Leo Passage / Godfather Of Hairdressing

Leo Passage / Godfather Of Hairdressing / 1936-2011

The life of Leo Passage is an inspirational story and the kind of stuff that dreams are made of to boot. He came to America from the Netherlands with his young wife of one week and created a network of educational programs for beauty schools that today spans the globe. Leo’s career began at 17 when he was sent to apprentice with a family friend in Holland, where he worked five days a week. On weekends, he returned to Belgium and worked Saturdays and Sundays in his father’s barbershop. His father encouraged him to venture out and try new things. This led him to the world of “competitions hairdressing” where he won more than 95 competitions. He then set his sights on American with a two-year contract at a salon owned by a French expat in Evanston, IL.

With his unique hairdressing techniques and the help of two full-time assistants, in six months he was serving fifty clients a day__ what most hairdressers might do in a week. However Leo could not walk away from the competition hairdressing world and began teaching his competition techniques around the country. By 1959 Leo captured the coveted titles of World Supreme Champion as well as Hairdresser of the Year and became the youngest member of the U.S. Hairdressing Team in Paris, France. With his reputation as original, fresh thinking innovative hair stylist Leo was asked to represent professional product companies, at beauty conventions held in hotel ballrooms to standing room only hairdressers.

Armed with a passion for teaching Leo walked away from his salon business and opened what was to become known as the Pivot Point Beauty Academy on the north side of Chicago. Leo had a dream of creating a path to success for hairdressers by teaching students to see, think, create and adapt as a designer — not just duplicate the latest fashion trends — but to be the innovator of these trends. His Pivot Point system embraced not just (the how to_ but the why it works) and remove the guess work with a systematic scientific approach that produced predictable results every time. He defined this as the Pivot Point Difference.

Beauty school owners soon took notice and began asking him to implement the “Pivot Point Hairdressing System” in their beauty schools throughout the United States. Over the past half century Pivot Point International has become a global company creating high-quality cosmetology and esthetics educational programs used in schools around the world. It’s estimated that more than a million hairdresser’s have studied the Pivot Point System of hairdressing, including a number of the industry’s most influential giants, leaders and educators. Today and into the future, Pivot Point continues to drive the paradigm shift in education by offering the educational materials and programs to help empower the next generation of designers to succeed in the beauty industry. Whether you dream of working or owning a salon or spa — or heading for Hollywood, the fashion stages and even the competitive arena, Pivot Point provides the most comprehensive hair and skin care education in the U.S. and around the World!

In an industry that champion’s individuality, Leo was a giant whose humility was well known—always sharing with others without self-interest, and possessing a timeless, creative spirit as fresh on the last day as on the first. He truly lived his life to the fullest, and inspired everyone to follow your heart and your dreams. In 2008, the L.E.O. Award for “Leadership, Education and Outstanding” contributions to the hairdressing profession was created to annually acknowledge the best and the brightest in the industry in an awards ceremony at the annual beauty show held in Chicago. His legacy will continue to live on in all Pivot Point educators and graduates in the best salons, spas and companies in the world.

Natalie Wood / Star Hair Style

Drawing inspiration for the stars hair styles both past and present has become a national past time and Hollywood heart throb Natalie Wood is no exception. Natalie was one of the few child stars who made the successful transition from both teen and adult star. As a teenager she was a high school goddess, the one the boys all wanted and the girls imitated. Natalie was perfection: sophisticated, beautiful, elegant and approachable. Her classic bouncy bobbed and long face framing feminine hair styles set the hair style trend throughout the 60’s and is perfect for today’s care free lifestyles. What’s old is new again___ a trend to watch.

If you’re looking to trade in your long tired looking locks for a understate ultra sexy feminine hair style take a styling lesson from Natalie Wood and watch head turn when you show up with this simple classic look. To get the look let’s take it one step at a time, starting with style cut and styling.

LET’S SHAPE IT:  Natalie’s style cut starts with a just off the shoulders layered and contoured silhouette for volume with side swept brow brushing bangs. This classic “time saving style”’ suits all age groups, face shapes and ideal for straight and wavy hair. With a few adjustments (trims as it grows) you can easily find the ideal length and shape for your hair, face shape and personal style.

