From uppercuts to haircuts

The Big Career Switch: From boxer to hairstylist

By Karen Tina Harrison | Special to amNewYork

October 8, 2007

Patrick Melivlle is a former boxer who decided to become a hairstylist. (Photo by Palma Kolansky / October 8, 2007)

Who Pulled It Off: Patrick Melville, 49

What He Does: He owns the Patrick Melville Salon in Rockefeller Center. (www.patrickmelvillesalon.com).

What He Used To Do: Melville was a champion amateur boxer in his native England.

Why He Switched: "I grew up boxing in Manchester and won national titles. I knew I couldn't be a boxer forever, so I did a hairdressing apprenticeship and got licensed. I became a full-time stylist when I realized I wasn't going to be a world champion."

How He Did It: "I was still working with my hands, and I became as passionate about beauty as I'd been about boxing. I moved to London and started moving up in the salon world. Today, New York's creative energy brings out my best."

What A Salon Owner Does: "I'm very hands-on and spend a lot of time with each client. Some are models and celebs, some are fashionable New York women. I also work on photo shoots, commercials and runway shows. As the boss of my salon, I supervise 26 employees, budgeting, marketing and future expansion."

Who Does This Job Best? "Styling is more than technique. You must have an artistic gift, because hair is like a blank canvas. You need to really listen and observe to understand what makes a woman look and feel beautiful. Then you can customize your work for her. Stylists who own salons should be good managers and businesspeople."

How's The Dough? "A stylist who develops an avid following does very well. The more clients, the more money. It gets really good when you open a salon that takes off."

What About Perks? "I travel first class all over the world for jobs. I'm always meeting people, and the beauty industry is very sophisticated and exciting. I am never bored."

What Else You Should Know: "I got into hairdressing to meet girls, and now I style the Victoria's Secret Angels. Pretty good for a teenage boxer from Manchester."