Aitch: A Life in Colour

Book excerpt: We've all chatted with our hair stylist. But how often do our conversations reveal extraordinary stories of a life full of colour, glamour and drama? A Life in Colour tells the remarkable story of Aitch Peters, a leading international hair stylist, through a series of conversations with his client Jill King, at the Sassoon salon in the City of London. Through their conversations – lively, funny and at times shocking – Aitch’s inspirational story is told, from his humble beginnings in Dominica to a life of creativity, glamour and adventure. As Aitch styles Jill’s hair, his experiences, thoughts and creative inspirations are explored and brought vividly to life. Aitch’s career began when he walked through the doors of the Sassoon Academy in 1973. From there he rose to become a creative director in London, Munich and Los Angeles. His celebrity clients have included everyone from Mariah Carey, Faye Dunaway, Jody Watley, Tracey Ullman, Whoopi Goldberg and Nicolas Cage, to the Reverend Jesse Jackson and the First Lady of the Philippines. He’s worked with leading photographers including David Bailey, Annie Leibovitz, Lord Lichfield and Terry O’Neil, and his work has featured in Italian Vogue, Harpers & Queen and Tatler magazine. The book also describes the relationship between hair stylist and client. While Aitch and Jill appear to be the most unlikely of couples, they gradually come to appreciate the parallels in their lives and values. This innovative biography will appeal to those in the world of hairdressing, people who enjoy fashion, beauty and glamour, and anyone intrigued by an unusual story.