A Natural Approach to Hairstyling

In my years of haircutting, styling and colouring, I have noticed there are two general approaches to doing hair. The first is an approach where the stylist and client come up with an idea for a hairstyle they want to achieve, then do whatever is necessary to get there. If the haircut doesn't suit the type of hair the client has, it will be forced, via chemicals and tools, into getting as close to the desired style as possible. Depending on the situation, this can lead to significant damage to the hair and a lot of styling time for the client. If this is what both people want and a conscious, informed choice is made, then all is well, it's just one way of doing things.

Another way of approaching haircutting and styling is to deeply consider the type of hair the client has, whether it is fine or coarse, thick or thin, straight or curly and other factors and find a hairstyle that works within, or close to, the hair's natural inclinations. This is not to say that those boundaries cannot be expanded, just that there is a great awareness and respect for how far things can be pushed before what has been achieved has come at a higher price than it's worth.

It takes a great deal of insight, awareness and skill to cut hair in a way that truly suits its natural characteristics. I feel very fortunate that when I learned to cut hair it was at a time (in the early 80's) when the stylists in better salons where schooled in this approach. The haircut was considered to be of quality if the hair fell into place by itself, with minimal styling. In those days that was the benchmark of a good stylist and a good haircut. This approach was taught by one of the true innovators, Vidal Sassoon. I had the very good fortune of spending many years with stylists who were trained in this style of haircutting, including opening a salon with a man who had been the manager of Vidal Sassoon Toronto for nine years.

The way I approach discussing and choosing a hairstyle is also in harmony with nature. I'm not driven by fashion's ideals about how a person “should” look, true beauty is much bigger and kinder than that. This does not mean trends and fashion are ignored, just that they are given their proper place within a context of something much more important. My approach is to observe, listen and become aware of who you are, then find a lovely way to express that visually. Whether we decide on a classic cut or a leading edge trend, it's chosen because it feels like a beautiful, true, enjoyable expression of you. It's not something we're applying over top in an attempt to make you "better", it's an extension of our appreciation for you, just as you are.