FQA: They say that what counts is not the end result, rather the path you took to achieve this end. That
being said, can you briefly describe the journey that lead to your decent as International Creative Director
at Sassoon?
Mark: My journey at Sassoon began in South Molton Street as an Assistant in 1977 passing my final test I
worked in Sloane Street salon until December 1979 when I transferred into the School. I was there until the
summer of 82 when I was promoted to Creative Director of Manchester salon. I returned to London in 86 as
UK Creative Director based in Staff Training.
FQA: To be able to travel is an incredible luxury. Is there any trip you've taken that stands out in your mind
as a life altering journey?
Mark: My first trip to Japan in 1984 was probably the most life altering I have made professionally.
being said, can you briefly describe the journey that lead to your decent as International Creative Director
at Sassoon?
Mark: My journey at Sassoon began in South Molton Street as an Assistant in 1977 passing my final test I
worked in Sloane Street salon until December 1979 when I transferred into the School. I was there until the
summer of 82 when I was promoted to Creative Director of Manchester salon. I returned to London in 86 as
UK Creative Director based in Staff Training.
FQA: To be able to travel is an incredible luxury. Is there any trip you've taken that stands out in your mind
as a life altering journey?
Mark: My first trip to Japan in 1984 was probably the most life altering I have made professionally.
 |
A career path that was inspired by the color and spectacle of recording artist David Bowie, Sassoon International Creative Director, Mark Hayes, has transformed the hair
industry with his risk taking hair techniques and flair for innovating new and unique hairstyles. At 12 years old, Hayes recalls, “The minute I saw David Bowie on stage I
knew I wanted to do something creative with my life.”
Hayes certainly made the right choice because his creativity is undeniable. Originally from the UK, Hayes began styling during a time in London when people were
rebelling against social norms. “ London in the late seventies early eighties was such a cool place to be as everyone wanted to express themselves through the way they
looked. I was having a fantastic time going to clubs like the Blitz and Le Kilt and cutting models after work, eating, breathing and sleeping hairdressing 24/7,” states Hayes.
industry with his risk taking hair techniques and flair for innovating new and unique hairstyles. At 12 years old, Hayes recalls, “The minute I saw David Bowie on stage I
knew I wanted to do something creative with my life.”
Hayes certainly made the right choice because his creativity is undeniable. Originally from the UK, Hayes began styling during a time in London when people were
rebelling against social norms. “ London in the late seventies early eighties was such a cool place to be as everyone wanted to express themselves through the way they
looked. I was having a fantastic time going to clubs like the Blitz and Le Kilt and cutting models after work, eating, breathing and sleeping hairdressing 24/7,” states Hayes.
FQA: What kind of woman symbolizes the cutting-edge style of
Sassoon?
Mark: The Sassoon woman is modern, independent, confident.
FQA: A truly great hair professional never stops learning. How do
you personally manage to keep fresh and stay one-step ahead of
an ever-changing industry? What new techniques or vision, if any
have you learned from the many students you encounter?
Mark: I manage to keep fresh by working with an exciting
international team, and immersing myself totally in what I do from all
aspects. Whenever I am teaching students I will always learn
because it is an interaction between two creative individuals.
FQA: If your hair designs were featured in a movie, what type of
movie would be filmed, and who would be your leading lady?
Mark: If my hair designs were featured in a movie it would be a
combination of historical and futuristic themes. The leading lady
would be either Mila Jovovich or Uma Thurman.
FQA: You are known for loving the excitement of being on stage.
Describe your dream runway hair show? Who would be front
row? What top models would you like to see sporting your dos?
Where and what venue would you choose and why?
Mark: My dream runway hair show would be in a huge white space.
It would be a multimedia type event with live presentations backed
up by huge digital screens, performance art, dance and design
would all be part of the overall spectacle. The first person on the
front row list would be my mum.
Sassoon?
Mark: The Sassoon woman is modern, independent, confident.
FQA: A truly great hair professional never stops learning. How do
you personally manage to keep fresh and stay one-step ahead of
an ever-changing industry? What new techniques or vision, if any
have you learned from the many students you encounter?
Mark: I manage to keep fresh by working with an exciting
international team, and immersing myself totally in what I do from all
aspects. Whenever I am teaching students I will always learn
because it is an interaction between two creative individuals.
FQA: If your hair designs were featured in a movie, what type of
movie would be filmed, and who would be your leading lady?
Mark: If my hair designs were featured in a movie it would be a
combination of historical and futuristic themes. The leading lady
would be either Mila Jovovich or Uma Thurman.
FQA: You are known for loving the excitement of being on stage.
Describe your dream runway hair show? Who would be front
row? What top models would you like to see sporting your dos?
Where and what venue would you choose and why?
Mark: My dream runway hair show would be in a huge white space.
It would be a multimedia type event with live presentations backed
up by huge digital screens, performance art, dance and design
would all be part of the overall spectacle. The first person on the
front row list would be my mum.
"I manage to keep
fresh by working
with an exciting
international team,
and immersing
myself totally in what
I do from all aspects.
Whenever I am
teaching students I
will always learn
because it is an
interaction between
two creative
individuals."
Mark Hayes
fresh by working
with an exciting
international team,
and immersing
myself totally in what
I do from all aspects.
Whenever I am
teaching students I
will always learn
because it is an
interaction between
two creative
individuals."
Mark Hayes
FQA: Hair and fashion are two industries that coincide. What
fashion designers if any have inspired your creative hair
process?
Mark: Many designers are used as inspiration for what I do not
just fashion designers but architects and artists all play a part in
creating the overall look. Overall though I am always interested to
see what Yohji Yamamoto and Hussein Chalayan are up to.
