Top British hairdresser Andrew Barton, who grew up wanting to be a fashion designer, says 'a hairstyle is like an outfit'.

London-based Barton, named the British Hairdresser of the Year in 2006 and 2007, says: 'Some girls like wearing little mini-skirts and some girls like wearing big dresses.

'Their hairstyle depends a lot on their personality and that's what I try to find out when I have a consultation with a client.'

The man who charges top dollar for a cut - &pound430 (S$1,098) compared to &pound30 which some salons in London charge for a cut, blow and wash - is the international creative director for Britain's leading hair and beauty salon group, Saks.

Barton, who has over 25 years of experience snipping and styling hair, was in town last month for the Sunsilk Shape Your Hair, Shape Your Life Hair Show. He worked his magic at the main atrium at Clarke Quay using the Sunsilk Style Collection, which he took two years to develop with Sunsilk.

Prior to the event, which showcased hairstyles from the 1920s, 1950s and 1960s, Barton had treated three lucky Urban readers to a hair makeover.

To be sure, they were in good hands. The hair guru's client list boasts names like Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, Kylie Minogue and Elle McPherson.

Barton also styles the tresses of runway models for brands like Prada and Versace and is the resident hairdresser on the British makeover show, 10 Years Younger, which has over five million viewers weekly.

Currently, he is writing a book on 'everything I know about hair and how to get great hair'. It is due in March or April next year.

The man, who studied at the Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design in London, started out with dreams of being a fashion designer but decided to venture into hairdressing instead.

There was no defining moment, he says, 'I just changed my mind'.

No regrets, though; he now has the best of both worlds.

'It was a really good move because essentially, I still am a fashion designer. I create fashion through hair.'

How do you feel about being the British Hairdresser of the Year?

It's a great achievement and I feel

very proud. The nomination is given by the industry and as with any industry award, the accolade is fantastic.

What do you like about your job?

I love its diversity and that every day is different. I could be working on a fashion shoot or a fashion show or working with Sunsilk to develop new products. But making women happy is probably the one thing that makes me feel very great every day.

Of all your celebrity clients, who would you say has the best hair to work with?

Kate Moss has got great hair. She looks after it, conditions her hair and uses a conditioning mask religiously, and that's very important for any girl.

Who is your most memorable client?

Working with Robbie Williams was definitely fantastic. We had great fun together because he's a great guy. The last music tour I did with him was about three years ago.

So do you style your own hair?

I shampoo and condition my hair, but I'm quite sporty so I like to keep my hair short. When I do style it, I use the Sunsilk Defining Wax.

What styling tips would you like to share?

Use a conditioning mask every week and use a conditioner every time you shampoo your hair. That gets rid of the dryness and makes the hair feel softer. Also, use a styling product to look after your hair. I always say that hair without a styling product is like a girl not wearing lipstick.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on Oct 10, 2008.