What's fun, funky, hot and happening in today's hair industry?
We think Alexander Turnbull is!
We got the low-down on Alex's success story, what he really gets up to in his salon and a few funny stories too!
Tell us about your background and how you got to where you are.
Alex: I started off as a shampoo boy at the young age of 14 for Mark Hill in Hull. Whilst doing this I was also attending evening classes to practice hairdressing. At 16 I was a fully qualified hairdresser and at 17 I had won 11 NHF trophies. At the age of 18 I was assisting Mark Hill with every aspect of his artistic photo shoots including trips to New York for shoots.
By the age of 19 I became the youngest ever winner of the British Hairdressing Awards for Best Newcomer, which was a fantastic achievement for me. When I was 20 I was nominated for British Men's Hairdresser of the Year and at 23 I came 4th place in the World's Men's Image Awards in Paris. I was head hunted by Matrix and joined the Artistic Team, and have been involved in shows, education classes and lots more since! I carried on with my photographic shoots, which were being published nationally and internationally which was building my reputation and recognition of the Alexander Hair & Beauty brand.
I set up my own salon at 21 in Analby, Hull which was something I had always wanted to do. And finally in 2007, I was nominated for the Creative Head Hairdressing Awards.
Alex's salon has recently been refurbished with a champagne bar for clients to indulge themselves and has two beauty rooms and a VIP room where Alex runs a private wig clinic.
Alex: We went for an ultra funky and edgy look with a high element of class. The champagne bar was added to make coming to the salon an experience. We also added a large T.V screen which plays old school cartoons like transformers!
Describe your typical day in the salon
Alex: My day starts with the team coming in and sharing comments and stories from the night before and just general catch up with staff. We have approximately 1,300 clients every month and we try our best to make them feel at home. Our salon is fun, it doesn't feel like work even when cutting an average of 10-15 people's hair each day.
What do you look forward to the most each day?
Alex: I look forward to meeting my 1st client of the day. Every client is different and can range from 8 years to 80 years. I look forward to (hopefully) see the happy face of my clients when I have cut and styled their hair. I also look forward to a black coffee and a glass of water.
What's the best part of your job?
Alex: The best part is knowing I have a great team, I have a team of unique individuals who make the salon a success. I also love the feeling of making someone's hair look stunning.
What's the worst part of your job?
Alex: Paperwork!
What would you say stands you apart from other stylists?
Alex: Hairdressing is in my blood and is part of me, I don't see it as a job or a way of making a living. I feel it makes me the person I am.
Do you have any funny salon stories to share?
Alex: I have loads! Every day is a funny day at Alexander Hair & Beauty! Well, we always send a new member of staff to the local sandwich shop to buy a tropical fish sandwich - gets them every time. I usually dress up in a werewolf costume when cutting children's hair which is quite fun. Often I will hide in the coat cupboard and jump out and surprise clients - that's always funny! The funniest thing we ever did was me and one of the stylists, Craig bought a couple of dresses and straw hats from a charity shop and cut hair wearing them all day!
(Please see above for images from one of Alex's shoots)