Arriving backstage at the Topshop showspace for the Meadham Kirchoff AW12 show, you would think that Rio Carnival was in full swing at London’s Old Billingsgate Market. There were sequins, fur, metallics, glitter, wigs, and colour galore.

Taking Inspiration from the Actor Divine the catwalk was awash with scent, psychedelic lights and disco floors, where the models (known as Super Freaks) were briefed to perform a 4 second ‘freak- out’ to a mash up of classics such as Mariah Carey All I Want for Christmas and ABBA’s Dancing Queen. The Meadham Kirchhoff show has been known as ‘the one to watch’ for the past 3 seasons, and this season certainly was no exception.

James Pecis and his team worked every last inch of the 25 model’s hair using the BaByliss PRO Volare Dryer, of which he held in high regard:

“We designed a different style for each of the 24 models, inspired by the performer Divine. We moved the hairline back and added pieces in different shapes and colour to make every girl completely individual. It was necessary to have the Volare which gives that extra boost of turbo air to flatten the hair on the forehead. I have never used another dryer which possesses that power. I was actually let down when using a different dryer during the shows in NYC”

Other pieces included crown curls and hair bows, pinned onto sleek ponytails. James added,

“The BaByliss PRO Dial-a-Heat tongs were used for setting all the wigs and pieces. Some of my team spent hours with me sitting around a table curling extensions and setting wigs. Speed is crucial in doing this much work and the fast re-heating of these tongs is what separates a professional tool from the average.”

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Here at BaByliss PRO we love working with talented, influential characters from all parts of the Hairdressing industry, so we were very pleased to get the chance to work with engimatic education duo Dove Palmer and Jean-Baptiste Mazella.

Armed with their philosophy ‘Not just how to cut hair, but why’ and a kit bag full of BaByliss PRO products, Mazella and Palmer are taking their education international.

This dynamic duo gave us an account of a typical day’s training, and told us just why they couldn’t have accomplished their work without the BaByliss PRO Volare hairdryer.

A good blow dry is the basis for the perfect cut and style, Mazella and Palmer worked with the BaByliss PRo Volare - the only hairdryer with a Ferrari designed engine, to achieve this perfect foundation.

Students watched eagerly as the guys prepared the hair for the cutting stage. Mazella and Palmer commented that ‘the power combined with precision, embodied in the Volare dryer helped gived the hair a super smooth blow dry for the refining of these techniques’.                  

A great day was had by all and we’re looking forward to the next Mazella, Palmer and BaByliss pro collaboration.

How I entered the Style Awards competition

I found out about the Style Awards competition last year through the BaByliss PRO Facebook page. It’s always a great page to keep an eye on for hair tips, tutorials on hair tools and competitions!
I uploaded a picture of one of my styles to the website and kept my fingers crossed! Each month visitors to the site voted on their favourite styles. The style with the most votes each month then won a styling tool of their choice and was put forward as a finalist. The 12 winning styles were then judged by an amazing panel of hair experts including Patrick Cameron himself!

How I felt when I won

It was a real privilege to have my style critiqued by such important and talented people within the industry. To find out they had chosen my style as the winner was an amazing feeling! I was elated to have such recognition of my hard work and also at the promise of such an amazing prize. To be able to work at one of the world’s biggest hair exhibitions and learn from the best in the business really was priceless.

What my experience was like

I was so excited to be working at Salon International and to be working with such a highly regarded brand as BaByliss PRO. Walking in on the first day and being introduced to the team was fantastic, there were so many talented people working within the team and everyone was so friendly.
I knew I would get the chance to meet Patrick Cameron which I was really looking forward to and he couldn’t have exceeded my expectations anymore! He was so approachable and really gave me his time, allowing me to ask him questions and assist him. Being able to work with someone of such talent, professionalism and experience really is something which does not happen every day.
Whilst I was at Salon International I was totally immersed in the BaByliss PRO team, helping prep the models for shows, assisting on and off stage, watching demos and learning as much as I possibly could!
The experience of being part of the BaByliss PRO team really will be something that stays with me forever. I learnt so much, met so many amazing industry professionals and had a lot of fun! It is one of the best prizes you could dream to win as a budding hair stylist and I couldn’t recommend it more to all the students out there who eat, sleep and breathe hair!

