How to Avoid Holiday Snap Cringe

Despite a holiday being the time when we're at our most tanned, relaxed, dressed (or undressed), there's that familiar sinking feeling that we don't quite look as hot in the snap as we felt when we posed for it!  It's a cliché for a reason - because it's often true:  Disappointment with how we look in holiday snaps.

1. PRE DEPARTURE PREPARATION: Before travelling, if you're going to have a colour, do it at least two weeks before leaving. The sun naturally "lifts the colour" leaving it looking washed out. Douglas recommends a salon  Illuminating Colour Gloss by Matrix: "It ensures not just colour but a healthy shine pre-flight"
    
2. ON LOCATION PROTECTION:Salt, great on food not on hair. Tie it back and use a protective spray in and out of the water.  With a centre parting it's very SS12 catwalk. Good products for sun protection, avoidance of pool chlorine build-up and moisture infusing include: Biolage Sunsorials range by Matrix, Morrocan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask & Kevin Murphy "Born Again" Mask.
    
3. SUN AND SAND FRIENDLY STYLING:For long hair on the beach, ask your stylist how to create a twist up bun or a Fishtail French Plait - both prepare hair for the evening and protect excellently. Additionally, be careful of sand, it's corrosive, and for anyone with a scalp issue it'll aggravate.
    
4. FRIZZ FREEDOM:For tropical and humid destinations, there are lots of products on the market that can prevent hair from frizzing and add weight. Pack them - they're a passport to evening glamour and better snaps. Try: Sleek by Matrix, Moroccan Oil Frizz Control or Treatment Oil Light.
    
5. SEEK GLOSS OVER GREASE:  Hair looking lank in the pictures when it felt soft in the flesh? That's a sign of over active sebaceous glands. Not confined to shiny face, over stimulating the follicles on the scalp in hot climates by washing out sea water with hot water leads to greasy locks. Wash hair in cool water  and preening to a minimum, it'll allow follicles to rest and lie smooth.
    
6. ON TREND AND ON LOCATION:   For a great catwalk to boardwalk/day to night look, Douglas suggests a reveal of the up do from the day "When you take out the braid it leaves a great red carpet wave with great movement evening glamour".

And to the snaps: for doing holiday hair efforts justice without turning the whole affair into a long shoot, Douglas suggests just two quick and simple tips:

• MOVE IT: Shoot the person from different angles. 3 simple clicks of centre, left and right gives a surprisingly different image and choice.
• LET IT MOVE: Avoid overuse of product in the hair, it'll look more attractive with natural movement
• SUNSETS ARE SEXY: Dusk offers a very flattering light for the face, refreshed, rested and back lit
• GET FLASH RULES RIGHT - OFF AT NIGHT, ON IN THE DAY (YES THAT'S RIGHT): Flash indoors produces harsh, cold light and is the most common cause of unattractive "red eye"- it feels counterintuitive but switch it off. Similarly, daytime outdoors is where the flash is your friend, eliminating shadows and diluting the contrats that create unattractive facial shadows. 

Douglas advises his clients to consult his quick checklist when packing to ensure that bad hair doesn't eclipse holiday outfit choices:

• A wide toothed comb
• A great shampoo and conditioner with a strong UVA component (don't rely on those provided at the hotel)
• A mousse or oil to combat a drying atmosphere
• A cool Alice band - simple but a suprisingly dramatic look changer
• A scarf - covers a multitude of sea, sun and sand sins for old school glamour

Further information on Errol Douglas MBE, interviews & images: karen@tippettpr.com/07912 221069

Team Errol Douglas Turns Emilia Fox(y)

The Errol Douglas salon in London's Belgravia is the team responsible for Emilia Fox's much talked about new look. Fox explained "I have an exciting year ahead and was looking for a new look. Errol Douglas is the only team I trust with a big change".

Errol Douglas MBE, one of the world's most influential hairdressers, credited his talented young Colour Master Jade Blackley "Jade is our young colourist of the moment. She loves working with bold colours and street trends. She's great to work with and her clients love her".

Colourist Jade said "The specifically blended Copper Red we used suits Emilia's flawless fair complexion, making her hair look rich and sophisticated."

