This talented and young up and coming stylist is one that you should keep your eye on. His encouraging manner in which he makes clients to think outside the box perfectly suits his personality.
How would you describe your style/hair styling?
I believe one's style is always evolving. Accordingly, I am always trying new things and learning new techniques. I love creating all kinds of different styles from beautiful formal updos to crazy avant garde hair.
What do you like to do on your free time?
Truthfully, I don't have much free time. How ever, when I do have a bit of time, I love creating how-to/tutorial videos on Youtube. I get all kinds of emails and correspondence from people who have watched and were inspired by something that they saw or heard. I have to tell you, there is nothing quite like the feeling when you know you have helped someone or inspired someone to try something they have never tried before.
How many years have you been a stylist?
Hairstyles have been of great interest to me since childhood. Basically my daycare was a beauty school. My mother was and is a cosmetology educator and early on I would create hairstyles on the manikins and play with all the brushes. Even though I thought of pursuing other things, at the end of the day, I opted to become a hair stylist. I have been out of beauty school for about a year.
Why did you choose this profession?
As I said before, I grew up in the industry with a mother who was a cosmetology educator. However, I ultimately chose this profession because I find it to be very fulfilling and it allows me to tap into all of my passion and creativity.
Did you go to school to become a stylist or are you self-taught?
I attended Aveda Institute in Washington, DC.
Where do you draw inspiration for your work?
I feel it is important to see what my clients are seeing. Therefore, I draw inspiration from many different places...magazines, television, online…even people watching on the metro. I believe if you only draw inspiration from one source, you are limiting your perspective and ultimately your potential.
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you while cutting someone else's hair?
HAHA…I think this answer should remain confidential!
What is your favorite part of being a stylist?
My favorite part of being a stylist is that in our industry learning and growing never stops. If you learned all there was to know about hair in one year, wouldn't that be so boring?
What hairstyle is "in" this season? Why?
From my perspective, it is the beach wave hairstyle. It is a natural curl style that looks great on just about every woman and really opens up the face.
Do you have any advice for men and women who color their hair?
I encourage people to see the beauty in having a more natural look such as from gray blending verses full coverage. I like gray blending because it has a multi dimensional look and it not as flat and monochromatic looking as full coverage.
What is the biggest problem you see with hair today?
I think the biggest problem in hair today is people wanting to copy celebrities' hair and not have there own unique sense of style.
What is your favorite style to work with?
I love to create the faux bob…because you can create your own interpretation of it. Sometimes higher in the back…sometimes lower in the front…it is a very versatile hairstyle.
What is the worst thing you can do to your hair?
I am a big proponent of conditioning your hair. I think too many people skip this step and it leads to hair without moisture and hair lacking essential oils and vitamins.
What is the best thing you can do to keep your hair looking healthy and beautiful?
In my opinion, healthy hair is hair that has a regular regiment of haircuts, deep conditioning and usage of products that protect hair from heat styling.
What is the most popular style you perform on a day to day basis?
I always try to encourage my clients to get outside of their box and try something new. Accordingly, I really don't have any particular style that I do on a day to day basis.
What are some products that you use regularly?
I am definitely using a lot of KMS California products at the moment. I truly believe they are some of the most versatile products that are in salons at the moment.
For women who can't afford big budget hair care, are there any products that you can buy from the store that you could recommend?
Without naming specific brands, there are some decent products that are widely available and less expensive in stores. However, I want to stress that the consumer may get a less expensive product, but what he or she doesn't get is the education and experience that a stylist could provide in a salon environment.
What has been your favorite era in hair styling?
While I wasn't around back then…the 60's era really excites me. I love the classic hairstyles from back in that day. Styles such as the ones seen on the hit show Madmen. Of course the best example of that era is the quintessential hairstyle of Jackie Kennedy.
Do you have any tips to prevent/overcome bad hair days?
Always use good styling products that give you the ability to control and style you hair.
Where can people find you?
You can find me at the following:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chris-Rushton/190395527702015
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ChrisRushtonable
Via: Spotlight Stylist - Chris Rushton