Any advice to students who enter this year

My advice to students who enter this year would be to enter a style that you think expresses your style as a hair stylist and shows off your skill and passion.

If you are lucky enough to win the prize my main advice would be to enjoy it! Be enthusiastic and helpful and learn as much as you can from everyone working within the team.
The hair stylists and BaByliss PRO head office team have a wealth of knowledge and experience and if you can soak up as much as you can I guarantee it will benefit you creatively and professionally in your future career! Good luck!

On arrival at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, we found the lobby abuzz with an excited atmosphere, and brimming with those individuals that make the hairdressing industry electric. Once we were all glammed up with hair perfectly in place it was time to descend upon the grand ballroom for the nights events to begin.

As always the room was swathed in grandeur and the night got off to a great start with the arrival of humorous host Jonathan Ross, alongside Schwarzkopf Professional’s Managing Director Colin Sillery and Hairdressers Journal publisher and Editor‐in‐Chief, Jayne Lewis‐Orr.

As the regional and special awards were handed out to ecstatic winners the time then came to honour absent friends. As a celebration of his life and input into British Hairdressing Terry Calvert’s family were presented with a special award to honour all he contributed to the industry, and his support for the British Hairdressing Awards. Although a sombre moment, it was humbling to see pillars of the industry from all different positions in their respective careers unite to pay tribute to those who have given so much, and paved the way for future generations.

A musical interlude was well received by chart topper Aloe Blacc, and provided a break from the tense atmosphere culminating towards the all important final award. The eagerly anticipating crowd were then wowed with a short model presentation from each finalist, showcasing their individuality and creativity before Akin Konizi claimed his place as British Hairdresser of the Year for the third time, previously taking this title in 2008 and also 2009.

We had a fantastic night and what a pleasure it was to be a part of honouring all those who contribute such creativity, diversity and passion to the much celebrated industry of British Hairdressing. Big congratulations go out to all finalists and very worthy winners, and a big thank you to the team at Hairdressers Journal and everyone involved in making this event such a success. We can’t wait to see what the winners get up to over the coming year.

Here are the winners in full:

Wales and South Western Hairdresser of the Year: Ken Picton , Ken Picton

Southern Hairdresser of the Year: Bruno Marc Giamettei, Marc Antoni

Scottish Hairdresser of the Year: Suzie McGill, Rainbow Room International

North Western Hairdresser of the Year: Marcello Moccia, Room 97 Creative Hairdressing

Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year: Kevin Kahan, Kevin Kahan

Midlands Hairdresser of the Year: Sean Tetlow, The Colour Room

Eastern Hairdresser of the Year: Terri Kay, Mark Leeson Hair Body and Mind

North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year: Julian Holland, Mark Hill

London Hairdresser of the Year: Richard Mannah, Toni & Guy

Afro Hairdresser of the Year: Junior Green, Junior Green Hair & Beauty

Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year: Indira Schauwecker, Toni & Guy

Men’s Hairdresser of the Year: Jamie Stevens, Errol Douglas Salon

Newcomer of the Year: Jasmine Redstone, Rush Hair

Artistic Team of the Year: HOB Creative Team

Schwarzkopf Professional Colour Technician of the Year: Christel Lundqvist, HOB Salons

HJ’s British Hairdresser of the Year: Akin Konizi, HOB Salons

We recently paid a visit to myhairdressers.com to see just what was happening behind the scenes and what goes into producing the fantastic training videos revolutionizing the student training process.

It was an inspiring experience and gave us the opportunity to meet international education duo Dove Palmer and Jean Baptiste Mazella and the enigmatic Stacey Broughton, as well as the invaluable backstage crew.

After a very warm reception it was lights, camera, action! ….. all quiet in the studio and down to business.

