Cut Colour, Create!

Creating a hair collection of your own to showcase your creativity and your mastery of the art of hairdressing is a stylist’s dream. Priyanka Parshurami gets international and Indian experts to share their experiences of how to make this dream come true.

Hair collections are viewed as the pinnacle of creative success. A hairdresser who is able to curate a hair collection either for competitions or for her salon or for editorial exposure, is considered a creative force to reckon with. While curating a collection tests your technical and artistic skills, it also requires you to understand photography, make-up, styling, moodboard creation, research and most importantly, working with fashion models and a shoot team. Eight artists from India and across the world share their insights about the creative process of crafting a hair collection and the challenges they faced.

ANTOINETTE BEENDERS, PRESIDENT, AVEDA USA, AND GEORGES CANCIER, FOUNDER, EXPRESSION, SPAIN

Antoinette Beenders and Georges Cancier were the proud winners of the International Collection category at the British Hairdressing Awards 2023. Together, they created the ‘APOH’ collection.

“Creating and showcasing a collection in hairdressing serves as a powerful means of self-expression and professional growth. For many hairdressers, especially those outside established markets, the concept of curating collections can be unfamiliar. However, participating in or creating collections offers significant benefits.

Firstly, collections act as a dynamic marketing tool, elevating a hairdresser’s profile and distinguishing them in the industry. For example, winning awards for a collection can serve as a global endorsement, enhancing reputation and attracting new opportunities. This visibility can lead to more clients, educational roles and other career advancements.

Moreover, the process of developing a collection pushes creative boundaries and fosters innovation. It challenges professionals to present their best work, integrating artistic vision with technical skill. The recognition received, whether through awards or media exposure, not only validates their effort but also motivates continual improvement.

In essence, collections are not just about a competition; they are about celebrating and showcasing the artistry and skill of hairdressers, proving that dedication and creativity can lead to remarkable professional and personal achievements.”

DESMOND MURRAY, MATRIX GLOBAL ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, UK

Desmond Murray, a British Hairdressing Awards Hall of Fame inductee, won the Men’s Hairdresser of the Year in 2009 and the Association Internationale Presse Professionnelle Coiffure’s (AIPP) Avant Garde Collection of the Year for his hairdressing and photography skills.

“Creating a hairdressing collection is pivotal for personal growth and professional evolution. It serves as a powerful tool for learning new techniques, exploring innovative ideas and enhancing one’s craft. Competitions, in particular, drive hairdressers to push their boundaries, leading to significant creative and technical advancements.

Collections are valuable for more than just competition entries—they also enhance salon visuals and strengthen social media presence. They reflect individual inspiration, technical skills and the effective use of new products and colours to evoke unique feelings.

For hairdressers, investing time and effort into a collection is an investment in themselves. Reflecting on past collections and recognising personal growth provides profound satisfaction. Despite the challenges and the many ideas that may not come to fruition, the successful creations are the ones that truly resonate. The key is to stay true to oneself, ensuring that each collection authentically represents one’s unique vision and abilities.”

SEEMA V JERAJANI, FOUNDER, SVJ ACADEMY, INDIA

Seema V Jerajani has received the prestigious ‘Hall of Fame Hair Artist of the Year’ Award at the Schwarzkopf Professional Estetica Hair Couture Awards 2010. She has LCGI degree (Licentiateship) in Hairdressing from City Guilds and Teacher Training in Hairdressing from Vidal Sassoon in the UK.

“Creating a collection is a profound expression of a hairdresser’s creativity, offering a unique outlet that routine work cannot provide. It’s an immersive process where I enter a personal zone, focused solely on experimentation with techniques and textures, and finding joy in producing something new.

Developing a collection starts with a vision and research, followed by experimentation, which culminates in a distinctive artistic statement. It’s a way to showcase one’s unique style and talent.

While the return on investment (ROI) can be uncertain, with sometimes no immediate recognition, the primary reward is personal growth. The process enhances skills, even if it involves significant costs, such as funds for materials, photography and team expenses. In India, where collections are still emerging, media recognition is limited, but the experience is invaluable.

Challenges are minimal for those committed to continual improvement through international education. The main considerations are time and budgeting.

