Award-winning Royal and celebrity hairdresser Richard Ward is one of the industry’s leading lights, and the media’s ‘most wanted’ hairdresser.

Pioneer of the ‘Super Salon’ concept, his uber-cool award-winning Sloane Square salon plays host to a team of over 90 expert staff, looking after the hair and beauty needs of over 1,200 clients per week including a glittering list of celebrities.

With his royal connection and his resident television hairdresser roles, Richard’s huge consumer profile makes him one of the country’s ultimate high profile hairdressers, and he is globally recognised as the leading British style and hair trends commentator.

Richard remains hairdresser to HRH The Duchess of Cambridge and HRH The Countess of Wessex, as well as looking after a glittering celebrity clientele in his exclusive Chelsea salon.

Having been awarded the accolade of Fellow with Distinction from the prestigious Fellowship for British Hairdressing, and endorsing his position as a style commentator in both trade and consumer press, Richard regularly appears as an industry Spokesman on BBC News, Radio London and Radio 5 Live.

His expert hair makeovers and soundbites appear regularly in the Daily Mail and a host of glossy magazines, making him the ultimate spokesman on innovations and trends for the hairdressing industry.

In recent years, Richard has turned his hand to manufacturing with the development of his detangling Tangle Angel brush range, now distributed in 35 countries.

Richard also runs a hugely successful range of wet products, retailing his hugely successful Chelsea Collection range exclusively in Waitrose stores throughout the UK (with one product sold every 30 seconds in the UK).

Renowned for his world famous Chelsea Blow Dry, Richard’s philosophy is about making sure their hair makes women look and feel fantastic. His ethos is that modern hair should be natural, free-flowing, touchable and wearable, and he believes that the right products should complement the cut to deliver healthy, shiny glamorous hair, making the couture hair look accessible to everyone and guaranteeing a good hair day, every day.

Richard took time out of his busy schedule for an exclusive interview with Jobs in Beauty HQ...

Did you always want to be a hairdresser?

My mum was a hairdresser and had two salons when I was little, so hairdressing was in my family. I grew up listening to exciting stories about the salon and constantly hearing about hair; the thought of doing something so creative in London really appealed to me.

What was your first big career break?

About 15 years ago, I managed to get one trial slot to do hair backstage on the Vanessa Show – luckily, they liked me and asked me back! My PR at the time invited some well-known names into my Chelsea salon and they recommended their friends; it really snowballed from there.

Describe the Richard Ward Salon experience of your renowned 'Chelsea Blow Dry'

‘The Chelsea Blow Dry’ is beautifully finished hair, whether it’s long, short or mid-length. It is frizz-free, shiny, bouncy, aspirational ‘rich girl’ hair.

What's been your most memorable hair cut during your career so far?

I’ve been lucky enough to work with so many fantastic people, but the Duchess of Cambridge has to be my favourite; I have looked after her hair for nearly 10 years.

Your career tips for aspiring hair stylists starting out are...

A good apprenticeship is an absolute must – there’s no substitute for working your way up from the bottom, and the experience you gain from doing it this way is invaluable. Make a list of potential salons you could see yourself working for and look into their training programmes, then apply to do a trial. Remember that just because there might be a big name or brand behind a salon, that doesn’t necessarily mean the training is better than somewhere else – do your research and find the salon that’s perfect for you.

The attributes you look for when recruiting for salon staff are...

Great customer service skills, ability to work as a team, and a positive attitude.

The one hair product you can't live without is...

It has to be serum/argan oil – it’s so versatile and if used properly, can de-frizz and add amazing shine.

What vision did Kate HRH Duchess of Cambridge have for her hair on her wedding day?

With any bridal hairstyle, lots of things have to be taken in to consideration – the dress, venue, weather, time frame etc. Bridal hair should always be a collaboration between the hairdresser and the bride – and a practice run is essential.

Your top career highlight so far has been...

Styling the Duchess’ hair for the Royal wedding in 2011 is definitely one of the highlights of my career.

Whose hair would you love to be let loose on and why?

Nicole Kidman – she always looks so incredibly groomed, and that is the look that’s closest to my heart!

Current celeb hair crush / hair trend is...

The ‘Lob’ is already huge, inspired by HRH’s new haircut. Sleek hair is making a big comeback, and short crops (if you’re that brave). At the moment there’s a real mix between highly groomed hair and a more natural, undone look.

How do you relax?

I work every other weekend; when I’m off, on Saturday I love seeing Chelsea FC play at home and having friends over in the evening. On Sunday, I love running along the Thames tow path from Putney to Hammersmith Bridge on a crisp blue winter’s morning. Followed by a couple of drinks at the Hurlingham Club in Fulham and back for a roast lunch around 3pm, then falling asleep in front of the football in the afternoon!