We made sure the team was well equipped with products to suit every styling need. The Volare dryer was a firm favourite and with 2200w of power, a turbo shot and intense air pressure it’s no wonder why. We got some great shots of Jean‐Baptiste and Stacey road testing the dryer and Stacey commented ‘The Volare is as great dryer with a very strong motor; I loved the size and the style’.

Another favourite from the BaByliss PRO Kit Bags was the Advanced Ceramic Styler, used on the model to smooth down the hair in preparation for the final cut and for finishing, the styler proved an invaluable piece of kit. The Advanced Ceramic Styler comes complete with 10 variable heat settings, digital temperature display, memory function and an automatic safety switch off.

So….. a long but great day was had by all, we had the opportunity to meet some very talented figures in the hairdressing industry, got to see our stylist tools in action and witness the phenomenal effort that goes in to producing these inspiring training resources. Mark Butcher, CEO of MyHairDressers.com told us, “I’d like to thank everyone at BaByliss Pro for all their support during the shoot, and for coming down to see us in action. All the contributors loved the equipment and have been able to achieve some amazing work because of it.”

We’d like to thank myhairdressers.com for letting us be part of this.

I was very lucky to have started my hairdressing career at a highly regarded salon in Australia. They were the industry leaders at that time; known for innovation and also education. I was exposed to celebrities, magazine shoots and fashion weeks from day one and couldn’t get enough of it! I was very hungry to learn and was chosen to be the salon owner’s personal assistant, accompanying her on shoots for Vogue, Harpers Bazaar and other high-end publications.

It didn’t take long for me to realise that this was the direction I wanted my career to head and I started throwing myself into photo-shoots for my portfolio and entering every competition and training program I could find. I was part of the first Australian FAME Team and presented a demonstration alongside Trevor Sorbie while in my second year of the scheme.

(me in my element!)

While the salon definitely gave me a great education and opportunities, I really do believe that you only get put of your career what you put in. I never say ‘no’ even if I haven’t something before (and I still don’t!)  My boss used to say to me “fake it till you make it” which is much more about not letting fear hold you back rather than being full of it.

The best advice I could give to a young stylist is to get really good at the basic and classic elements of hairdressing, such as round brush blow drying, setting, hair up etc. and find a product range you like and know it inside out. Once you have a good strong knowledge of the basics you’ll feel much more confident to experiment and the results will be much more successful. Also, find someone great to assist and absorb all you can from them. And lastly, have a LOT of patience! It can be a long, but very fun, journey!

Here at BaByliss PRO, we are proud to work alongside some of the biggest and brightest names in the hairdressing industry, so it is with great pleasure we celebrate 21 years working with the most sought after hairdresser in the world, Mr Patrick Cameron.

As an international ambassador for the hairdressing industry, Patrick Cameron has infuenced the way hairdressers all over the world dress long hair, and is acknowledged by his peers as the long hair expert.  There are very few who haven’t been inspired by the beautiful long hair work created by the man from New Plymouth, New Zealand.

Patrick is also the consummate professional, always making time to speak to hairdressers, inspiring them with his unique blend of education and his fantastic ability to make even the most complex hairstyle look easy. Attendees to his stage performances are always entralled by the theatrical element Patrick injects into his presentations.

BaByliss PRO has been priviledged for the last two years to have Patrick unveil his collection on stage at Salon International, providing insight with his latest techniques and images to hairdressers globally,and this year was no exception!  Club Noir  is a completely unique collection, launched along with an educational DVD, giving a step-by-step detailed guide to creating the nine glamorous, feminine and elegant big hair looks.

As well as launching his new collection, Patrick has been a mentor for the BaByliss PRO Style Awards competition winner; sharing styling tips and passing on his knowledge to the hairdressers of the future.

(Patrick working with the BaByliss PRO 2011 Style Awards winner; Terri Capon, at Salon International)

When asked what it was about BaByliss PRO that had kept him working with them for 21 years he said:

I love the way BaByliss PRO are always developing new and improving ideas to make styling hair exciting. They are always at the forefront of fashion trends. If you see a celebrity with wave or texture in their hair it’s almost certain that their stylist used a Babyliss PRO product.