Planning for a collection requires taking breaks from regular work and allocating funds for various aspects, including hair products and models. Over time, the experience of creating collections and achieving recognition in international competitions signifies the ongoing development and success as a hair artist.”

JOSHUA AND SOPHIE-ROSE GOLDSWORTHY, UK

Joshua and Sophie-Rose Goldsworthy have won numerous awards for their creativity and business acumen, including Wales and South West Hairdresser of the Year and L’Oréal Colour Trophy.

“As a hairdresser, investing time and energy into creating a collection offers numerous benefits. Photographic collections showcase our skills and creativity, attract new clients and build our personal brand. They serve as visual portfolios that communicate styles, keep us updated with trends and enhance our salon’s visual appeal. This investment not only boosts our professional image but also improves our competitiveness in the industry.

Collections are crafted for both clients and ourselves. They provide clients with a visual representation of our work, inspire new styles and set clear expectations. For ourselves, collections help build our personal brand, gain industry recognition and stay current with trends. This dual purpose enhances our image and ensures we remain competitive.

Developing a collection defines and showcases our unique style and artistic vision, allowing us to present our best work cohesively. It offers a platform to experiment with new ideas and highlight our signature techniques.

The ROI of creating a collection is substantial. It attracts new clients, enhances our reputation and opens doors to industry recognition and collaborations. Overcoming challenges—such as maintaining creative consistency, managing time effectively, and coordinating resources—contributes to our growth as hair artists, ensuring we continually evolve and improve.”

VIPUL CHUDASAMA, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, VIPUL CHUDASAMA SALON AND ACADEMY, INDIA

Vipul Chudasama, a celebrity stylist and educator with 19 years of experience, aims to inspire and educate aspiring stylists through his platform, Vipul Chudasama Academy. His teaching philosophy emphasises that practice is the key.

“Crafting a collection is more than an artistic pursuit for the VC Team; it’s about shaping the future of the hair and make-up industry. Each collection, such as ‘Vivid By VC’ and ‘VC 2040 -Not Just Hair,’ is a platform to push boundaries and explore new techniques that challenge the status quo. The aim is to inspire fellow professionals, setting trends and encouraging innovation in their practices.

Collections target a diverse audience, including hair artists, makeup professionals, and salon experts. By offering fresh ideas and techniques, these collections provide valuable inspiration that can be directly applied in their work. They serve as dynamic portfolios that reflect the team’s unique style and artistic vision, showcasing their creative strengths and aligning with their mission to educate and inspire.

The ROI of creating a collection extends beyond immediate feedback and visibility. It enhances brand credibility, provides a learning platform, and influences industry trends. Challenges, such as finding innovative inspiration and experimenting with new techniques, are integral to personal and professional growth. Overcoming these obstacles enhances technical abilities, confidence, and vision, continuously contributing to the industry’s evolution.”

BONY SASIDHARAN, CELEBRITY HAIRDRESSER

A banker turned hair expert, Bony Sasidharan has been practicing hairdressing since 2005. He was the IFL Hairdresser of the Year in 2021.

“Putting together a collection is a complex and rewarding task, requiring a deep understanding of trends and the ability to predict industry influences. A collection can serve two major purposes: to inspire or to express. Whether aiming to influence industry standards or showcase personal viewpoints on upcoming trends, it is a tangible manifestation of talent and creativity. Witnessing imagination come to life provides immense joy and satisfaction.

Developing a collection is crucial for defining and showcasing unique styles and artistic vision. It offers an opportunity to inspire the industry and fellow artists, serving as a power ful medium for expressing creative viewpoints. By presenting fresh perspectives and trends, collections not only highlight individual skills but also contribute to the broader industry conversation.

When asked about the ROI of creating a collection, the answer is multifaceted. The value may differ from artist to artist, with some seeking fame and others financial gain. Regardless of the outcome, the effort invested is invaluable and should be recognised.

Challenges include the diverse fashion and trend preferences across regions. Crafting a collection that resonates universally requires incorporating multiple trends to appeal to various audiences. Despite these challenges, successful navigation enhances growth and broadens the impact of the collection.

Creating a collection is both challenging and fulfilling, offering a unique platform to inspire, express and innovate. It requires navigating diverse trends but ultimately enhances personal growth and industry influence.”