THE INTERVIEW
ANDREW COLLINGE
TALKS TO LYNNE HAGUE
Andrew Collinge Hairdressing is a modern creative force , renowned for contemporary , desirable and wearable hair . Exceptional salons , products and training has ensured this award-winning salon group is firmly established as one of the most influential in the UK . Lynne Hague caught up with the man himself .
The family has been trading in Merseyside since 1940 and is famed for top quality training as well as being considered one of the finest salon groups in the UK , does the responsibility of all this tradition affect creative innovation ? If I had been asked this question a couple of years ago I might have said yes , as over time I was finding myself more behind a desk than behind a hairdressing chair , however , I ’ m pleased to say that my son Charlie is now responsible for the running of the business ensuring the family business moves onto a fourth generation . Charlie appreciates the tradition and values of the company but will bring his own ideas and long term strategy so the company continues to evolve . I can now concentrate more on a creative role which will involve me working within the training salons as well as working closely with the creative team on fashion shows and photo shoots . I love working with hair and still get as much buzz from creating a new look as I did when I started out as an apprentice .
You have styled the hair of two royal brides but whose hair would you like to style and why ? I would have loved to have styled the hair of Audrey Hepburn , an A list film star whose hair always looked beautiful whether it be a gamine crop or a chic up-do . Today it would be Jennifer Lawrence , a brilliant actress whose hair always looks great , she changes it regularly and also I think she would be fun to meet .
Where do you stand on the question of whether mature women should embrace their grey hair or not ? Grey hair can look fabulous particularly with a great cut . The IMF boss - Christine Lagarde is a perfect example of how to wear grey hair and look cool .
What do you think was the worst look / trend that you have seen ? A mullet done badly . There is a fine line between getting it right or it looking awful .
You have won many awards and competitions – which one are you most proud of ? It would have to be winning British Hairdresser of the Year for the first time . It was something I worked hard for and the competition that particular year was very tough with the other nominees coming from top London salons . Liz and I hadn ’ t long opened our salon in Heswall and winning resulted in the BBC Clothes Show coming to the salon to interview me , it was fantastic publicity .
The company has an excellent reputation for training , how did this come about ? My father Peter , started our hairdressing training division over 40 years ago and ever since then education and training have been the backbone of our business . Over the years thousands of young people have trained with us and gone on to pursue successful careers themselves whether in our own salons or elsewhere . Today his high standards carry on through a dedicated team , who over the past 20 years have been directed by my sister , Sarah . We now provide high quality apprenticeship training to over
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