Scott Smith

…and cut hair we did!

Earlier this year I scampered up to Portland and Seattle for L’Oreal, to share the passion I have for the cut and was privileged to meet and work with some wonderfully talented designers.   Jody and Richelle, comrades in L’Oreal, were my booking agents, handlers and women of wisdom – teaching me ropes I was to soon grab hold of (that is another story, saved for later).  I visited five salons on this three day trip; all of them passionate, talented and involved in the learning experience.  Not meaning to give short shrift, and desiring to honor all for their hospitality and commitment, I list them now:  Tres Bon was first up and a great way to begin my trip.  Teal, followed by Pigment, began day 2, while Teze and Paule Attar rounded out my travels.

Tres Bon, located in Portland, has an energetic and young staff eager to learn.  Many of the staff are in the early years of their career and are looking for that much needed education and direction to grow.  Many of my peers have recently had the pleasure to further Tres Bon’s knowledge and creativity and, knowing how well L’Oreal supports their salon family, Tres Bon will continue to grow.

It isn’t often one gets to step into a space wherein one of your team members, designers of the highest caliber, works.  I had the chance to do this twice in one day.

The following morning I had the privilege of visiting Teal Salon.  This urban setting houses upscale service and talent, mentored by Deannalyn and Ryan, L’Oreal Portfolio Artists and incredible talents to boot!  Teal too, has a young staff and their talents are growing at a rapid pace due to the strong educational structure put forth by the Teal’s.  Presenting education in front of such talent is an experience rarely shared, but one I will always cherish and seek.  I cannot speak enough about Teal and my reverence for them, so I will ask you to see for yourself.  After all, they aren’t called the coolest salon for nothing.  Again I say, a privilege it was to share among talents I revere.  That evening I would have the further honor of Joining Ryan, Deannalyn and Tuesday, their daughter, in breaking bread and talking on our favorite subject.  Something about serious conversation regarding hair just turns me on to no end.  Thank you for such fine food, wine and company.

After leaving Teal Salon, I ventured to downtown Portland and Pigment.  Tina Helmer has put together an incredible team in a front-and-center location, challenging the downtown trollers to find a better place for their style.  Bradford Vinson anchors the color department, as well as being an incredible Portfolio Artist, and was only too kind to partake in my design class (he would also join me for the last day of my trip to Seattle).  When next in Portland, visit Pigment and checkout the beautiful window displays (Tina, you are good) and talented staff.

The next day Bradford and I drove to Seattle and it’s outlying areas.  Bradford went to Tacoma and I was carted to Teze Salon in Puyallup.  They were in the throws of a move to their new location, but were eager to learn and share.  Imagine my excitement at having over a dozen wonderful designers fully engaged, hairs flying and all!  A truly wonderful experience and I look forward to seeing Teze Salon’s new digs soon.

Last, but certainly not least, Paule Attar Salon and Day Spa. This presentation was a collections class given by Bradford and myself.  He of color, I of design.  We had the opportunity to show our work on two models, and one of them was Paule herself.  I love this place and Paule Attar especially, having had the privilege of showcasing uphair styling there in the past.  Someday soon, I plan to visit the spa section of this fabulous place…pampering the priority.

Again, this was all achieved; five presentations in three days, and my time north, though quick, was incredible.  Honored to share always, especially in front of such talent, and even more so when those talents are L’Oreal peers.

Thank you everyone, for such hospitality.

To work alongside the talented people I do on a daily basis is an honor.  To be present amongst pure talent is a blessing from another source…

…David Kinigson is pure talent.

I was fortunate this past October to be at L’Oreal Professionnel’s SOHO Academy, wherein I assisted in “Alternative Inspiration: The Cyberhood Collection” by DavidK Space.  Pure, unadulterated cutting at its finest!  An incredible opportunity for any stylist, especially wherein yours truly is concerned.  To talk theory, to breakdown the cut, to challenge the very universe I roam is a space I take up residence as much as possible.  DavidK lives next door.

The art of the cut is an ever evolving theoretical study and, in my career, I have been fortunate to be influenced and inspired by many incredible designers.  Some directly, while others from a distance.  First and foremost (everything always comes back to her) is Diane Gentellalli.  She pushed, prodded and engaged my creativity to a level standard not met since…by anyone.  It was an euphoric experience to study under such genius.  Indeed, my work has since come back to the roots laid by her; the influence being so strong.  There were many ‘tweeners (Fekkai, Sassoon, Llongueras, Mascolo, MaBurra, Sahag) leading up to meeting David, some direct and others inspired, and the path could not have been any different, varied or greater than the one I walk now.

For one thing the influences and mentors above allowed me to develop techniques I can call my own.  All artists and craftsmen develop their own style and approach based on their teachings, whether direct or indirect, conscious or not.  We call these techniques ours, but they aren’t.  These are but the skills honed through tireless practice and study, bringing in one while discarding another.  Don’t get me wrong – I own my approach, but I am an amalgam of many.

In Joining L’Oreal Professionnel, I was introduced to Michael McCune.  It is important to mention Michael as he is the creator of our TextureCutting program.  (I shall not delve into it’s defining principles at this point, leaving it for another day).  TextureCutting too, draws it’s influence from afar, but is now thoroughly imbedded in many a conscience, mine included, as a singular theory to hair design.  In meeting Michael I found a peer speaking the same language and living the same approach to hair as I.  We have shared theory, technique and verbiage over these past few years and his ideas have further developed my skills as I have continued to explore the cut.  In working with David Kinigson I witnessed a furthering of my approach to design.

David’s 2 day course at SOHO academy took his students away from pragmatic fundamentals in hair design to a more internally inspired, yet thoroughly technical approach to design creation.  To speak and think logically with one’s approach, but to draw internally – from the gut, from the heart.  David has written a school curriculum textbook that breaks down everything related to hair; be it technique, presentation, professionalism, etc.  I have it and wish I had it back in school.  This stuff just wasn’t taught back in my day, only learned through experience.  What a resource for the young up and comers!  David’s time at SOHO did tap the internal hairdresser, but he tapped it through logic and passion.  His passion to share is glaring, and anyone having the opportunity to share in that passion, is truly indebted.

David was surrounded by a stellar and talented team in Parker, Melrose and Anita (with many others lending hands), and it was plainly evident how much an influence he has on everyone; their talents and confidence anchored in knowledge and practice.  I especially shine a light on young Anita for hers is a talent a year plus removed from school, but showing wisdom many more years removed.  A rising star indeed.

David’s is a TextureCutting approach expanded upon through his years of study and dissection.  He shared techniques that allow anyone, using any approach in cutting (be it vertical, horizontal, etc.), to take that cut to a new place previously unknown… Finished.

Yes, finished.  Just when you think there is nothing left in the fridge!

First and foremost I bid a very Happy New Year to each and everyone of you.  It has been a spell since I last posted, having fallen off the blog wagon for much of 2010.  I have, following this post, a couple of others to share, but do not plan to dwell on the past, other than to say that last year brought much in the way of excitement.

I look instead, to this year in front of us and, though it be cold and wet outside, the sun will shine bright and warm.

Many happy days ahead and a very Happy New Year always.