Sometimes life takes us on unexpected turns that end up putting us on the path we were destined to be on. Whether it’s serendipity or coincidence, Dean Jones found his calling in hairdressing. Although he started in school to become an electrical engineer, his creative side pulled him into the art of hairdressing and he hasn’t looked back since. As one of the best decisions in his life, learn how he got to where he is now and take a peek at some of his latest work.
Can you tell us a little more about you and your styling background? What drew you to hair styling?
I haven’t always known that I wanted to be a hairdresser, actually. I was training to be an electrical engineer at college and then I realized I wanted a career that would allow me to express my creative side, so I turned to hairdressing. My big sister also suggested/pushed me into this industry and I am so glad she did.
What is your favorite technique to use?
I love Precision Cutting especially watching these from the classic DVD’s like Vidal Sassoon or Toni & Guy. I love how textured hair can be, especially with today’s trends where clients like to go for un-done looks at the moment.
What has been your biggest defining moment in your career?
I think I would say the biggest moment in my career was opening my own salon. I had wanted to do it for a while and after helping to manage a salon for some time it was a very proud moment for me.
Is there a specific area you often find yourself looking to for inspiration?
I like looking through trade magazines to see what other hairdressers are doing and I really like looking at fashion and beauty trends to take my inspiration from certain aspects of them. Social Media is also a very good place to go for inspiration. Instagram and Pinterest are my go-tos.
What is the one product/tool that you can’t live without?
My favorite go-to product at the moment is Wella Sebastian’s Texturizer.
It’s so versatile and can be used on so many hair types, amazing for building out hair and giving volume. My tool would have to be GHD Platinum’s, again its brilliant how you can create different textures and movement from a pair of straighteners.
How did you dream up the Allure Collection?
I wanted to create a collection that was accessible and inspirational, not only to hairdressers but also to consumers. I wanted to keep it as on-trend and commercial as possible so that women could see this as a style of their own.
How do you use styling to enhance your images?
For me styling the final image is the best part, you can see the look finally coming together. We deliberately choose a light background so the image itself would standout stronger. From keeping the hair looking effortless but allowing the strength of the clothes and make up to complement the overall look.
How did you work with your makeup/styling team to craft the final image?
I explained exactly what I had in mind for my collection through mood-boards and hair trends and types (ie. Short, mid, long, plus texture) and really tried to get the team to understand my vision for this. They then gave me their personal feedback and thoughts on what they thought were current to make the images pop, then we all collaborated to create the final looks. Everyone did an amazing job!
What is this collection saying about Women’s Trends?
Female empowerment is the subject of the moment and my collection hints to this with the blunt, precise, styling of the hair but the clothing and makeup have been kept deliberately feminine to show there is still a delicate edge to women’s trends too.
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
It would most definitely being able to teleport, if I could be in 10 places at once just like the film ‘Jumper,’ I mean who wouldn’t on a busy Saturday afternoon in the Salon.
Who were your mentors along the way and how have they shaped your career?
The hairdressers I have both worked with and worked for, during my career have definitely shaped my journey in the hairdressing industry. I really have learned so much from them. My first employer, Dom Miguel from Miguel Experience, while Alison Stewart from Alison Stewart Hairdressing 100% motivated me, especially on her out-look on fashion trends and in hairdressing industry.
What hair/color trends can we look forward to this Summer?
Definitely the tiger eye trend, with flashes of multi-tonal blondes and brunettes for a natural sun kissed look. Gone is Rose Gold and hello Blorange. It would be great to see a lot of shorter styles like the pixie and buzz cuts. Even shorter fringes will be big this summer with celebrities like Cara Delevingne & Scarlet Johannsson showing us how to wear it best.
