To be a good hairdresser, you have to understand what the vision is of the designer or the photographer and then sort of add your thing.

I didn't know I wanted to be a hairdresser. I was always interested in fashion and imagery in a very naive way, but it was always an attraction, like glitter balls. This was in the late '70s, early '80s, so it wasn't like today, where you kind of know all about the industry. Fashion was a very insider industry then - it was very closed. So I didn't really know what I wanted to do.

I didn't do great in school. I didn't have many options. I mean, I'd like to have gone to art college, but I didn't have the grades. I didn't have any qualifications. But I had some friends who were hairdressers, so I just thought, Well, I'll have a go at it.

I like hair that's been 'worn in' because it's much easier to deal with.... I actually don't like it when [models] come in with this beautiful, thick, glossy hair. I think, Oh, no! I can't do a thing with this!

I try to be aware of technology and Japanese animation and old Belgian paintings, and get all my references from bits of everywhere.

When you look back at your career, there are moments that are levels that you hit and you bounce off them.

I took Instagram off my phone! I took it off because I found I was looking at it too much.