How did an Aussie girl like you end up on such a successful TV show?
Because Australians rock! I really don’t know! I guess it started when I was on Shear Genius, and when that finished, the network asked me if I wanted to do my own show.

Have you always wanted to do TV?
No, not at all. I’ve been hairdressing a long time, so going on Shear Genius sounded like something that would shake me up a little bit and take me out of my comfort zone. Never did I go into it thinking four seasons later I would have my own TV show!

How are you dealing with the fame?
I hope really well! I’m no different. I haven’t changed anything except I’m really busy. My lifestyle is still the same, except when I walk down the street people know me. It’s really flattering, because I’ve got this really amazing fan base. My fans are incredibly loyal and supportive and it’s really nice. There are some situations, like when I was on the red carpet last year at the Oscars that I was like, ‘Oh my god.’ It’s crazy!

You’ve been compared to Gordon Ramsay. What do you think of the comparison?
I understand the comparison because Gordon loves what he does and he’s really passionate about being a chef. I’m really passionate about being a hairdresser. We have very similar shows in the fact that we try and help people make their businesses better. I don’t think we’re the same at all, but I think people see that passion.

When the cameras are gone, are you the same person?
Yep, absolutely. But on the screen, you see work Tabatha. Work Tabatha is actually the same whether she was in her own salon or when she’s come to take over your salon. That’s just me at work.

Have you had one stand-out moment from the show?
Honestly, I have a lot of favourites. I keep in contact with a lot of people, and they update me on what they’re doing. They all stand out because when I’ve helped someone get their passion back, it makes me really proud.

How do you get through those tough moments when they don’t listen to you?
You kind of see on the show! They’re the moments that I blow up. I take it really personally. At the end of the night, I’ll go back to my hotel or my house and I pace and I formulate. I obsess a little bit.

Which celebrity would you love to give a makeover to?
Britney Spears. I feel like she keeps trying to bring herself back, and just can’t do it.

Who’s the one celebrity you think is perfect all the time?
I think Kate Winslet is amazing. I think she always looks classy and put together. And Sofia Vergara. I love her! I think she’s beyond fabulous. She’s like a ’40s bombshell. She’s so va-va-va-vommy and has that old Hollywood glam thing which is amazing.

How can someone approach their stylist if they are thinking of changing their look?
I like photographs, but I think if people are looking to have a change, they need to tell their hairdresser. A good hairdresser is always going to ask you that when you go in. Change doesn’t have to be huge. Sometimes it’s just really subtle little changes that make a world of difference. And you feel a little bit fresher without having to go crazy.

Any upcoming hair trends that you are noticing or can predict?
People have definitely cut their hair shorter, like Kate Winslet and Emma Watson. Plus, there is more volume in hair. We’re not as straight as we used to be.

What’s next for you?
Hopefully season five! I would also love to come to Australia to do an Australian version of the show as well. And one of my goals is to open a training academy.

Tabatha is in Australia to share her wealth of knowledge and experience of the salon industry in a series of seminars for Joico. For more information, head to joico.eventix.com.au