Leading light in the UK hair scene, Tina Farey of Rush Hair was recently interviewed by Leanne Cutler of Hair Shots 2 The World… about being overall winner of the 2011 AIPP Award, new hair fashion and advice for aspiring hair artists.

Competitions and Hair Shoots

The AIPP award winners are selected from a growing worldwide field of submissions. How gratifying is it to win the Grand Trophy knowing that it’s a world field you competed against?

Winning the AIPP on a global scale was a phenomenal accolade for both myself and the RUSH team. We were so honoured to be recognised within the industry as it is so creative and defined.

When you create a collection, how do you start?  With the fashion styling informing the new hair trend or with an idea for a new style with fashion to follow?

First of all each member of the Artistic Team brings their ideas to the table and we create a moodboard. This is where each member has the chance to give their personal input and creative thoughts – a huge part of any collection. Once everyone has given their ideas we extract what we think would work best, and of course what we like and create a theme.

Remember it is important to be directional and remember that the collection you are creating should work with the fashion predictions of that current timescale. A good example of this is when we worked at London Fashion Week. Along with the designers we made sure that each hair style worked with each outfit – there is nothing worse than having two styles that are worlds apart.

What are your top 3 tips for creating a collection for competition?

The most important thing you can have for creating a great collection is having a strong hair team behind you. With a strong team you can always count on their opinions and support when you need it.

It is also very important to have good models who know how to work the camera as well as those who have had experience. Along with the model, ensure you have a good photographer. I always ensure the photographers have a great background and know exactly what we are looking for. If they are not energetic or excited about the direction of the shoot, I would say it’s a no go!

What is your definition of a truly great hair fashion photographer?

A great photographer in my eyes should be very tuned in to what you are looking for and also be excited about the direction of the shoot and the ideas you have. Make sure that they understand the way in which you want the shoot go and that they capture the hair in the way you want. Also they must be great with the models that you have selected and know exactly how they should be shoot in correspondence with the style you have created.

What is your definition of a great hair model?

A great model should have three main things. Firstly a great attitude. The last thing you want is a model who isn’t happy and is very stiff. Secondly, a good character. This will show in your collection so make sure the model is defined and has that something special that you are looking for. Finally bone structure is a very key point. This is something that will become very apparent within your collection. By looking through the models books and seeing the experience they have , these three things should jump out at you.

What’s you view on using wigs and hairpieces in shoots?  How does this translate back to commercial looks in the salon?

Without the use of wigs and hairpieces some looks (avant garde especially) could not be possible. They add length, and volume and  are very common in everyday life. We are seeing more people wearing extensions due to the celebrity etiquette, and many clients want their hair full of volume with the option to have a quick change.

Do you have any guidelines or standards on how much photoshopping should be done to hair post-shoot?  What are the parameters?

I believe that when retouching an image it should only be on the skin and very loose hairs. By taking pieces off the hair, changing colours and of course enhancing the hair it no longer becomes your work, it becomes someone else’s. I tend to go back to basics so that you go back to seeing the hair through the camera, not on photoshop.

Fashion Forward

What hair fashion techniques and looks will dominate over the next 12 months?

Over the next twelve months I think we will see more of an interest in classic techniques such as hair ups, setting hair, geometric cuts and a huge focus on bold colours. Although they will be kept very 60s, it will be with a modern twist.

What are the most popular looks requested in salon at the moment?

Within the salon at the moment the top 3 styles are the “Cheryl Cole Blowdry”, “Rihanna cut” and “A Line Bobs”.

How influential are new products and tools in creating fashion forward looks?

Our industry is so creative and moves extremely fast to keep up with current trends, and without new products and styling tools we simply could not move forward with modern times. Just like us, products evolve which makes our jobs a lot easier and much more efficient as this industry is very demanding.Advice for New Talent

For a hairdressing business to thrive long-term, staff need to be developed and artistically nourished.  What are the important moments in your career that have moved you up to the next rung of the ladder?  Any tips for aspiring talent?

Throughout my career I have had a lot of discipline and my boss has been very strict when sticking to brand guidelines. By doing things “by the book” it allows you to follow the high standards set out to you by the company. Also by doing this as a boss, it allows you to see how much people want it and also who can deal with the pressure – as it can be very demanding at times! Always remember that real talent has to be reined in, allowing it to roam free will waste it.

Leanne Cutler

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