdressers gives people a bit of well deserved ‘me time’. Not only will they come out looking and feeling great, but they’ve also had a chance to have a good natter with someone they trust.

Q: “Why are the Hairdresser Awards so successful?”
Answer: ...The head&shoulders; Nation’s Favourite Hairdresser Awards are so successful because it’s a chance for anyone across the UK and Ireland to nominate their local hairdresser. Their hairdresser doesn’t have to be well-known, or award-winning, it just has to be someone that you think does a fantastic job and is a great friend too.

Q: “What are your top styling tips?”
Answer: ... Always take your time and do not rush to do your hair. Use good products to suit your hair type and invest in good styling tools, a good hair dryer, tongs and irons are essential.

Q: “How did you get started as a stylist? Who were your hair mentors?”
Answer: ... I started my hairdressing at Vidal Sassoon where I worked for ten years, then after working on editorial shoots and shows with the session team I decided that was the direction I wanted to go in. After many years working in the salon, it was the best thing I ever did - I love my job so much and I am very lucky to have had so many great opportunities.

Q: “What is the strangest request you’ve received during your years in the hair industry?”
Answer: ...I’ve never had any strange requests – most of my clients let me advise on the style!

Q: “Tell us a bit about your celebrity client list?” Answer: ...At the moment I do the hair for Emma and Matt Willis, McFly and Take That. Q: “Do you select a style for them or do they have fixed ideas about the look they want you to achieve for them?” Answer: ...It works both ways. If they want to try something new I’ll advise what will suit their face shape and hair type and I can advise on the up and coming trends. However if they want something specific, I’ll work it in a way that will suit them and be easy to recreate at home.

Q: “Whose hair would you like to get your hands on and why?” Answer: ...I see a lot of people on the tube and out and about that I’d love to get my hands on! Q: “There have been many changes in hairdressing over the years. What in your opinion is the best innovation and the worst?” Answer: ... Hair trends change as much as fashion. I think the use of false hair has been the most innovative but also the worst because if it is not used or styled properly it can be a disaster!

Q: “What do you consider to be the finest scissors to use for cutting hair?”
Answer: ... I can’t say what the finest scissors are, but I use Wings and love them, I have used them from the start.

Q: “Apart from a pair of scissors, what hairdressing tool or product would you never be without?” Answer: ...I’m a big fan of head&shoulders;, currently the Damage Rescue shampoo and conditioner is a favourite of mine because it looks after hair that gets over styled and is dry or damaged. I also love Batiste Dry Shampoo! Q: “For our many web visitors who want to become hairdressers, could you give them a couple of special tips to help them on their road to success?” Answer: ... To be a great hairdresser you need to get the best training possible, not be afraid to work hard and experiment all the time, try out styles and techniques until you’re confident and your work is strong with your mark on it.

Q: “And finally... we’d love to know what your favourite female hairstyle of all time is?”
Answer: ... My favourite female hair style of all time is a simple but amazing sharp bob, this style cut properly is so strong yet feminine at the same time.

Article by Heather Bell.