Jade Blackley, Colourist on Errol Douglas MBE's team

Further information: James Taylor, Director, Tel: 07904559083

Notes to editors:
Errol Douglas MBE is among the cream of the hairdressing industry and a favourite among clients and industry peers alike. Renowned for his stunning photographic work, Errol has won several of the world's most coveted awards including: 3 time winner of the Afro category at the British Hairdressing Awards, Black Beauty/Wahl Awards' Stylist of the Year, overall AIPP Grand Trophy winner, the Fellowship for British Hairdressing's Hairdresser of the Year, the Fellowship Gold Salon Consumer Award (2 consecutive years), Creative Head Media Darling of the Year, British Master Award at the Australian Hair Fashion Awards ceremony, and Most Wanted Hair Trend 2009. He was also named Cosmopolitan's Ultimate Man of the Year 2008. Errol's photographic work is regularly featured in the fashion and beauty press and he participates in shows and seminars in Britain, Paris, New York, Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Poland, presenting his hairdressing skills and creative techniques to a wide audience. 

Errol Douglas Receives Fellowship Award

The festive season got into full swing with the 27th Fellowship for British Hairdressing Luncheon and Awards taking place in the glitzy surroundings of The Dorchester Hotel, London.

A champagne reception kicked off the event, before guests made their way into the beautifully-decorated dining room to enjoy lunch and the awards ceremony. Starting off the speeches, Fellowship Chancellor David Drew praised his co-host Mark Creed for bringing "reinvention, vigour and new energy" to the council through his role as this year's President. Mark spoke of his "immense pride" at being the organisation's 33rd President, adding that the hairdressing industry "has a heart which beats with a creativity and noise like no other" The Fellowship's new logo's were unveiled, with a refreshed strap-line of 'Creative Excellence', before David revealed a good luck message from his local MP - none other than Prime Minister David Cameron. A video showed Fellowship event highlights from the past year, including the President's Night and the F.A.M.E. Team's ventures at Salon International. TV star Lorraine Kelly and Mark Hayes were recipients of the Media Award for her ITV morning show.

Errol Douglas was very touched to receive a special award for his contribution to education and the mentoring of the 2011 F.A.M.E. Team.  Errol praised the four talented individuals:

"This year's F.A.M.E. Team have been amazing.  They represent everything that is great and exciting about the hairdressing industry.  They are talented, creative and hard-working and I've been really impressed and become incredibly proud that they have worked together as a team looking out for and encouraging each other throughout the year"

Christmas in Motcomb Street

Christmas Shoppers and residents alike gathered to enjoy the switching on ceremony of the Motcomb Street Christmas lights and see the cobbled street in Belgravia come alive under the glow of the festive illuminations.

A host of live acts entertained the crowds during the ceremony, with traditional carols and live music from the likes of the Household Cavalry Quintet, The IDMC Gospel Choir and a variety of jazz bands also were on hand to up the festive ante during the launch night.

London Lifestyle Awards 2011

Errol Douglas MBE and his team from the Belgravia salon were celebrating last night following winning Hairdresser of the Year at the London Lifestyle Awards "I'm over the moon!

These awards are amazing. I've always said that London is the heart of Europe and this event brings together some of the capital's best businesses and incredible individuals." 2011 has been a defining year for the celebrity hairdresser who has instructed a team of designers to refurbish his Belgravia salon and there are rumours of a New York opening planned for next year. All eyes will be on Errol at the Hairdresser's Journal British Hairdresser of the Year, one of the industry's biggest awards to be held next month at The Grosvenor House, London. 7th October 2011

The City unites to celebrate Errol Douglas' Success Story Last night saw the second annual London Lifestyle Awards descend on the capital, with crisp Thames air and ball gowns on the embankment, guests were welcomed into the panoramic Thames Suite overlooking the Houses of Parliament and Millbank Tower. The celebration saw 500 business owners, celebrities, London faces and professionals celebrate the best of London's lifestyle for 2011. A fantastic drinks reception with world-class champagne provided by Roger Constant Lemaire and cocktails from Walders, Havana Club and Gusto got the drinks ready in the pre-award celebrations. Attendees of the night included, Antony Costa, Caprice, Sinitta, Funda Onal from Made in Chelsea, Michelle Collins, Bobby Davro, Sam Fox, Donal McIntyre, Michelle Heaton, Nicola Stapleton, Vanessa Feltz, Joe Swash, Phil Turner, Brooke Kinsella and many more! Caprice and Julian Bennett were on hand to present Errol Douglas with the award for being the 'London Hairdresser of the Year' similarly Popstar and party boy Simon Webbe got up to present the award for 'London Club of the Year' to Guy Pelly's nightclub, Public. Among those applauded on the night included the capitals very own Barclays Cycle Hire picking up the award for 'Green Contribution to London', the highly influential philanthropist and businessman Christopher Moran picked up the 'Outstanding Contribution to London'.

