We go behind the scenes with some of the hair stylists on set, to learn the tricks of the trade, and some juicy info about the best and worst parts of being in the industry.
Ryan Pearl has been working as a colorist/stylist at Cutler Soho for four years.
What’s the worst job you have ever worked on?
The worst job is when there is no food.
What’s the hardest thing about being a hair stylist?
I don’t think it’s really that hard… It’s fun talking to women and making them look good at the same time… I love my salon, the people I work with and my clients, which makes the job pretty easy.
Why did you take on this particular shoot, what was it about the night that drew you in?
Well, Sasha “the stylist”/Brain of the operation has been a client and friend of mine, so I was all for it and I think she bribed me with some of the names of the models.
What was it like at the salon with all the girls and the hair and makeup team?
Typical work day at Cutler.
Who’s your favorite model to work with and why?
I can get hurt for just naming one…
Who’s your dream model to work with and why?
Cara… She looks like a good time to say the least.
How much say do you, as a stylist, get over the client’s opinion?
I like to look at it as a joint effort… But respect my judgement.
Do you think there’s a hierarchy in the fashion crew when shooting, and if so, what’s the order?
There shouldn’t be.
What’s the worst experience you’ve had with a model?
When the agency wants one thing and the model wants another.
Which model did you work on for #dininginthespotlight?
Sara Sampaio.
What products did you use?
I used Cutler Volume Spray, Redken ‘Wind Blown 05’ and Fat Boy.
What’s your number one healthy hair tip?
Never leave product (for example hair sprays or gels) in your hair any longer than it needs to be… Alcohols in those products can really suck the moisture out of your hair
What do you think is the biggest misconception about models?
They don’t eat… Most of my girls will have a burger and fries with me at 11AM
What’s the one stereotype you think holds the most truth?
Most of them know how to party.
What’s the most interesting job you’ve done?
Courtney Love’s hair at the Mercer Hotel. You can only imagine!
The worst job you’ve ever worked on?
Any cramped hotel fashion shows!
What’s the hardest thing about being a hair stylist?
I think the hardest thing about hairdressing is getting into your client’s head and understanding what is said and not even said. It’s a true gift to do this. As you build your career and confidence, this actually transforms from being “hard,” into an advantage.
Why did you take on this particular shoot, what was it about the night that drew you in?
Taking this opportunity meant working as a team, with a team of industry leaders.
What was it like at the salon with all the girls and the hair and makeup team?
It was like playing dress up with supermodels. Oh wait. That’s exactly what it was 😉
Who’s your dream model to work with and why?
Kate Moss. She’s the queen.
How much say do you, as a stylist, get over the client’s opinion?
It’s a collaboration. At the end of the day, you are the authority though.
Do you think there’s a hierarchy in the fashion crew when shooting, and if so, what’s the order?
There are always very large personalities while on a fashion shoot. I am the type of person who does not fight with big egos. I just stand back and get my work done, confidently.
What’s the worst experience you’ve had with a model?
Models are an interesting breed. I don’t blame them for the way the are. To be poked and prodded, day in and day out, is a tough thing to withstand. Model outbursts always come and go. You just roll with the punches.
What products did you use for this shoot?
I used Fatboy putty to build texture into the hair and add memory to the style.
What’s your number one healthy hair tip?
Detergent free shampoo is a must!
What do you think is the biggest misconception about models?
That they are just pretty to look at. Their minds are powerful. Don’t forget.
What’s the one stereotype you think holds the most truth?
How models’ beauty is almost alien like. Other worldly indeed.
