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Webmaster: David, where did your career start?
David: I’m from Atlanta and, after graduating from cosmetology school, I was a stylist at the Bob Steele salon for four years. It was great to learn to do cut and color, and build successful client relationships. On the salon floor you learn quickly the importance of being a professional.
Webmaster: Why move from Atlanta to New York?
David: After four years I was ready for a new challenge. I felt I could learn more and be a stronger creative stylist. But I only wanted to come here. I’d seen ARROJO at shows and I was impressed by their modern and creative approach to hairdressing, and the level of education stylists receive. I decided to take a trip to New York to visit the salon, and I immediately fell in love with the atmosphere. It was so welcoming, laid back, but professional, and with a clear commitment to excellence. I applied and I was lucky enough to get the job.
Webmaster: Joining ARROJO meant you went from a cut and color stylist back to an apprentice who had to choose to specialize in either cut or color. How was that?
David: Choosing to be a cutter was easy because I’ve always felt that’s where I am strongest. But it was tough be an assistant again. I had to go back to finding models and being in class after class. It was worth it, though. It enabled me to hone my craft and gain the technical aptitude I was looking for. The apprentice-training program at ARROJO teaches you the fundamentals of successful hair cutting in great detail. That gives you more confidence because your cuts are built on a rock-solid foundation. And from there, it’s a lot easier to step out of the box and be creative, which is something all stylists love to do.
Webmaster: You're the only person at ARROJO whose services include extensions. Can you tell us all about them? How do they work and who might be interested?
David: Yes, I do Great Lengths hair extensions. I only work with Great Lengths because they are top-of-the-line, 100 percent human hair. I took a class to learn the art in Atlanta and I’ve been doing them ever since. I enjoy working with clients who want extensions as I see them as the perfect modern accessory for those who want to make big changes, quickly. You can go from short to long hair in six hours, rather than six months, you can create fullness or a long sweeping bang. Extensions are also a great way to try color. You could do a highlighted look or a panel of creative color, without the commitment and without the damage. Extensions take a full day to apply but they’ll last three or four months. Great Lengths are not damaging in any way and for those that may be interested, I advocate looking at extensions as an investment and using them to create a look that will enhance your natural personality and style.
Webmaster: And you’re also a great hair cutter, working full-time on the salon floor. What kind of looks do you like to create for your clients?
David: With hair cutting there are so many different styles that, for me, the variety is the spice of a hairdresser’s life. Be it classic or creative, long or short, layered or blunt, I enjoy working with the client to find the perfect look for them. Whatever the style, a great haircut is one that is well executed from a technical standpoint, and exceeds the clients’ aesthetic expectations. Right now there’s a trend towards hairstyles that look lived-in, playful, and textured, and those looks are a lot of fun for stylists to create but, ultimately, salon styling is about making the client look and feel like a million dollars, whatever direction they want to take.
Webmaster: Tell us about your work with Y-3, Adidas, and Betsey Johnson. How did it come about and what do you enjoy about editorial?
David: It was phenomenal to work with three such iconic companies. It was at a charity runway show in aid of melanoma cancer research, called Fashionada. It’s always nice to get out from behind the chair and have a creative outlet. The great challenge of runway hairstyling is to create something magical on the fly. You have to work quickly but still honor the direction of the show. In an editorial or at a fashion show, you’re trying to make something that looks perfect for one moment in time; whereas, with clients, it’s about creating a look the individual will be happy with every day. It’s great to have both strings to your bow.
Webmaster: And you’ve also worked with ARROJO as a main-stage presence at national hair and beauty shows, can you tell us about that?
David: Our main-stage presentations are about showcasing, to fellow hairdressers, the latest trends in hairstyling, along with the techniques that make them work. It’s a terrific thing to be involved in and ARROJO has a great presence at these events. The team provides a fresh take on things and highlights a modern and creative approach, without being tacky. I see it as a reflection of the work we do in the salon each day: structured hair cuts with a creative and fashion-forward edge.
Webmaster: What does the future hold for you?
David: As a young stylist, I want to continue to build my client base in the salon. And I’d like to get more involved in the creative side of the industry. I’d love to work behind the scenes in film or TV or theater. To create an image that portrays and reflects a character. Whatever I do, I want the quality of my work to speak for itself.