A surprise entrance from the 'face of the riots' and dubbed the 'Hackney Heroine' Pauline Pearce was on hand to present the Variety Club's Celebrity Liaison Manager, Caroline Monk, with 'Personality of the Year'. Presenting the awards this year was the celebrated icon of Capital FM, Greg Burns who gave the celebrities in attendance a few jokes at their own expense, which were all taken in good jest. The London Lifestyle awards in 2011 have gained in excess of 187,000 public votes from 18 categories and an original 4,253 separate nominated companies, people and industry contacts. The London Lifestyle Awards have been applauded by the likes of Boris Johnson and indeed HRH Prince Harry of Wales. The awards will be returning for their 3rd year in October 2012. Full List of winners; Green Contribution of the Year - Barclays Cycle Hire Fashion Retailer of the Year - Bolongaro Trevor Coffee Shop of the Year - Benugo Café & Deli Hotel of the Year - Sanctum Soho Hotel Cultural Attraction of the Year - Victoria & Albert Museum Sports Attraction of the Year - Mint Polo in the Park created by Captive Minds Health and Fitness Facility of the Year - The Third Space Live Music Venue of the Year - Hootananny (Brixton) Theatre Show of the Year - The Lion King Hairdresser of the Year - Errol Douglas Restaurant of the Year - Searcy's at the National Portrait Gallery Concierge Company of the Year - Quintessentially Bar of the Year - McQueen Club of the Year - Public Members Club of the Year - Home House Outstanding Contribution to London - Christopher Moran Personality of the Year - Caroline Monk

 Check out our video from the night - enjoy!

London Lifestyle Awards 2011 from London Lifestyle Awards on Vimeo.

London's Top Luxury Brands Finally Wed

A match made in heaven, these exceptional new images are the result of London's most prestigious brands coming together in perfect union to create a chic urban wedding like never before. An initiative of The Private Group, specialists in the brand alignment of global organisations from the luxury sector, they called upon the iconic Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park for its spectacular location, John Nassari for his award winning photography, Neill Strain for his magnificent floral arrangements and famed hairdresser Errol Douglas for his technical excellence in hairdressing. A royal favourite, Bruce Oldfield provided a classic wedding dress for the occasion, paired with glamorous pieces by Jeweller Theo Fennell and alluring headwear by acclaimed Milliner Nigel Rayment. And for the little ones, London's premier couturier for children Little Bevan. The result, a quintessential London wedding experience and patriotic marriage of London's finest brands.

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London

With the glitz and sophistication of Knightsbridge on its doorstep and leafy Hyde Park at its rear, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is London's most prestigious address. Blending sumptuous guestrooms, a world-leading spa and a stylish bar, it is the definitive destination for a luxury escape in the capital. A London landmark and a "royal" hotel, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park has been the setting for extravagant parties and opulent weddings and receptions as well as enjoying a reputation as a great meeting place for celebrated statesmen and celebrities alike. And now with two exciting new restaurants including Bar Boulud, London and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, the first London restaurant for one of the UK's most renowned chefs, Heston Blumenthal of the Fat Duck Group, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is set to become the culinary centre of the capital. (For further details please see www.mandarinoriental.com/london.)

Bruce Oldfield OBE

Designer Bruce Oldfield has been creating clothes for more than 35 years for some of the world's most famous and elegantly dressed women including the late HRH Diana Princess of Wales, HM Queen Rania of Jordan, HRH The Begum Aga Khan to Anjelica Huston, Charlotte Rampling, Rihanna, Elizabeth McGovern, Taylor Swift, J.K.Rowling, Jemima Goldsmith, Samantha Cameron, Helen Mirren and Sienna Miller. Oldfield's aim is to flatter with structure and reflect the bride's personality with elegant, beautiful clothes which retain a gentle lightness and fluidity. A deceptively simple cut, sumptuous fabrics and intricate detailing and embellishment are all integral to the understated design which mixes tradition and sophistication with a fresh, modern twist. Whether her choice is couture or custom made, today's bride will follow in the footsteps of the most iconic and glamorous women in the world. Bruce has now opened the doors of number 34 Beauchamp Place, opposite his eponymous couture boutique to offer a one-stop shop for the modern bride. (For further details please see www.bruceoldfield.com.)

