Award winning hair stylist and owner of P.Kai Hair Salon in Cambridgeshire, England, Kai Wan is a rare blend of session stylist, mentor and an entrepreneur all rolled into one. His eye for detail speaks volumes on his three-decade long run in the hair industry. Wan shares his journey with Salon India.
How did you get interested in hairdressing?
When I was 16, I was about to enrol into a college to either study photography or design. At this juncture, I got a Saturday job at a salon in Peterborough and I loved it straight away! Of course, I had to study hair, so I attended as many trainings as I could. I love work on a 3D art form. My first job was at Michael John Hair Artwork in Peterborough.
What courses have you done and from where?
In the early days, I did an apprenticeship, advanced colour courses, the Sassoon cutting course and various other hair up, styling and cutting courses. I got to network with lots of different people in the industry, so I could keep learning.
Did you have a mentor?
I have always had someone to look up to in my career. I am lucky that I could learn from all the managers I have ever had, who taught me all the classic hairdressing skills. Also, as part of The Fellowship for British Hairdressing, I have always had someone to call and get advice from.
What were some of the challenges you were up against?
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