How I started on BBC radio

Have you ever wondered how some people get onto the radio? Over the past 30 years I have been asked to help and give advice on hair and scalp matters, some in a light hearted vein and some more serious. This came about around 1990 when I was listening on BBC Radio WM to a consumer programme which was presented by Ed Doolan. I chanced to hear a caller to the programme responding to an previous caller who had been asking how to lighten a very dark permanent colour which she had applied at home, as she did not like the outcome. The advice that was given was to use Borax and to leave this on the hair, The person giving the advice said that this would not cause any damage no matter how many times the Borax was used. This advice given live on air was incorrect and I was concerned that other listeners might also try to do the same. I contacted the radio station straight away and I was put on air. I explained that the advice given would likely cause damage to the hair. Ed Doolan asked me how I knew that this would cause damage and what experience in hair I had, so I gave a brief overview of my experience as a hairdresser and Trichologist. Ed then asked me to send in my C.V. A few days later I was contacted by the producer and was asked if I would like to go on air to answer any questions regarding hair and scalp issues from callers. I first started at the Pebble Mill Studios at Edgbaston and then at the Mail Box in Birmingham City. When Ed was later doing the ’Ed Files’ on BBC television, he asked if I would go on his programme to take about hair issues of the day and of course I said yes. It was a privilege and pleasure to work on Ed’s programmes for so many years and he took a chance by inviting me to join him onto his programme. From one chance opportunity I am called upon from a number of radio stations in the UK and at times from around the world. I Have over the intervening years, been asked to contribute on Radio2, Radio 4, Radio 5 Live, Asian Network, Radio Scotland various local BBC stations.

Carol Walker FIT LCGI Cert.Ed Consultant Trichologist Fellow of Institute of Trichologist (London).

57 The Ridgeway, Burntwood, Staffordshire. WS7 4SP WWW.birminghamtrichology.co.uk [email protected] Tel: 01543 670717

Published June 2020