Errol Douglas MBE, one of the most influential hairdressers in the world, has been announced as the incoming President of The Fellowship For British Hairdressing. Douglas, who has 3 decades in the hair industry and a roster of high profile clients, will take the helm at an official handover ceremony at The Dorchester Hotel on April 22^nd 2013. Receiving an MBE for services to Hairdressing in 2008, Douglas has a recognised track record in championing the hair industry and nurturing young talent. He was also named Hair Hero 2013 at the Hair Magazine Awards.

After receiving the award, Douglas said “This means the world to me, I’ve received many awards over the years, and to be recognised in this way at such an important event really is incredible. I love my industry, its creativity, talent and integrity. I’m so very lucky to have a stunning team who’ve worked alongside me for many years, and it never feels like work, because I knew as a boy that this brilliant industry was for me”

We were very excited to interview him and learn how to get great hair with lots of volume.

How do Frost Magazine readers achieve their best ever hair day? 

By investing long term in hair health.  That means weekly conditioning treatments (Moroccan oil Hydrating Mask is great because it’s easy to use at home in between salon visits and only a small amount is required), regular salon visits as the finish really is in the quality of the cut and using a small amount of a styling product suited to your hair type to prep it before you style.

What are the main causes of flat hair?  

Without a doubt it’s product overload, it’s the worst offender, weighing hair down and dulling it. Less really is more in terms of product.   A close second is not building the right foundation before blow drying or styling. Volume needs to be built into the roots by using a firm tension and barrel brush to blow dry, consider it the scaffolding for a polished finish. A small amount of Moroccan oil Treatment on wet hair will infuse moisture into the hair and  help eliminate frizz in the final style. It’s been a game changer for the quality of finish in styling for my clients.

What products are best for big hair?  

A “working” hairspray that allows hold to be built in as the hair is styled without that “crispy” stiff result.  I like to use Moroccan oil  Luminous  Hairspray on wet hair to blow dry it into roots.  Using rollers at the crown builds in movement, which allows the hair to look thick and healthy. Plumped cuticles are the scaffolding of volume based styling. Wash the hair in cool water so as not to stimulate the scalp’s sebaceous glands and create unwanted grease. Using Morrocanoil Extra Volume Shampoo and conditioner will begin the root plumping process and create the right canvas.

What is the best way to achieve volume?

One way that volume is achieved  is by texture brushing. Apply direct heat from the nozzle of the hairdryer directly onto the roots and pull firmly as you dry with the Morrocan oil barrel brush. What I love about this brush is that it maintains a consistent temperature and reduces drying time. The bristles produce negative ions causing water to evaporate more quickly. To really build the lift into the whole head, section off the hair with silver pins and work the texture brushing as you dry equally on all parts. Once dry with big roots and volume, a little gentle backcombing with the barrel brush at the crown is how to achieve that dramatic lift specifically as on the catwalk.

How do you get big hair when you have fine hair?

The best trick is to lightly backcomb the roots or lightly emboss the roots ( this means using a heated crimping tool just at the roots)

How do you get your hair to stay full of volume all day?   

Use hairspray “up and under” not “around and on top” – the hold needs to be built from the bottom up to maintain the lift, spraying directly onto the crown in a halo is a flattener by the middle of the day.  To refresh, tip the head upside down and brush the hair gently forward.

Thank you Errol.

Learn more about Errol here: www.erroldouglas.com