Be Nice Or Else!

Be Nice Or Else and what’s in it for you by Winn Claybaugh brought a smile to my face and has made everyday a delight in both my personal and professional life.  His insightful book is interspersed with humor, sage advice, interactive exercises and plenty of wisdom. Winn has created a genuinely practical guide and is an absolute must for anyone who wants to succeed in business and life.

Being Nice does not mean you’re weak or a pushover; on the contrary, Being Nice is Being Strong. When you add being nice to what you're good at, your relationships will flourish and your career will skyrocket. Winn shows you how to start being nice to yourself and how to implement a BE NICE culture at home and at work. You'll learn what to do when you blow it (and you will) and how to handle mean and toxic people. 

Best of all how good it feels to spread your niceness to everyone you meet. Winn is always looking for people to join his cause of being nice, so please be passionate and join one of the nicest people in the beauty industry.

Winn's brilliant approach to this topic is priceless...and should be a must read for all hairdressers...available through Amazon

Encyclopedia of Hair / Beauty Book Review

The Encyclopedia of Hair by Victoria Sherrow looks at the history of hair styling though the ages, revealing certain common threads as well as many differences among cultures around the world. Ideas are explored about what constitutes attractive, stylish or appropriate hair have varied from place to place and from one historical era to the next. From the Stone Age to the Information Age__ this well researched book cover’s every aspect of beauty culture with a quick index guide to related topics from A to Z, making it easy to find what you’re most interested in learning.

The Evolution of Hairstyles and Trends through the 21^st century was one of the most enlightening looks at how hair style trends have evolved over time. Victoria points out that in modern times, as in the past hair came to symbolize a certain freedom, and choosing one’s style embodied feelings of individualism and personal identity and a deeper appreciation of diversity in hairstyles and beauty ideals. In an Information Age world with mass communications, people’s attitudes about hair and hairstyling are influenced by advertising and the visual and performing arts. Hairstyling decisions often are influenced by the hair care industry and celebrities. Billions of people today now have access to the same images and commercial messages. As long as humans care about their appearance, they will continue to use their hair as one visible way to express themselves and communicate a verity of social messages.

Since the early 20^th century, mass media have played an expanding role in shaping attitudes about beauty and appearance. It also saw numerous innovations in hair care products, which has become a booming industry, along with the rapid growth of beauty and hair salons for both men and women. The book explores the history of leading beauty company’s and celebrity hair stylists that have influence beauty culture through the ages. 

Advances in the science and technology gave hairdressers more sophisticated tools, styling techniques and hair colorants. By the 1950’s hair color products had become more natural looking and easier to use, and the stigma against using hair color was diminishing. To introduce its Miss Clairol home hair color kit, Clairol launched a highly successful print and television ad campaign with memorable slogans (does she or doesn’t she __ only your hairdresser knows for sure). To challenge Clairol, L’Oreal a French company launch an ad campaign with celebrity endorsements and a higher price point designed to give its brand a prestige appeal with a memorable tag line (because I’m worth it). With-in ten years the number of women in America coloring their hair went from 7% to over 50 percent and by the turn of the century three out of five women now color their hair.

It was interesting to learn that the first celebrity hairdresser was Polish born (Antek Cierplikowski / 1885-1975) known as “Monsieur Antoine of Paris”. Like Vidal Sassoon, Antoine is credited for starting the fashion for short hair. During the 1920’s, he created the shingle, which was cropped even shorter than most bobs and softly waved. Antoine himself was known as an eccentric (self promoter) who dyed his hair and that of his French Poodle matching shades of lilac. By the 1930’s Antoine was the world’s best known hairdresser. The Antoine Salon at Saks Fifth Avenue department store which he opened in 1925 became America’s most fashionable salon and spawned new generations of famous hairdressers. One of Antoine’s protégés was Alexander of Paris who became another international hairdressing star. His amazing career is covered along with dozens of today’s famous hair stylist’s and hair care innovations in Victoria Sherrow’s page turning review of the history of beauty culture.

