Hair Happenings: The Professional Opinion

The art of hair?and hair styling has never been more varied and experimental. No longer do we plan to the simple straight cut, the tentative trim -namely the practical choices – but instead, everything and anything goes. But as ever, we look to the pros for guidance, with their knowledge and expertise perhaps more valuable than ever in the midst of all the choices that lay before us. ‘What will suit me? Can I pull off a bob? What products will give me incredible shine? Which hair trends are true winners?’

We got in touch with some of this year’s Best Hairstylist nominees of the IMAGE Business of Beauty Awards to get their lowdown on?all things hair…

Have there been any hair trends you have enjoyed seeing this year?

Alexander Wang. Guido Palau cut 90’s inspired haircuts on lots of the models, Cat McNeil being one of them. Incredible!

Paul Davey, Davey Davey

I am enjoying seeing the catwalks have fun… bubble ponytails, lots of crimping and beach waves coming back for SS17. And I am loving the natural curls which are almost perm-like. It’s going to be a fun season ahead.

Christian Shannon, Brown Sugar

Photo: Jason Lloyd Evans

Do you have a hair care routine or any top-tips for keeping hair healthy?

There is nothing more beautiful than healthy, shiny hair, so we work with our clients to choose the right products, protection, hydration and colour services so that their hair is in it’s best condition. We love to use Colour Lustre Shampoo and Brilliant Glaze Conditioner from Shu Uemura as well as the Kerastase Masque Chroma Captive, in our salon to ensure clients hair is kept protected, conditioned and hydrated.

Dylan Bradshaw, Dylan Bradshaw

My first tip for healthy hair would be to eat right. Your hair will always be a reflection of your well-being, both physically and mentally, so eat right and look after yourself and it will show in your?hair. Also to ensure healthy hair, we really need to look after our scalp, so finding the correct system in Nioxin will look after all of that for you. If a client chooses to colour their hair, it’s really important that they protect the condition, so Smartbond, which will protect the internal bonds of the hair while colouring, is amazing for this!

Michael Corcoran, Peter Mark

Do you have a hair icon or iconic style you love?

Anthony Mascolo for me is the most amazing style guru, creating some of the industry’s most iconic imagery. His work has inspired so many of today’s great hairdressers. The famous Veil from 1978 is my all time favourite.

Maria Callaghan, Toni & Guy

A hair icon for me is always about fearlessness and ownership, so people like?James Dean, David Bowie and more recently Rihanna spring to mind. All of these are not afraid to play with their look, however masculine/feminine or both that may be.

Michael Corcoran, Peter Mark

Photo: Bloglovin.com

Is there a style/look you hope a client will request, just so you can do it?

I love to cut a bob, there are so many variations, and no two bobs are alike. It’s very visual and personable to the wearer – I feel like I really get to show off with a Bob. It has to have amazing shape and definition, but be versatile and soft at the same time. And it’s only a myth that a Bob makes your face round. This cut suits everyone once its cut right and designed for the individual.

Pamela Morrissey, Sobe Brown?

Dublin has become a city of mermaids. I love the opportunity to get our beautiful Irish girls to try stronger shapes that will set them apart from the crowd. We are starting to see this a lot more in the technical department. Vibrant colours are becoming more popular, so now we?need some cooler haircuts also.

Maria Callaghan, Toni & Guy

For you, who sets the standard for amazing hair?

For me, the people that set the standards in hairdressing are the people who’s values lie in amazing hair cutting, people like Mazella & Palmer or (and I know its clich?, but still true) Vidal Sassoon. As far as people who set the standard on how to wear\own their hair,?I’m really into people like?Kristen Stewart, Kate and Rooney Mara and Ruby Rose, all girls who are not afraid to play around with androgyny in their look.

Michael Corcoran, Peter Mark

There are many stylists working the shows, but the main ones every hair stylist will watch are, Guido Palau, Eugene Souleiman, Sam McKnight, Odile Gilbert, James Pecis.?

Paul Davey, Davey Davey

Photo: Zimbio.com

Recently, what is the most interesting look you have created?

I loved working with?Imelda May on her recent hair transformation. Prior to our meeting, she asked me to listen to her new album to get a feel for the new direction she was taking musically, as this would also determine the style we were going to go for. We decided to pay homage to 70’s rock and looked to Chrissie Hyde’s shag haircut for inspiration moving away from her signature blonde quiff.

Dylan Bradshaw, Dylan Bradshaw

We created a real Celtic warrior-ess look recently for Italian Designer Antonio Berardi, where we sewed braided hair extensions into the hair and placed them’strategically to look like it hadn’t been washed or groomed… EVER. Really wild, but gave the perfect vibe to his winter Collection.

Pamela Morrissey, Sobe Brown

What is the one product you could not live without?

Kerastase Elixir Oil – without a doubt this product is super for manageability and maintaining condition. Also, L’Oreal Savage Panache is amazing at creating texture and body. It gives hair guts and playability.

Christian Shannon, Brown Sugar

I couldn’t live without Bumble and Bumble Salt Foam Spray. It’s an aerosol mousse with sea salt, so it gives amazing volume and hold, but the salt brakes it up so its not stiff life ordinary mousse. Great for heat styling and drying naturally?for texture and a piece of cake??to apply because it’s an aerosol can and smells like a summers night on South Beach.

Pamela Morrissey, Sobe Brown

Curly or super straight? Pick your preference.

Curly. They don’t call me Wavey Davey for no reason. Haha!

Paul Davey, Davey Davey