HairBoutique Blog

Before the third Season of Shear Genius started, insiders were projecting that Minneapolis hairdresser Faatemah Ampey was going to be the Diva of the Hairdresser Darlings and even possibly take away the $100,000 prize.

Alas, it was not meant to be.  At the end of the third episode, Faatemah has sent packing.

(Image Of Faatemah Ampey - Shear Genius 3 - Bravo/TV - All Rights Reserved)

Why?  There wasn’t any one reason, but if you study the three episodes she was on the show, a pattern does emerge.  Don’t get me wrong.  I am a Faatemah fan. I had the immense pleasure of meeting Faatemah at the NAHA awards in July of 2010 where the lovely and charming Faatemah graciously accepted her award for Best Fashion Forward designs.

So why was she cut from the hairdresser reality show on Bravo?

As a licensed hairdresser who also have been focused on consumer hair issues since 1997 I believe I have a unique perspective on both sides of the chair.

When I was attending Paul Mitchell Beauty school, we often had competitions.  The first one was very unnerving.  We had to do an updo on our mannequins.  It was a timed competition with a big giant ticking clock placed in the middle of the room. (more…)

After recently spending one week in Las Vegas roaming the halls at Cosmoprof09 and attending NAHA 2009 it was my humble opinion that every professional hairdresser should participate in both events, at least once in their career lifetimes.

Why?  It will push the boundaries of your hair career to the next level.

Note: To read about the 2009 Avant Garde NAHA winner refer to: Dallasite Darian Bishop

(Image of Fashion Forward winning NAHA 2009 Entry by Faatemah Ampey from St. Paul, MN - Photographer: Buck Holzemer - Courtesy of PBA - All Rights Reserved).

Although I had been writing about and viewing images of NAHA (North American Hairstyling Awards) winners for years, it was literally exhilarating to personally experiment the excitement and energy pulsating through the audience in attendance at the actual awards show.

I honestly don’t believe you can attend a NAHA ceremony and not take away a renewed love of hairdressing.  I don’t even work behind the chair and I left the 2009 awards with a more passionate appreciation of what professional hairdressing offers to the world. (more…)

Using a razor to cut hair is not new.  In fact, it’s been used by hairdressers for many years.

Some of the best hairstylists use razors to create dramatic and high fashion styles for runways.  Which explains why razor hair cutting is more popular in Europe than in the United States.  Many in the hair profession believe to achieve the most finished results for a tailored hair cut, the razor is the best hair cutting tool to use.

Note: For some images of razored hairstyles check out:  Razor Sharp: Shredded, Chopped & Sliced Hair

Vivian MacKinder, my own personal hairdressing heroine (who I recently saw and interviewed at Cosmoprof 2009), is probably one of the most skilled hair cutters with a razor of any hair professional I have yet to meet in the hair world.  Watching Vivian work with a razor is like watching a sculptor with their special tools.

Note: To read more about the amazing Vivian MacKinder please check out:  The Evolution Of Vivienne MacKinder

Vivian visited the Paul Mitchell school when I was there attending classes and demonstrated several of her techniques.  It was one of the highlights of my attendance at the school.  She also make some very special hair cutting razors available for purchase.  Yes I did buy the razor with some back blades. (more…)

Phoenix, AZ (May 1, 2009) - The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) announced the much anticipated finalists for the 2009 North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA)!

Celebrating 20 years as the most esteemed beauty competition in North America, NAHA honors top hairstylists and beauty professionals with the industry’s most prestigious award on Sunday, July 19, at a star-studded Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas. (more…)