Patrick’s philosophy is one that has taken him around the world and translates well into any language - “My aim is to create natural looks that make a client feel feminine.”  Educating hairdressers throughout the world in the art of dressing long hair has allowed Patrick to create a unique place for himself in hairdressing’s hall of fame. His zest, energy, vitality and dedication to his craft seem to be never ending. One of the most giving, charming and talented people you could ever meet, Patrick is a true master of his craft.

From the team here at BaByliss PRO HQ, we salute you Patrick, you truly are one of a kind! :)

As a FAME team member one of the best parts of being involved is looking back over our year and remembering all the things we got up to.

One of our first opportunities to work alongside fantastic recognised talent within the industry was being asked by BaByliss PRO to assist Adam Reed and the team backstage at the House of Holland show for LFW S/S 2012.

It was more than amazing! The hair was very natural, tied back in a mid pony tail. Seductive yet pure simplicity at once.

I was met by Sharon Brigden from the BaByliss PRO crew, who greeted the team with the most fantastic gift of all…a kit bag FULL of styling tools - this was a session kit overload! Tongs, the new Volare Dryer - which, may I say, is one of the best, lightest and most powerful dryers I have ever used! The list of equipment was endless.

The day was manic but also very fabulous.  we worked on some of the most beautifu models, one being Charlotte Free (girl crush!)  Adam was extremely communicative so we all completely understood what the look was to be and how we needed to achieve it.

I was interviewed by HJ magazine and pictures were taken throughout the day, with mine being the cover shot for the BaByliss PRO Salon International 2011 Press Pack.

All in all it was a fantastic experience, thank you to Adam Reed and the BaByliss PRO team for making it so wonderful!!

To re-create the look here are 3 simple steps:

Step One:

Apply a mousse and use the Volare Dryer to dry the product fully into the hair.  This will give a gritty, but mouldable texture to the hair so it’s easy to work with.

Step Two:

Lightly take the hair back off the face and mould hair into a soft ponytail in the middle of the head. Apply a bungy hair band.

Step Three:

Use a soft bristle brush to brush hair towards the face, very lightly, on either side of the pony tail. This will soften the pony and also give it more of an editorial feel. Then, using your fingers, gently pull some of the hair in front of the hair band to create texture and lift, as in the image below.

Hope you enjoy your new ponytail!! :)

Check out the House of Holland S/S 2012 show on the BaByliss PRO YouTube Channel!

Last year’s Style Awards winner, Carol-ann Bennett, was chosen from the monthly winners to join BaByliss Pro on an all expenses paid trip and work alongside Patrick Cameron, Adam Reed and the Crew at Salon International 2010. 

(the worthy winner)

She is a newly qualified hairstylist having just completed my NVQ level 3 in Coleg Morgannwg, Pontyprid and has just started work at Bauhaus Aveda in Cardiff. This is her report from her first Salon International:

I arrived on Friday evening with my partner, Lee, and met the BaByliss PRO team in the hotel. They gave me a quick over-view of what I would be doing – but having never been to Salon Int before when they said it would be manic I wasn’t quite sure what that meant – I do now!!

Being thrown into the goldfish bowl to help everyone was both exciting and nerve racking and I can remember saying to someone that I wasn’t keen on going on stage straight away yet the next thing I knew I was handing Patrick Cameron grips and products in front of a massive audience – and that was my staple job for the rest of the weekend – and it was great!

I brought four pairs of shoes – three of which were heels but spent the entire time in my one pair of flats. The backstage team kept reminding me to eat and go to the loo but I was luckier than some as I had time in between Patrick’s shows to do both. The hardest thing was trying to second guess what he would need next as he is so fast.

My lasting memory will be one of high energy and great fun – rewarding and exhausting. Judging by the styles I saw and what was selling out on the stand it is definitely all about texture for the next few months – crimping and curls of all sizes and loads of interesting styling.

(working hard on stage with Patrick Cameron)

(pulling in the crowds at Salon 2010)

To be in with a chance with joining us at Salon International 2011 post your style images up on our website today.  Best of luck! :)