In a galaxy far, far away, Colin Watkins opened Studio 2000 Hair Salon. Well, not that far away— Shepperton, in Surrey, UK –but this futuristic salon space looks like you’ve landed on a friendly planet and are about to embark on an otherworldly experience. Watkins, an artist and hairdresser with a background in electrical engineering, was inspired by his interest in time travel, space travel and UFOs to design the space and when he couldn’t find what he needed to fit his theme, he created it.   “When l was very young and saw something l really wanted but was unable to afford, l would work out a way of building it myself with whatever l could find around my home,” he says. “Most of my salon equipment, fittings and furniture have been modified by myself to fit in perfectly.”

The salon glows at night with ultra violet lighting and has call buttons at every style station. He has also paid attention to very present-day needs and fitted USB sockets at every station, as well. “From an early age I was fascinated with art and loved to paint, draw and create sculpture,” he says. “When I first left school l wanted to be a commercial artist, singer or a photographer but was not encouraged to follow these careers. l subsequently trained as an electrical engineer for a couple of years.” But this didn’t satisfy his artistic side so he discovered hair and trained in every aspect of the craft, including bridal, barbering and wig making. Watkins has also done extension work in television and pioneered his “Hair Art” work thirty years ago.

“I enjoy creating unusual wig designs inspired by history and the future which are quite different, and some are often larger than life,” he explains. “I was once able to use my knowledge of electronics in a hair show by incorporating lights into the hairstyles. I was honored to be called ‘The Picasso of Hair’ on a German television show which was particularly pleasing as Picasso and Salvador Dali have both given me inspiration for my work. I wanted to shake the roots of the hairdressing world and create something completely different.”

And what kind of products are used in outer space? “The Denman Brush Company have always been one of my favorites for styling equipment. I am very particular about the colors and products l use and l am constantly searching worldwide for the best on the market and will not settle for anything less.”