Stephanie Bellairs proves that hair colour can transform and define you. It can change your mood, how others view you, and even how you view yourself. It makes us rethink the idea of the eyes being windows to the soul and believe that outward customizable expression may be a more accurate sentiment. Take a peek at her fabulous work and learn more about Stephanie as an artist, and what her work means.
Can you tell us a little more about you and your styling background?
I have been hairdressing for 21 years, Owner and Creative Director of my salon, Head Graffiti for 13 years. During this time I have stayed true to my individual style of creating on-trend and fashion forward hair. I definitely like to step outside the box.
What drew you to hair styling?
I was always a bit ahead of my time with my choice of hairstyles opting for a very short crop in my early years at High School. I was a bit of a chameleon with my hair and I still love regularly changing up my look.
What is your favorite technique to use?
I tend not to favour a particular technique; instead I look to handcrafted and freehand methods in both cutting and colour application.
What has been your biggest defining moment in your career?
Winning Gold at the Wella Professionals Trend Vision competition for Australia in 2008 and then going on to win Bronze at the International Trend Vision Awards in Lisbon, Portugal later that year has been my biggest defining moment as a hairdresser.
Can you give us a bit of insight into what the typical creative process behind creating a collection?
I tend to start with a brainstorming session with my Makeup Artist where we look to a lot of visual inspiration from the runway, pop culture, and music via Pinterest, Instagram and other social media sites. Through the creation of moodboards we then collaborate with our creative team including photographer and model to ensure we are all in sync with the art direction.
Is there a specific area you often find yourself looking to for inspiration?
I am drawn to strong female icons as a source of inspiration; think Madonna or Lady Gaga. I enjoy pushing the normal constraints about what it means to be beautiful. My aesthetic is usually dark, grungy, edgy and highly styled, however I do also enjoy softer looks that embrace a strong femininity. There is almost always an element of rebellion to my collections!
Do you have any rituals to ensure a successful shoot?
Ensuring everyone on the creative team is on the same page with the direction of the collection… However, hiccups arise and sometimes a little bit of disorganized chaos can produce some amazing results too!
What is the one product/tool that you can’t live without?
My hands! I really tend to favour handcrafted styles and quite often look to unconventional methods to achieve a unique editorial look. Second would be my Mizutani scissors!
How did you create your style of color?
Experimentation alongside freehand technique is my mantra; playing with wefts of hair and creating random shapes and colour placement is such a great way to achieve really unique looks.
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
The ability to freeze time (both for practical and vanity reasons) haha!
Who were your mentors along the way?
I have looked up to many artists in the Hair Industry for inspiration, including British hairdressers Eugene Souleiman and Errol Douglas, as well as Australian stylist Frank Apostolopoulos, whose work I have been lucky enough to observe first hand.
What hair trends can we look forward to this Fall?
Here in Australia, we are looking ahead to our Spring/Summer collections, which for us, will see the continued trend of handcrafted braids and mixed textures, as well as accessories in and on the hair. Colour trends will include unique melts of metallics and diluted pastel undertones. Cuts are all about individuality and the short hair trend continues even looking to barbering for inspiration.
For even more inspiration and colours that are sure to delight the senses, be sure to stalk Stephanie Bellairs on Bangstyle!
