Interview with legendary hairdresser Errol Douglas MBE – by Ben Douglas
1. Can you please tell us about your journey to becoming the most awarded hairdresser in the UK?
I come from a good work ethos background. My parents were very encouraging from the beginning, and I’m the youngest of five brothers. All my brothers are academics and I would say I’m a visual artist and a visionary when it comes to hair. I always set my sights on a salon. I took a bus journey to the centre of London when I was about sixteen, and that moment changed my life, because I knew where I wanted to have a salon – Knightsbridge. Not many people who look like me have businesses in Knightsbridge (it’s not what you know, it’s who you know). We opened in 1998 and my main aim was to make it an all-inclusive salon. Our company strap line is ‘technical excellence’. We now speak over fifteen languages in the salon and have a global reputation. We heavily believe in the next generation of hairdressers, so our educational programme is very important to the company. We celebrate twenty six years this August and we just launched a new boutique atelier salon in The Peninsula in autumn 2023. The Peninsula and my salon both offer luxurious comfort and impeccable service. We set our sights high and our standards higher, aiming always to delight our customers.
2. High Points and challenges within your career?
A high point in my career was receiving my MBE from the Queen. Opening my salon with my business partner Kim Clayton in the heart of Knightsbridge, which was always my goal, has been another high point.
The biggest challenge I’ve faced has been finding employees that are consistent, meet my high standards, and suite the salon environment.
3. What are the trends you wish would never see the light of day again and what is the “must have cut”?
The mullet is a trend I wish would never see the light of day.
The “must have cut” is the lob. This is in between a bob and a shag cut. It has definition and layers, but with a lot of softness to it. It is so beautiful because it goes hand-in-hand with contemporary colours.
We’ve never had such a big revolution of men/women coming in to hair salons, it’s the best yet. Everyone is so conscious about how they look now. We now even offer new services such as Hair Ceremony, which provides a more gentle and holistic approach to the traditional salon experience. It is conducted in a serene and private space, and ensures a stress-reducing and deeply relaxing experience. Wellness therapies including breathwork, massage, sound healing and crystals are integrated into the service. Hair ceremony is not just about hairstyles and hair colours; it’s about instilling confidence, receiving nurturance, and enhancing overall wellness.
4. Can you tell us about your charity work and all of your projects?
Hair and Beauty Charity – For more than 150 years, the Hair and Beauty Charity has helped those in our industry who have fallen on hard times. They provide practical and financial support to those who need it and their families, to make their lives a little easier. Many of their beneficiaries have given a lifetime of service to the hair and beauty industry, changing the lives of millions of people.
5. Who are the greatest photographers, models and talent you have worked with in your career?
Photographers – Rankin, Andrew O’toole, David Manna, Jack Eames, and Billie Scheepers
Model Agencies (I use different models depending on the project) – Elite, Storm
Talent – Kylie O’toole for makeup, Pat McGrath for makeup, Edward Enninful for styling, and Anna Latham for styling
6. What are your top high end and high street products
High end – Kerastase, Moroccan Oil, Orbe High street – Living Proof
7. What has working in the world of hairdressing given you on a personal/emotional level?
The ability to enhance somebody’s personality through hair, giving them both inner and outer confidence. That can be done through both cutting hair and colouring it, and offering other services such as eyelash and eyebrow services, all of which help boost a client’s confidence. The key to this is a good consultation and I love seeing the client’s joy when leaving the salon.
8. What is one thing you would change about the hair industry?
I would like to see more working together as an industry and supporting one another. We have too many different governing bodies (The Fellowship, Hair and Beauty Federation, The Hair and Beauty Council, National Hair and Beauty Federation, The Hair and Beauty Industry Authority, The Freelance Hairdressers Association, The Hairdressing Beauty & Suppliers Association). My dream, if I could change anything, is to just have one governing body. I also believe that hairdressers should be licensed.
9. Can you tell us what makes your salon so unique?
Our salon caters to all hair types, and we do so with technical excellence.
In the age of blow-dry bars and cutting by numbers, Errol Douglas Salon stands apart, bringing back the craftsmanship and individuality of traditional hairdressing. Global yet local, no hair type is beyond us and as arbiters of style we have an inherent sense of what is beautiful. A sanctuary for all who walk through our doors, we absolutely love the ability we have to affect positive emotional change through hair, with personalised touches directed at nurturing and enhancing your wellbeing. Heralding in a new paradigm, our highly skilled and passionate artisans intuitively decode and interpret your needs, providing an experience which combines techniques that are at the forefront of contemporary hairdressing, service beyond the expected and meaningful human connection.
10. What is your philosophy of life?
Positivity always, never give up and never give in. Help others, we’re all learning all the time. We all have a purpose in life, but our ultimate purpose is to help one another.
11. Can you tell us about any up and coming projects?
One particular project I’m preparing for is a big show in Lisbon, which is the International Hairdressing Awards. I’m just about to shoot my new hair collection for 2025.
12. What are your top fashion tips?
Fashion is all about expressing yourself and feeling confident in what you wear. Know your body, accessorise thoughtfully, comfort is crucial, and confidence is key. Own your style and wear it with confidence. When you feel good about what you’re wearing, it shows. Remember, fashion is subjective, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you!
Ben Douglas is Editor at Large at Fashion Insider Magazine. He is passionate about travel, fashion, food and of course the showbiz world. To contact him please email ben@fashioninsider.co.uk