FQA: What 3 cities do you think are the creative hair capitals of
the world and why? Are there any emerging hairstylists
worldwide that are you excited about breaking onto the
industry?
Mark: The three creative hair capitals of the world are London,
New York and Tokyo.
FQA: What hair tools can you not live without when styling?
What product recommendations can you offer the
FashionQandA.com readers?
Mark: Sassoon Professional hair products, a vess brush, a
Mason & Pearson padded brush, a YS Park comb and extremely
sharp small Japanese scissors.
FQA: What exciting projects or expansions at Sassoon are you
currently working on? Describe the team dynamics that make
the International Creative team at Sassoon so successful?
Mark: The company is looking to expand both the Sassoon
Academy and Sassoon Salon brands internationally which is
tremendously exciting. I am also working on various projects to
do with our collection launches, product development and online
education. The team dynamics that make the international
creative team so successful is a blend of experience and youthful
exuberance and that no idea is ever discounted.
FQA: Are you able to still have your own personal clientele? If
so, how do manage to do this with all your other
responsibilities? You once worked day-to-day in a salon. What
do you miss most from being behind a chair?
Mark: I still have a very small personal clientele, which gives my
role great variety.
fashion designers if any have inspired your creative hair
process?
Mark: Many designers are used as inspiration for what I do not
just fashion designers but architects and artists all play a part in
creating the overall look. Overall though I am always interested to
see what Yohji Yamamoto and Hussein Chalayan are up to.
FQA: What 3 cities do you think are the creative hair capitals of
the world and why? Are there any emerging hairstylists
worldwide that are you excited about breaking onto the
industry?
Mark: The three creative hair capitals of the world are London,
New York and Tokyo.
FQA: What hair tools can you not live without when styling?
What product recommendations can you offer the
FashionQandA.com readers?
Mark: Sassoon Professional hair products, a vess brush, a
Mason & Pearson padded brush, a YS Park comb and extremely
sharp small Japanese scissors.
FQA: What exciting projects or expansions at Sassoon are you
currently working on? Describe the team dynamics that make
the International Creative team at Sassoon so successful?
Mark: The company is looking to expand both the Sassoon
Academy and Sassoon Salon brands internationally which is
tremendously exciting. I am also working on various projects to
do with our collection launches, product development and online
education. The team dynamics that make the international
creative team so successful is a blend of experience and youthful
exuberance and that no idea is ever discounted.
FQA: Are you able to still have your own personal clientele? If
so, how do manage to do this with all your other
responsibilities? You once worked day-to-day in a salon. What
do you miss most from being behind a chair?
Mark: I still have a very small personal clientele, which gives my
role great variety.
FQA: The Pob was the “it” style of 2007. Do you still think we’ll see variations of the bob being hot in 2008?
What hair trends are you excited about for 2008?
Mark: Variations of the bob will always be fashionable as it is the most timeless cut.
FQA: Do you work with extensions or weaves, why or why not? Do you prefer a dry cut or a wet cut and why?
Mark: We do not work with extensions or weaves in our Salons all the cuts from Sassoon are cut from wet to dry. Wet to
gain precision, dry to see how the hair is reacting.
FQA: What song or CD puts you in the styling mood?
Mark: A modern contemporary instrumental electronic music, or David Bowie circa 72-79.
FQA: What hair trend would you like to never see again? Over the years what has been one of your favorite hairstyles?
Mark: I hate over styled, overdressed, over-coloured hair. My favorite styles are always the ones I am working on at the
moment although the five point by Vidal is an icon of 20th century design.
What hair trends are you excited about for 2008?
Mark: Variations of the bob will always be fashionable as it is the most timeless cut.
FQA: Do you work with extensions or weaves, why or why not? Do you prefer a dry cut or a wet cut and why?
Mark: We do not work with extensions or weaves in our Salons all the cuts from Sassoon are cut from wet to dry. Wet to
gain precision, dry to see how the hair is reacting.
FQA: What song or CD puts you in the styling mood?
Mark: A modern contemporary instrumental electronic music, or David Bowie circa 72-79.
FQA: What hair trend would you like to never see again? Over the years what has been one of your favorite hairstyles?
Mark: I hate over styled, overdressed, over-coloured hair. My favorite styles are always the ones I am working on at the
moment although the five point by Vidal is an icon of 20th century design.
 |
Hayes began his decent through the ranks of Vidal Sassoon at the age of 19 and has spent the majority of his
career cultivating what we all know as Vidal Sassoon style. Hayes has held many titles at Sassoon and rightfully
so, he was been with the company for 35 years. In 2005, Hayes was bestowed the honor of becoming Sassoon
International Creative Director.
The Sassoon International Creative Team produces and delivers three international collections a year, and
continues to redefine the limits of hair creativity. For Winter/Autumn 2008, the Sassoon Academy Collection Gilded
Youth will take on the challenge of incorporating the marriage of aristocratic metropolitan chic with the heritage
country look of England. Get ready for aristocracy meets anarchy. FashionQandA.com conversed with the fashion
focused hair genius and here is the scoop!
career cultivating what we all know as Vidal Sassoon style. Hayes has held many titles at Sassoon and rightfully
so, he was been with the company for 35 years. In 2005, Hayes was bestowed the honor of becoming Sassoon
International Creative Director.
The Sassoon International Creative Team produces and delivers three international collections a year, and
continues to redefine the limits of hair creativity. For Winter/Autumn 2008, the Sassoon Academy Collection Gilded
Youth will take on the challenge of incorporating the marriage of aristocratic metropolitan chic with the heritage
country look of England. Get ready for aristocracy meets anarchy. FashionQandA.com conversed with the fashion
focused hair genius and here is the scoop!
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