Growing up with the constant desire to take care of others and help them look and feel their best, Paul Dunning became a hair stylist. Now, he gets to fulfill this aspiration each and every day. As a stylist and Scumbassador for Reuzel, he has not only been able to create flawless haircuts with fabulous product, but teach others how to as well. Learn more about Paul and how he got to where he is now in this Artist Feature.
How did you get started as a cosmetologist?
I was fortunate enough to grow up around excellent barbers and stylists. I always admired their skill, confidence, and passion. Since a pretty young age I knew I wanted to be a stylist so that I could make people feel their best. I love being able to work with my hands and communicate with people of all walks of life.
What is your favorite cut to create?
I love creating gravity-defying styles paired with a tight skin fade. Faded pompadours have always been my best outlet for both creating volume, and fading close to the head shape. These styles harken back to days where men emulated their favorite rockstar or actor.
What do you love most about being a stylist?
My favorite part of my career is that I not only get to make someone feel more attractive and confident the day of their salon visit, but throughout the next few weeks as their hair grows out. I love to know that people can proudly display my work day in and day out.
How have Schorem and Reuzel have changed your career and technique?
I have always wanted to cut men's hair in its most traditional form. Schorem is renowned for only creating classic styles in their shop. To form these shapes, we use a baseline at the top of the side of a man's head and work down. This technique leads to an incredibly refined look.
What has been the most defining moment of your career?
The most defining moment in my career was being accepted as a part of the Reuzel family. After admiring their work and product for so long, it was an honor to be counted amongst the Reuzel ranks. I always wanted the opportunity to be an educator, so being a Scumbassador is a dream come true.
Who are your mentors?
I've had the good fortune of working under two excellent stylists that were also inspirations to me early in life. Steve Stensrud, and Trace Miller are both Omaha stylists that were invaluable in my growth as a stylist. I also started following Leen and Rob from Schorem when they were first featured in Behind the Chair Magazine. Their acceptance and guidance has been such an exciting part of my career and I can't wait to learn even more from them.
Do you have a favorite Reuzel product?
Picking a favorite Reuzel product is very challenging. The best part of our product line is that it is incredibly versatile, covering all hair types and lengths. That being said, I use Grooming Tonic on every one of my clients. It is the ideal blow dry product for creating volume. I also use it instead of hairspray, to control flyaways and add shine.
Is there a tool you can't live without?
My adjustable clippers are my absolute favorite tool. We cut using the clipper-over-comb technique at Reuzel, and it is a huge part of the refinement process of a haircut.
If you had a super power what would it be?
If I could have a super power it would have to be super healing. I've always loved Deadpool comics and it would really come in handy when I accidentally nip myself doing a haircut!
To learn more about Paul and the rest of the Scumbassadors, be sure to stalk Reuzel on Bangstyle!