Throughout history hairdressers have designed and manufactured tools expressly for hairstyling. The hot styling iron, a device designed to curl, wave and crimp hair dates back thousands of years. At the turn of the 20^th century a French hairdresser and one time horse groomed Marcel Grateau (1852-1936) designed and sold a curling iron heated over a gas burner and styling technique used to create deep, smooth natural looking waves in the hair aptly named the “Marcel Wave”. Because the waving effect added a soft / feminine touch to the popular short bobbed and boyish hairstyles of the 1920-30’s his timing could not have been better. Marcel traveled the world teaching his technique and went on to manufacture an electric version a fore runner of today’s temperature controlled styling iron making heat styling safer and easier to use at home.

The Encyclopedia of Hair is written for those who wish to learn more about the social history and customs of different cultures, as well as the changing attitudes toward hair styling through the ages. The encyclopedia of hair covers every aspect of beauty culture and should be included in all beauty school courses. The more you understand the past the clearer vision you will have of the future.

The Encyclopedia of Hair is well worth the price. Available through Amazon for $79.00

Oscars of Hair / Hairdresser Awards

The Hairdressers Unlocking Hope Award is given this year to Winn Claybaugh, dean and co-founder of Paul Mitchell Schools, motivational speaker, and author of Be Nice Or Else, and those individuals in the professional beauty industry who serve as exemplary models of philanthropy, giving back to their communities and to the world with generosity and spirit. This award was created in 2007, when behindthechair.com founder Mary Rector Gable joined forces with the legendary Vidal Sassoon and launched an industry-wide campaign to build homes in the wake of the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina.

The ensuing campaign, Hairdressers Unlocking Hope, rallied the entire industry and resulted in 22 new homes for displaced New Orleans residents after raising more than $2 million. Winn will be the fourth recipient of the honor, joining celebrity stylist Ken Paves, stylist and international hair care manufacturer John Frieda, and Paul Mitchell School graduate Michelle Kelly. Madison Avenue calls this "under cover marketing" because the awards are tied to a "public worthy social cause" which in itself is good and away to market and promote a sponsors business interest every year.

With so many "awards" presented today I for one feel it's made many less import. The English have their Hairdresser of the Year award based on a "hair do' contest" and we now have the Hair Stylist Choice "a popularity contest". However, there's one award that I feel is worthy and merits recognition. The Hairdresser's Hall Of Fame Award is presented to hairdresser's that have made a significant contribution over many years to the good of our Nobel Profession and Beauty Culture....The Oscar of Hair.

JUSTIN BIEBER / STAR HAIR STYLE

Drawing inspiration from the hair style trends of our favorite stars and celebrities has become a national past time. One such star whose hair style has been emulated by teenaged boys around the globe is Canadian heartthrob Justin Bieber. Justin recently turned in his boyish Beatle-like hair style "the Bieber Bob” for a tousled rock style look and a totally new image. His playful spiky hair and new rock star persona is sure to be irresistible to girls attracted to the wild side and quite the catch for those that go for the sensitive, creative types.

 

TO GET THE LOOK: If you’re looking for a cool new hair style, take a styling lesson from Justin Bieber. Justin knows just what it takes to standout from the crowd and stop girls dead in their tracks. If you’re up for a rock star hair like Justin, let’s take it one step at a time; starting with a style cut and shaping.

LET’S SHAPE IT: To get the look, start with a spiky contoured (layered) silhouette with tapered hair stylishly over the ears and collar with a few “love locks” across the forehead (eyebrow length). With a few adjustments (tweaks) as it grows out you can easily find the ideal length and shape for your look.

LET’S STYLE IT: To jump start the look add a dab of shaping gel or mouse through damp hair and finger comb in place to dry au natural, or give it a quick once over with a blow dryer for a full tousled look. To turn on the rock star look, when dry, finger comb a dab of extra hold shaping gel or styling spray wax through the top and your good to go. 

NOW LET’S ADD ACCESSORIES: What’s a rock star hair style without accessories? To get the look include black or white T shirt, tight black jeans with black leather motor cycle jacket ala Bill Idol and you’ve got the look. 

