We are thrilled to partner once again with the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) to promote all of the talented artists who are finalists for the 2017 NAHAs (North American Hairstyling Awards), the most prestigious hair and beauty award in the country. In this feature get to know more about this year's Master Hairstylist of the Year & Haircutting Finalist, Sal Misseri.
Sal Misseri investigates what it means to be a true artist in his work, and begs us to ask the question of where our inspiration stems from. Depicting kids in his Hairstyling nomination, he demonstrates looks that he felt a kid might do to their hair, drawing from their free-spirited nature as artists. His Haircutting collection was all about strength – in cuts, color and spirit. Read on to learn more about the collections and see the beautiful images…
What is your favorite thing about being a hairstylist?
Being able to help create confidence for my clients and other hairstylists. Behind the chair I get to help people feel beautiful and in the classroom I'm giving stylists the tools to do the same thing for their clients.
Do you have a favorite haircut to create?
Nope, as long as it's suitable for the person I'm cutting it on them, that's all that matters to me.
What was the inspiration behind this collection?
The Haircut collection was all about strong women and strong shapes. I wanted the color to compliment the cuts but I wanted the boldness of the cuts to bring all the attention to the models personality.
The Master collection was based on kids and how every child is an artist and to not take things so seriously. I really wanted to capture the free spirited nature of kids and what hairstyles that I thought a kid might do on themselves.
What was your biggest challenge in creating this collection?
The Haircutting collection was pretty straight forward I knew exactly what I wanted to do and I have a strong background in haircutting so once I determined suitability for the model it was just following my instincts after that.
The master collection was tough because I had to put myself into the mindset of a child. I watched how kids moved, which we translated into poses. How they would do art, which turned into color placements, and how some kids like to cut their own hair so I used that for inspiration in styles. It was a refreshing shoot because it was nice to let loose and have fun.
What does your collection say about trends?
I don't think my collection has anything to do with trends. It is more telling people to set your own trends be a leader not a follower and most importantly have fun.
Tell us a little more about you, as an artist.
I'm laid back and like to create from natural instincts. I'm very fascinated by light and gravity and trying to discover new ways to use those principals in hair.
How do you Vegas?
I try to spend some time by the pool and relax. I work 7 days a week so Saturday before NAHA will be my first free day in a very long time.
Salty or sweet?
Salty, I'm trying not to eat sugar, but we will see how long that lasts.
What did you learn about yourself through creating this collection?
I haven't lost the inner child.
If you won the lotto (or slot machine) tomorrow, what would you do?
Buy an island in the Bahamas and open an academy there so stylists could come, learn and vacation all at the same time.
Stalk Sal Misseri on Bangstyle to see all of his work and stay tuned for even more NAHA Nominees!
