Confessions of a celebrity hairdresser (and why we're at our most vulnerable in the stylist's chair)
Diva moments come thick and fast
We all know what it's like to feel scared and question what people may say or think of you. Then times that by a million if you are film star and think the world is going to pull you apart as you walk the red carpet. I have had celebrities cry, shout and swear as they have hated their dress or hair, and we have had to redo it until they loved the hair and me!
A-listers will ask for a certain look - then change their minds completely
This has happened more than I’d like to admit to. Even when you have discussed what they want in depth and trialled the look, at the last minute, there is often quick panic and an urgent change. It makes things fun - and a bit scary.
Brits have better hair than Americans
I am British so I’m bound to say that, yet where do Sam McKnight, John Frieda and Trevor Sorbie come from? We are great at being creative but also highly trained, and we have the best techniques and styles.
Every awards ceremony has one big hair trend
...And this year's Baftas will be no different. Go for simple stylish beauty - no big hair. You want it looking healthy: gentle waves not overtly styled, and chignons softened and with a soft web of loose hair to the air of 'I just twisted it up and it looked like this.'
Certain celebrities always get it right...
Margot Robbie, Jessica Chastain, Charlize Theron, Angelina Jolie and Emma Stone always look impeccable, but my favourites are Rooney Mara and Tilda Swinton, who always look that bit different from the rest.
...but others make rookie mistakes
Seeing a look on someone else and believing it will suit them being the most common. Often people don’t take into account their face shape, hair texture, neckline. And what about when it rains - can the style you want really survive the elements?
Instagram is no match for a proper stylist
Social media has generally been a great thing, but it sometimes makes doing hair styles appear easy to achieve. Clients also usually well informed, but they can believe after a couple of YouTube videos that they are experts, and believe they know better than someone whose done hair for years (in my case, years and years). They never do.
People are at their most vulnerable in the salon chair
Wet, flat hair, no makeup on - as a hairdresser,we are there to make people look beautiful, feel empowered and ready to face the world. We are the one person in their life that knows about when they are feeling sad, happy or in the middle of some great affair or breakup and sit with them listening to what’s going on with their life, no judgement, giving advice or just listening.
Iconic style lasts forever
Just look at Jessica Rabbit.
Paul Edmonds London is Official Hair Partner of the EE British Academy Film Awards 2018
