Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Skinny Jeans with Boots
The hot look in fashion is skinny jeans with boots. This fashion was on display in a big way at the two recent events in Southern California this week. The jeans are generally dark indigo. No light and faded hues were to be found. The boots varied quite a bit from light colored cowboy styles to inky, shiny patent leather with high fashion toes and heels. Boot heights varied from short and slouchy to over-the-knee looks. The jeans wear paint-roller smooth and tight from the waist (or low on the hips) all the way down to where they disappear into the boots. The boots seem to be the key to weather or not this look works on varied body types. Short or thicker legs get a slimming effect from lower boots. Long lean legs just get longer and leaner as the boots get taller, making a slimming look appear even slimmer. I am curious to see how this style plays out in Chicago and in New York at the spring shows there.
Monday, January 22, 2007
What is valuable?
When I do classes I like to bring a roll of 2 part raffle tickets and an assortment of Andis trinkets to raffle. I bring along an Andis tote bag with logo tee shirts, tote bags, water bottles, clipper combs, etc. When I conduct the raffle it is interesting to see how the different groups respond to different items. By far, the most popular item is the little mini Andis Improved Master clipper key chain. It is likely the least expensive item in the pile. The only one that you cannot use to make any money, yet, it is the one they all fight over. Go figure. The magical power of the Andis name and brand and the enduring quality and reputation of the Andis Improved Master clipper goes a long way.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
If it moves... flat iron it.
The 1” clamp style flat iron continues to be the hot tool of the beauty industry (sorry about the pun). There have been advancements in the tools design, features and even in the stylist’s applications of it. The Andis Elevate collection iron we recently introduced has all the latest technology. It is amazing to see all of the things stylists are doing with these. At the show in England last fall we had an Andis educator who was drying and flat ironing hair before clipper texture cutting his mid length female models. These were some of the freshest looks seen on the event floor. I was even inspired enough to try it myself.
Friday, January 12, 2007
People Watching
People-watching is a favorite sport of mine. It is best done in a place like a busy airport. I certainly spend enough time at the airport. There is no better place to take the pulse of the hair business. Look and see style, length and texture on both genders and on people from all over the planet. O’Hare in Chicago is the best airport I have found for hair watching. United, concourse C, terminal one has direct flights to and from Frankfort, Beijing, London and all over the U.S.A. Grab a large beverage and a seat along the terminal walkway. I will see you there weather you are coming, going or sitting on the bench next to me watching with me.
Monday, January 8, 2007
Transitions
Years change. Seasons change. Fashions change. Hair changes too. In thinking about hair trends, style changes and what is happening in the world of clipper cutting the big word for me right now is “transitions”.
The focus in clipper cutting so often is the area(s) of transition in any haircut. In the case of a classic tapered cut there are two main transitional areas. Each is unique, yet both fundamental to the successful execution of the haircut. The perimeter of the cut where length transitions from no hair, a clean neckline, up into the main tapered area is a focal point of the cut. If you block this line in you ruin the look of the cut… If you taper it up too high you will throw off the balance of the entire look and shape. The second area of transition is where the interior layering and the perimeter tapering intersect at the crestline. This is one of the hardest clipper cutting skills to teach and learn. Not only must you create a flawless transition from short to longer, but you also need to place this transition at the appropriate point, vertically, along the cranial shape. It is all about transition.
In the example of a bald fade cut on textured hair the entire cut is about the transition. The name of the cut itself calls out the focal point and emphasizes the transition itself… the fade. Variations in style and execution allow this fade point to be placed anywhere on the head. It doesn’t matter where you put the fade, just as long as the fade itself is flawless.
What transitions have you noticed and how do they play a role in the haircut? Send me an email.
The focus in clipper cutting so often is the area(s) of transition in any haircut. In the case of a classic tapered cut there are two main transitional areas. Each is unique, yet both fundamental to the successful execution of the haircut. The perimeter of the cut where length transitions from no hair, a clean neckline, up into the main tapered area is a focal point of the cut. If you block this line in you ruin the look of the cut… If you taper it up too high you will throw off the balance of the entire look and shape. The second area of transition is where the interior layering and the perimeter tapering intersect at the crestline. This is one of the hardest clipper cutting skills to teach and learn. Not only must you create a flawless transition from short to longer, but you also need to place this transition at the appropriate point, vertically, along the cranial shape. It is all about transition.
In the example of a bald fade cut on textured hair the entire cut is about the transition. The name of the cut itself calls out the focal point and emphasizes the transition itself… the fade. Variations in style and execution allow this fade point to be placed anywhere on the head. It doesn’t matter where you put the fade, just as long as the fade itself is flawless.
What transitions have you noticed and how do they play a role in the haircut? Send me an email.
Transitions
Years change. Seasons change. Fashions change. Hair changes too. In thinking about hair trends, style changes and what is happening in the world of clipper cutting the big word for me right now is “transitions”.
The focus in clipper cutting so often is the area(s) of transition in any haircut. In the case of a classic tapered cut there are two main transitional areas. Each is unique, yet both fundamental to the successful execution of the haircut. The perimeter of the cut where length transitions from no hair, a clean neckline, up into the main tapered area is a focal point of the cut. If you block this line in you ruin the look of the cut… If you taper it up too high you will throw off the balance of the entire look and shape. The second area of transition is where the interior layering and the perimeter tapering intersect at the crestline. This is one of the hardest clipper cutting skills to teach and learn. Not only must you create a flawless transition from short to longer, but you also need to place this transition at the appropriate point, vertically, along the cranial shape. It is all about transition.
In the example of a bald fade cut on textured hair the entire cut is about the transition. The name of the cut itself calls out the focal point and emphasizes the transition itself… the fade. Variations in style and execution allow this fade point to be placed anywhere on the head. It doesn’t matter where you put the fade, just as long as the fade itself is flawless.
What transitions have you noticed and how do they play a role in the haircut? Send me an email.
The focus in clipper cutting so often is the area(s) of transition in any haircut. In the case of a classic tapered cut there are two main transitional areas. Each is unique, yet both fundamental to the successful execution of the haircut. The perimeter of the cut where length transitions from no hair, a clean neckline, up into the main tapered area is a focal point of the cut. If you block this line in you ruin the look of the cut… If you taper it up too high you will throw off the balance of the entire look and shape. The second area of transition is where the interior layering and the perimeter tapering intersect at the crestline. This is one of the hardest clipper cutting skills to teach and learn. Not only must you create a flawless transition from short to longer, but you also need to place this transition at the appropriate point, vertically, along the cranial shape. It is all about transition.
In the example of a bald fade cut on textured hair the entire cut is about the transition. The name of the cut itself calls out the focal point and emphasizes the transition itself… the fade. Variations in style and execution allow this fade point to be placed anywhere on the head. It doesn’t matter where you put the fade, just as long as the fade itself is flawless.
What transitions have you noticed and how do they play a role in the haircut? Send me an email.
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Credibility
Never buy a clipper from guy with a ponytail. I do not think I need to elaborate on this one… Nuf said.
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Back on the blog trail
It has been a busy holiday season around here.
My blogging has been on haitus. I am back nowand fast at work laying out an exciting Andis educational plan for 2007. I look forward to seeing ou at the next event in your area.
My blogging has been on haitus. I am back nowand fast at work laying out an exciting Andis educational plan for 2007. I look forward to seeing ou at the next event in your area.
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