John Nassari - Photographer, Creative Director

John Nassari is without doubt London's most accomplished reportage wedding photographer. Nassari's professional career began in the advertising and editorial fields of photography in the 1980's. He soon began exhibiting his work as an artist resulting in international acclaim and his work being shown at the National Portrait Gallery in London. Nassari heads a team of outstanding award-winning documentary photographers, all of whom are passionate about Nassari's unique approach and style. Some of Nassari's recent clients include global organisations and charities who wish to deliver an important message of strength using a beautiful medium, resulting in Nassari's work having a global influence on how people think and feel. Regardless of Nassari's increasing global influence, his true passion and unique ability will always be capturing the emotions and feelings of an event. (For further details please see www.indigoimages.co.uk.)

Little Bevan - Children's Couturier

At Little Bevan's award-winning boutique, the talented creative team design and produce mini luxe childrenswear for every special occasion, weddings, christenings, birthdays, clothes that are treasured and that children love to wear. Little Bevan is widely acknowledged as Europe's premier couturier for children. Founder Sarah Colfer heads the creative team designing beautiful pieces which form Little Bevan's mini luxe collections for children. The clothes are inspired by the luxury and swagger of the fashions of the 18th century but brought up to date with a light touch and made suitable for children in fabric and finish. From its beginnings, Little Bevan has steadily built its reputation for producing enchanting and exquisite garments, establishing a unique position as a London couturier for children. Little Bevan couture is designed exclusively and individually made at their Pimlico boutique. (For further details please see www.littlebevan.co.uk.)

Nigel Rayment - Milliner

Nigel Rayment, one of London's most acclaimed milliners, who counts royalty, politicians and celebrities amongst his clientele, has continued to dazzle the fashion world with his latest Spring 2012 collection. Nigel Rayment has designed hats for more than 30 years which are sold in Harrods or his central London boutique. His innovative and striking hats are adorned by exquisite hand dyed flowers and feathers which are frequently colour-matched to complement any outfit for any special occasion. The Nigel Rayment boutique at London's Marble Arch stocks brands Ian Stuart, Condici, John Charles, David Fielden to name but a few all with matching hats, shoes and bags. (For further details please see www.nigelraymentboutique.co.uk.)

Neill Strain - Floral Designer

Irish-born Neill Strain is renowned as one of Britain's most talented and successful floral designers. A childhood passion for flowers and gardening led him to study Art & Design and high level floristry with world-renowned professionals at home and abroad. He opened his first boutique in Belgravia four years ago, followed by his new concept boutique, The Flower Lounge on West Halkin Street, earlier this year. With a client base which includes Arab royalty, Russian billionaires, Hollywood celebrities, pop stars and discerning Belgravia residents, Neill creates floral designs that are seasonally inspired, limited edition and made-to-measure masterpieces. His wedding work ranges from the delicate to dramatic, bewitching to bedazzling and stylish to sensational. Whatever the occasion, Neill offers haute couture in floral design, as reflected in his brand name, Neill Strain Floral Couture. (For further details please see www.neillstrain.com.)

Theo Fennell - Jeweller

Theo Fennell is acknowledged as one of today's premier design led jewellers, whose pieces have been captivating the world for nearly 30 years. His unique jewellery is distinctive and inspirational. He incorporates careful thought, detailed design and great craftsmanship. Combining modern ideas with classical tradition his style is instantly recognisable, with pieces varying from the quirky and surprising to the classic and romantic. His attention to detail and ability to interpret grand design on a miniature scale has helped to establish the company as a force for innovative and superbly made jewellery worldwide. (For further details please see www.theofennell.com.)

Errol Douglas - Hairdresser

Celebrity hairdresser Errol Douglas was awarded his MBE for education and services to the hairdressing industry and widely considered to be one of the most influential hairdressers in the world, his role as a global ambassador for hairdressing has resulted in a strong reputation globally as well as in the UK. The Errol Douglas salon located in London's Belgravia, is unique in that it is accredited with International Technical Excellence. The salon looks after every hair type at the very highest level of artistic and technical ability and has attracted loyal clients including members of various royal families, heads of state and commerce, as well as a loyal celebrity following. (For further details please see www.erroldouglas.com.)

Should you be interested in hearing more about this ceremonious collaboration or indeed any of the individual brands, please do not hesitate to contact us.