I’m very fortunate when it comes to my hair, after modelling for Wella I became friends with the gorgeous Kerry Hayden from Atherton Cox salon in Marylebone, London. For the past four years Kerry is the only person to have touched my hair (in a styling sense) and I trust her opinion unequivocally. As a member of the British team that style the runway shoes for some of the world’s biggest global brands like Alexander McQueen, and Lanvin, it’s safe to say that Kerry knows what she is talking about.
So I figure it would be great to pass on some of the amazing insider gossip that I’m privy too. I caught up with Kerry between fashion weeks to discuss the latest styles that men are wearing on the runway, what’s to come and the questions you should be asking your hairdresser when you go to get your next cut…
Between London, Milan and Paris, which Men’s Fashion Week do you think offers the best in hair styling?
Across the board they have all showcased some great styles and they will continue to do so, but London, for me, does showcase so many new and up-and-coming designers that it often brings creativity and styling to extremes.
Do you have a favourite brand to work with? Which do you most look forward too?
I look forward to experiencing anything different from the norm, whether that’s with hair, clothes, venue or breaking away from the straight, white catwalk. Lee McQueen (Alexander McQueen) took the crown for this at every show, every season! I loved working on his shows and looked forward to entering and being apart from ‘Lee’s world’ every time - I miss him.
What sorts of hairstyles did you work on this season?
I had a lot of fun this season with all the extensions we used on the model’s hair. It’s totally different for me, as I do not do this in the salon. When you put the extensions in the hair you then have to use a razor to cut it into shape - like Alexander McQueen’s long fringes. At Raf Simons we put in very long, thin pieces of extensions randomly at the front of the models hair so when they walked the catwalk they acted like persistent ‘flies in summer’ around the models face and head.
We’ve had short back and sides and undercuts for a while now, does it look like this is going to continue?
I’m not sure how long the under-cut will remain a trend because it’s become so mainstream that my clients are now looking for a change. The short back and sides will always be around because it will always compliment beautifully tailored clothes. It’s very practical and wearable. You only work with men’s hair, why? I have always wanted to work with men’s hair. To me it’s always about the cut and shape. My influences go back to watching black and white movies with those perfectly barbered, strong shapes and beautiful naturally tapered hairlines. Short hair has always been my speciality.
What’s the worst men’s hair trend that’s ever happened?
I’ve been cutting men’s hair since the early 80s and we did some very ‘interesting’ looks then! But they blended wonderfully with the fashion and music. But I think the worst for me (and my clients!) has to be the ‘curtains’ from the 90s with their strong middle parting.
Have you ever had to style a show where you didn’t like the look? You don’t have to name names!
Yes of course, but I didn’t like the clothes either, it quite often goes hand in hand. Over a season we can work on over 12 shows and they can vary so much. Not only have I not enjoyed working on the look, the models are not happy with it either!
Can you see men becoming more adventurous with their hairstyles?
Men have never been as confident as they are right now. They know what they want and will try to achieve that. From their hair to their shoes they will be adventurous as it takes to ‘get the look’! I had every type of client with every type of job go for the ‘under cut’, and that’s a pretty strong look.
What’s your top styling tip for guys for the coming season?
The side partings and quiffs will be with us for a while and as they continue to get higher I’m recommending to my clients to use a mousse when they blow dry. It really does support the height and will maintain the look for a lot longer. Even if the guys are not blow drying their hair they can still use the mousse on wet hair then style it into place, and then when it naturally dries they can use their fingers like a comb and dress it out to look more natural.
If you could get your hands on any guy’s hair, who’s would it be?
Every day I look at guys - on the bus, serving me coffee, passing me in the street and I think “I would love to get my hands on your hair!” There are so many guys that would benefit from either a re-style, a better style to suit their face-shape, being taught better use of finishing products and even addressing their confidence to change a long and tired style. Come and see me guys for a consultation, I can help you!
Kerry works at the Atherton Cox salon in central London. Call 020 7487 4048 for an appointment and ask for Kerry - you won’t regret it!
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