Adventures of a Prime Podcaster

Founder of podcast Salon Confidential, Andreas Wild, chats moving to London, celebrity guests, and Claudia Schiffer’s German Shepherd…

“Nobody believes it’s expensive to produce a professional podcast,” Andreas Wild tells us as we chat about his recently launched podcast Salon Confidential. From Alan Carr and Angellica Bell, to Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Nigella Lawson, the first series has started off strong. You may be thinking, how did he get here? So, let’s rewind…

Andreas grew up in Germany where he began hairdressing at the age of 16. But was that always the plan? “Back then I actually thought about working in a hotel, but some hairdressers convinced me to do work experience at my local salon. I was rubbish at the beginning; I even had to write an essay about washing hair because I was so bad at it!” A few competitions later though, and Andreas found he had the knack.

Around the age of 25, it was London that Andreas had his sights set on. “I quit my job in Germany, moved to London, and was taken on by a cute little Japanese hairdressing salon called MOGA,” he tells us. “I was there for around eight months – I learnt so much, but then I met a hairdresser on a night out who worked for Charles Worthington. I moved there for four years, then I worked at John Frieda for 14 years, before I joined Larry King in Notting Hill five years ago, where I’m now self-employed.” And it’s here that Andreas records his new podcast, Salon Confidential.

“I’ve never wanted my own salon,” he explains. “I find the responsibility quite stressful. I’ve always wanted to do radio because I love to chat, and an amazing woman I met said, ‘What about a podcast?’.” Next, Andreas met with friend Alan Carr’s producers and Salon Confidential was born. “I wanted to capture the chat that I would have with my clients on a daily basis. We booked guests and luckily John Frieda sponsored it.”

From chats about affairs and hot gossip, to industry challenges and honest talks, Andreas’ guests cover a whole host of topics. In fact in one episode Angellica Bell opens up about being turned away from a salon because of her hair texture. Speaking on this, he says: “I think the answer lies with education. It’s not acceptable that we’re not trained on different hair types. This is changing now, but there is work to be done.”

Speaking of challenges, Andreas opens up: “Moving from Germany to England was a big challenge for me. I didn’t really speak English, and I was very successful in Germany. It was like a divorce,” he laughs. “My German colleagues made me a shrine with my picture on the mirror when I left!”

But with challenges comes proud moments. “I got a call asking if I could blow-dry Claudia Schiffer’s hair and I nearly wet myself,” he laughs. “I walked into her house and her German Shepherd nearly killed me; everyone was yelling ‘Get the dog!’ It was very dramatic! Then I phoned my mum from her bathroom and said, ‘Guess where I am – Claudia Schiffer’s toilet!’.”

More recently though, his podcast brings him pride. “I’ve done everything myself. I’ve had to make all the decisions.” What’s next, we ask. “Series two! We’ve got great guests lined up, we’re in talks with John Frieda, and we’re going to be talking more about hair. It’s all about keeping the momentum going – and we’re on YouTube now!” he adds. We wonder, could Claudia Schiffer be the next guest…