THIS ROCK STAR STYLE is a babe magnet and comes with bell and whistles to stop girls dead in their tracks. The tousled spiky contoured silhouette with a few love locks across the forehead adds a playful look and lets everyone know you’re a stylish dude. Just wash and go or turn on the rock star look with a quick blow dryer and finger comb a dab of styling gel or wax after for a spiky effect is all it takes. How easy is that? Heads will turn when you show up with a totally new hair style and rock solid accessories. So be prepared to take email addresses, cell phone numbers and unexpected text messages with when you show up with Justin Bieber new rock star look.

SHORTCUTS / Beauty Book Review

At first glance the name (SHORTCUTS) might be miss-leading, this is not a “HOW-TO” short hair styling book.

If you’ve dreamed of working in the “fashion or entertainment industry” Diana Schmidtke’s book SHORTCUTS takes you step by step through the process to one of the most exciting careers in the world of beauty. As a freelance hair or makeup artist you have the opportunity to work on fashion runway shows, commercials, music videos, advertising campaigns, movie press tours, concert tours, television shows, fashion magazines cover shoots and motion picture films and travel the world.

Diana shares the industry secrets that have helped made her one of the busiest hair & makeup artist in the entertainment industry. Her biography reads like a fairy tale and a dream come true.  How a young hairdresser from the suburbs of Chicago moved to Hollywood and became one of the leading entertainment industry’s freelance hair & makeup artists. Her big break through came when she was hired as an assistant to leading motion picture hair stylist.

Diana Schmibtke explains how to connect with both fashion and entertainment industries and the importance of being in the right cities. For example to work in the motion picture industry you must live in Los Angele's. And for high fashion magazine work a move to New York is a must.

If you’ve dreamed of becoming a big time fashion or motion picture makeup / hair stylist or both you’ll learn what it takes to get started and succeed in these exciting beauty fields. It takes a lot of persistence and patience to succeed and the competition is fierce.  These two industries are all about connections and SHORTCUTS includes a national directory for hair and makeup agency, agents, magazines editors, television, special effects makeup schools and motion pictures union contacts making Shortcuts well worth the $45 price tag. 

Buying Shortcuts is the first step to a new amazing career in the fashion and entertainment industry....available on Amazon.com

Tabatha Coffey / Beauty Book Review

Star of hit Bravo show, “Tabatha’s Salon Takeover,” Tabatha Coffey has written a new beauty book titled: It’s Not Really About the Hair:  The Honest Truth About Life, Love, and the Business of Beauty. 

Tabatha’s journey growing up in a dysfunctional family from the back waters of Australia to international renowned platform artist and television star reads like a dime store novel.  

It’s the kind of stuff that dreams are made of. Tabatha writes openly about her own transformation which will surprise, amuse and inspire you to be your very best and reach for the stars. It is not unlike any artist's frustration of having a dream of one day doing what you really were created to do, to be born with a talent and drive knowing there was something she was meant to do. Tabatha Coffey was just going to do it no matter what was in the way. 

Part memoir, part business manual, and part coaching guide, readers will get in touch with their own inner and outer beauty, and understand the importance of embracing their individuality. Coffey also gives a behind-the-scenes look into the process of starting her own business and opening her own salon - sharing tips with readers such as the right way to fire someone, the five things to ask yourself before opening a business, and how to rely on yourself in any situation.

Tabatha was first introduced to America as a contestant on the Bravo reality show Shear Genius, where she quickly earned a reputation as the beauty bitch for her outspokenness. Voted the show’s Fan Favorite despite being ousted in the sixth episode, she was asked by Bravo in 2008 to star in her own reality series, Tabatha’s “Salon Takeover”, combines Coffey’s hairdressing and business expertise with her edgy style as she saves salons, in danger of closing.

Tabatha lifts the curtain and exposes the "ass end of the salon business" which has embraced some in the industry and welcomed by those professionals that play by the rules.

If you are a star struck fan of the Bravo show Tabatha's Salon Takeover, a fan of the bitch from Shear Genius, or just a hairdresser with dreams - pick up the book, and learn how to attain the success you desire... You must have a some talent, work hard for many-many years paying your dues, and then you will become an over-night success, just like Tabatha !      