Natalie’s classic understated hair style is loaded with sex appeal and is sure to get rave reviews. The shapely ultra feminine silhouette with side swept "brow brushing peek-a-boo" bangs gives it an alluring look. For the time challenged this classic shape almost styles itself. A quick tousle with a blow dryer and styling brush or a few twists around a styling iron and you’re ready for any occasion. You'll leave the salon signing, I feel Pretty__Oh so Pretty and Perky as well. And your girl friends are sure to be green with envy when they see all the men making a fuss over you and your new Natalie do’.

Oprah Winfrey / Star Hair Style

Drawing inspiration from the hair style trends of our favorite stars and celebrities has become a national pass time. And none has had more influence on women’s hair styles than Oprah Winfrey. While she is best known as a TV host and producer, Oprah rarely shies away from trying something new, particularly when it comes to her beauty styling. And while she may have had some bumps along the way (really, who hasn't?), no matter how she has looked, Oprah has always stayed true to herself. Oprah may be known as the Queen of All Media but is just as famous for her ever-changing trend setting hairstyles. From curls to short bobs and bouffant styles, the talk show titan continuously keeps her fans guessing. Let’s take a peek back at her most memorable beauty looks over the years.

1986 Oprah Winfrey sports this short shag to the 43rd Annual Golden Globe Awards. It was all about volume for the soon-to-be-larger-than-life star. 1990 At a formal affair for the American All-Star Tribute she mixes it up with a French twist and layered bang. 1995 Having established her media dominance, Winfrey takes her look to a new sophisticated level. 1998 Oprah debuts her now trademark curls at the 24th Annual People’s Choice Awards. 1999 At the National Book Awards in New York City, Winfrey’s soft body and shake-ability style sets the tone for how many Black women want to wear their hair.

2002 With no-fuss cornrows, Winfrey concentrates on the kids while distributing Christmas gifts to underprivileged school children in the rural town of Harding, South Africa. 2004 As a media personality, Oprah keeps her appearance fresh with these soft, flowing curls at the Sesame Workshop’s Second Annual Benefit Gala. 2005 You know it’s a special occasion when she rocks with spiraling curls at the Broadway opening of “The Color Purple.” 2006 One of her favorite looks is seen at the TNT Black Movie Awards where she dons a soft half up, half down wavy style. 2006 Winfrey is honored at the New York Public Library’s Annual Library Lions Gala where she sports an elegant up-do that looks regal with her subtle highlights. 2009 For those who think that Oprah wears extensions for extra length, you better think again! Here she shows off her long hair in a natural soft blow dry style.

The hairdresser behind the magic__ it all started in 1985 when Andre Walker a Chicago salon owner saw Oprah’s new talk show “AM Chicago” and sent her a note, simply stating “I’m dying to get my hands on your hair”. Back then it was just Oprah, one publicist, and one producer, recalls Walker. The bold declaration earned him a tryout, and three years later, he was working with Oprah full-time. After decades of styling, Oprah says, Andre is "why I still have my hair." For her 50th birthday, Andre created a short, choppy look with a bit of a flip which is one of her favorite hair styles. Lately, he’s been doing ponytails with a little height on the top to stretch the time between blow dries.

To keep Oprah’s locks lush and beautiful on a regular basis, Walker avoids using blow dryers or irons on her hair more than three times per week and recommends pin curling or roller setting in between. His cardinal hair care rule is to keep the hair clean to avoid styling aid build-up and (condition, condition, condition), whether you think you need it or not. He recommends using a conditioner every time you shampoo, and a thick hair mask treatment once a week to help repair dry ends and add shine. He also will not do “two chemical treatments” at once. If I'm using a relaxer I don't color directly after. His secret for giving Oprah's hair styles a dazzling shine is to mix “equal parts” of his curl enhancing lotion and leave in conditioner with a few drops of his Q Oil shine serum combed through her wet hair.

Andre Walker is a seven-time Emmy winner and author of a beauty book “Andre Talks Hair” and has been Oprah Winfrey's personal hair stylist for the past 25 years. He also created the popular short sculptured “Halley Berry Style” and believes that all women, no matter their hair type or texture, need to make peace with their hair. He recently launched his own line of products sold on the Home Shopping Network designed for all hair types to help promote overall health, manageability and shine. Andre’s beauty products are available at www.andrewalkerhair.com

Vidal Sassoon Autobiography / Book Review

Vidal Sassoon Autobiography
The most famous hairdresser in the world tells his fascinating life story

There’s no doubt that Vidal Sassoon revolutionized hairdressing in the way that his frequent collaborator, Mary Quant, revolutionized hemlines. It’s certain that the Swinging Sixties would have been decidedly less swinging had the celebrities of the day not been sporting his iconic geometric cuts. Sassoon’s approach to hair ushered in a modern era where women, once slaves of the salon, would be freed of the stand up dryer and able to “wash, blow and go” while breaking the rules of hair symmetry altogether.

Vidal Sassoon's extraordinary life has taken him from an impoverished childhood to global fame as the father of modern hairdressing, whose slick sharp style cuts took the fashion world by storm. His memoir begins with surprising and often moving stories of his early life—He then discusses his extraordinary career, during which he cut the hair of everyone who was anyone—including Mary Quant, Grace Coddington, Twiggy, Rita Hayworth, and Mia Farrow; launched salons all over the world; founded the hairdressing school that still bears his name; and became a global brand. 

When asked what he thinks of today’s popular hairstyles. He says that although there are a lot of beautiful hair cuts today most do nothing for the face and would love to see some beautiful face framing cutting come back. He most regrets having sold his salon only hair products to Richardson-Vicks and a year later it was sold to Proctor and Gamble which took the hair products out of the salons and into the mass market. 

If you skim over all the celebrity stuff Vidal’s autobiography is an inspiring rags to riches story. For me it was interesting to see how the hair industry that we take so for grant these days evolved from the 1900's. Filled with pictures his book is a compelling memoir of a genuine fashion icon that reinvented the art of hairdressing in the 20 century. Perhaps Vidal’s most important legacy is the signature techniques taught around the world today at Vidal Sassoon Academies and his memorable TV commercial slogan __ (when you look good, we look good). This book and his first (Sorry to keep you waiting madam) have found a place on my book shelf.  Available at Amazon.com

Why Do Hair Styles Have Names?

The Bob, the Gibson, Classic Page Boy, Shag, EMO, Pixie, Punk, Duck Tail, Crew Cut, Buz Cut or celebrity names, Jackie O, Rachel, Farah and any number of names have been used to describe a hair style. Sassoon called his hair styling GEOMETRIC hair designs and went on to give each a commercial name (Greek Goddess, Isadora, etc) but most people simply called it a Sassoon haircut.

I'm often asked what I call my hair styles. After pondering the question and understanding that it’s a communications issue I came up with the name, (BIO MORPHIC / LIFE FORM) hair styles. Bio Morphic hair styles come in every length, shape, color and texture (straight, curly, wavy and combinations). All have one thing in common they don’t have a name. Each is a one of a kind (unique hair style), designed to hold their shape as they grow (BIO / LIFE), and a shape that’s balanced from all points of view (MORPHIC / FORM) and designed for “Self Styling”.

If you feel a hair style must be christened give it a commercial name. However nothing dates a hair style like a name. Without a name a style is never dated. For me hair styling should be a Personal Experience not Commercial….Your thoughts

Diane Sawyer / Star Hair Style

Diane Sawyers big break came about when she changed her natural ash brown hair color to a glamorous honey blonde and the rest his history. Diane recently opted for a classic mid length shapely bob to complement here busy life style.

If you’re searching for a glam hair color and trendy style Diane Sawyer’s face framing style and glam honey blond hair color is an excellent starting point for those looking for a simple classic hair style to complement an active. To get the look, let’s take it one step at a time; staring with a style cut and shaping. 

LET’S SHAPE IT:  Diane’s style starts with a just off the shoulders layered and contoured silhouette for volume and side swept brow brushing bangs. This classic “time saving style”’ is ideal for straight and wavy hair and suits most face shapes. With a few adjustments (trims as it grows) you can easily find the ideal length and shape for your hair, face shape and personal style.

LET’S STYLE IT:   For style support we start with a dab of styling foam, gel mousse or spray gel. To put your style in motion and add volume, toss your hair upside down and give it a quick tousle with a blow dryer. If your locks look a bit dry or frizzy a dab of styling cream will tame it. For a dressy look, a quick twist around your styling iron gets the look. After, tuck one side over your ear and add red glossy lip stick, eye liner and shadow, diamond stud earrings and you’ve got the look.