When I started reading Tabatha’s book I was taken aback by her use of so many four letter words, and I don’t mean HAIR. But half way through the book I was delighted to find some real gems - perils of wisdom. For example, her advice on how to fire someone, how to dream big and using the “three-second rule” before losing your cool are well worth the 20 dollar price tag. 

It’s a must read for every salon owner, and all hair stylist’s that dream of one day owning their own salon and becoming the next rock star hairdresser.                         

   

Hair Heroes / Beauty Book Review

Interviews with the world's most influential hairdressers of the 20th century by Michael Gordon. The son of a London hairdresser, Michael began his career at the age of fifteen as a apprentice at Rene' of Mayfair and went on to found the world famous "Bumble and Bumble Salon", product company and hairdressing school in New York City.  
 

Kenneth Barttelle / Gene Shacove / Christiann
Aldo Coppola / Irma Kusely / Sydney Guilaroff
Annie Humphreys / Sam Lapin / Leonard Lewis
Luis Iiongueras / Alexandre de' Paris  /  Vidal Sassoon

In Hair Heroes Michael Gordon takes you on a journey around the world to meet his personal hair heroes. The interviews cover twelve hairdressers that personally influenced his career and set the pace and standards for hair fashions in the 20th century. The question and answer format is filled with personal pictures rarely seen before. From Alexendre de' Paris to Vidal Sassoon and other notables you may not know but all will inspire you none the less. What they have to say about their career's and the beauty industry will both surprise and inspire you. The following are Mikael's candid interviews with two of my Hair Heroes. 

In the world of hairdressing, if Vidal Sassoon were the architect of hair styling Alexandre would be considered the king. Simply known as Alexandra de’ Paris__ he has single handedly helped defined the industry for more than 60 plus years. 


Michael: Who was your hair hero when you were young? Alexendre: My teacher Antoine, he taught me the art of beauty and service to women. I worked with him from 1938 to 1952. First in Cannes on the French Riviera, then afterwards at Salon Antoine on rue Cambon, it was the biggest in Paris. It was he who in 1925, brought French hairstyling to America. He defined the modern look for hairdressing at the time.


Michael: Why did you become a hairdresser? Alexendre: I grew up in Florence in a family that was quite artistic. The wife of a great painter introduced me to hairdressing.  It was predicted when I was a child that the “wife of a king” would make me famous and it came true. It was while working at Salon Antoine that the Duchess of Windsor became my patron _ she was a great friend.


Michael: What advice would you give a young person starting today? Alexendre: Never stop learning your craft. We need extraordinary people, people who are dedicated to their art and craft. 

Vidal would have loved to be an architect. Fortunately for us, he was destined to become the master hairdresser, able to transfer his passion for angles into another medium. Indeed, Vidal Sassoon is the modern day architect of hair styling. Charming and engaging, he talks about his life, his work, and the future with the enthusiasm of a beauty school student.


Michael: Which years were the most important for you? Your styles were so revolutionary at the time. Vidal: In 1954 I opened my salon on Bond Street. I decided I wouldn’t do anyone who wanted to come in and have their hair teased. I was not going to do bouffant hair styles. It was as simple as that. From 1954 to 1958 we were still getting out of our old ways of styling. Then in 1964 we did the five point geometric haircut and everything followed. 


Michael: How much do you pay attention to fashion today? Vidal: Today, we seem to have become the pawns of the fashion designers who tell us what kind of hair styles to do__ that is outrageous. When we did shows for Mary Quant, Gernreich and Ungaro, the attitude was, “do what you feel.” Now, it’s: here’s what the designer is doing, style the hair to it. We have become secondary to a bunch of designers. 

Hair Heroes is a must read for hair stylists that love what they do and the history of the beauty industry. We all stand on one another’s shoulders. That’s how we and our Nobel professional grows and evolves. Hair Heroes offers twelve strong shoulders to stand on. It’s a page turner and has found a permanent place on my book shelf.