NOW, LET’S COLOR IT:  To get the look, Diane’s natural ash brown hair color is lightened with a high lift Honey blonde color for a golden sun kissed look. To keep this up the new growth is touched up every 4-6 week. 

 

Diane’s colorful style is the stuff that dreams are made of and is loaded with sex appeal. The shapely silhouette with side swept "brow brushing" bangs gives it shapely casual look. For your time challenged life this classic shape’ almost styles itself. Just give it a quick tousle with a blow dryer and styling brush and your good to go. The sun kissed hair color puts those few gray hair’s stylishly under cover and is sure to get rave reviews. Heads will turn and girl friends will be green with envy when you show up with Diane Sawyers style and hair color.

For Diane Sawyers hair style and color visit
(http://www.georgecaroll.com/salon-info.htm)

Booked Solid by Paul J DiGrigoli

Booked Solid by Paul J DiGrigoli
Ultimate Guide to Getting and Keeping Clients

Paul J DiGrigoli’s motivational book, Booked Solid contains all he's learned over the past 30 years to become a booked solid hairdresser, successful salon and beauty school owner and world renowned motivational speaker. In Booked Solid, you'll learn: the business of being a hairdresser, how to market yourself, 4 ways to increase your sales and services, who will help you succeed and how to find them, how to use your natural talents to boost your business, how to fire up your creativity, the vital link between self-care and success, the 4 reasons clients leave and the 4 reason they stay and why loving what you do takes the WORK out of life!

Paul’s success however, was neither automatic nor guaranteed. Growing up in a small town in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts and born into a family of hairdressers it was Paul’s uncle a barber who encouraged him to become a hairdresser telling him to go to a big city and learn the latest methods and come back as a super star. So Paul set off to become a hairdresser in the “big” city of Boston. However, he only got as far as Springfield, Massachusetts where he enrolled in cosmetology school at the Springfield Technical Community College and lived in a tiny little room in the YMCA where he offered haircuts in the lobby for three dollars. After graduating from Beauty College and working in a few local salons Paul attended a hair cutting course at Vidal Sassoon in Santa Monica, California and had an epiphany which is what how to become a Booked Solid hairdresser is all about.

Over the years Paul has had his share of disappointments and set backs, including losing almost half of his business when seven stylists walked out of his salon. However, as he makes clear in his Seminars and Booked Solid, that adversity made him stronger mentally, physically, emotionally and financially – by refocusing his goals and plans. Paul believes you can literally turn a negative into a positive. He knows, because it worked for him. He acknowledges that it seems he had to hit rock bottom in order to grow like crazy and get to where he is today. Paul is grateful for his success and what he has learned about personal development. He feels that part of his mission in life is to share with others what he has learned.

 

Booked Solid points out the 4 reasons clients leave unsatisfied and the 4 reason they stay with you for years. And highlights and explores the top 10 things you must do all the time to become a Booked Solid Hairdresser. Some are technical; some are how you act. For example always be on time; in fact be early and enthusiastic. Become an overachiever do everything at 200%. Surround yourself with great people and great coaches. Always act and dress professionally. To become Booked Solid you must also create raving fans. You must generate the “WOW” factor. If the client leaves thinking, “I just got a quick haircut or hair color” then you haven’t accomplished your mission. The goal is to make each clients visit a “hair styling experience” one they look forward too every time they see you.

Booked Solid in paperback is also available on a CD along with How to Become a Super Instructor; inspire and drive your student’s passion and energy for years to come. Master Your Salon’s Future; discover the techniques to take your salon in a new direction, create a new game plan and the steps to make your existing salon better. The Competitive Edge; learn how to evaluate your own salon, both from a competitors’ perspective and financially. Position yourself in the marketplace through powerful and effective branding. Cultivate your team and resolve staffing issues. Momentum it’s the Name of the Game, master the ability to solve problems and make decisions. Discover the steps to fulfillment and success. Learn the levels of professional progression. Build confidence, control your focus, and magnify your attitude! 

Over my 40 plus year career I’ve had the good fortune to personally meet and be inspired by many amazing hairdressers that have changed my life. I can now add Paul J DiGrigoli and it could not have happened at a better time. Whether you’re a new-be or veteran hairdresser and want to learn how to become a BOOK SOLID hairdresser then I highly recommend you order this career altering book­­__ Available in paperback or CD at www.DiGrigoli.com