With over 20 years at the cutting edge, Andrew Jose was Principal of the Vidal Sassoon Schools and Academies before opening his salon in Charlotte Street, London. Today Andrew can be found doing session work, teaching or hands-on in his salon. We talk talk to the punk legend on his view of the history and future of hair.
Tell me about the day you first stepped in a salon.
The first salon I worked in was Bond Street in 1997. It had a floor walker manager, Kevin and the manger Nigel had a convertible etype jaguar parked outside! Aitch Peters was the Art Director, with Annie Humphreys and Christian in the colour department…It was the most fantastic experience.
You were at Vidal Sassoon in the 80’s. Can you describe a typical day during your time there?
After being the youngest stylist I quickly came to teaching – first in the staff training department, then in the school, demonstrating each day. I really remember the hands on teaching, the shows and overseas travel.
You were Principal of the Vidal Sassoon Schools and Academies. What’s your most memorable moment from that time?
The team, the creativity, the parties!
The revolutionist in the school when I started teatching was Flint Whincop. He introduced punk and really shook everything up. Out of this came many of the cutting tecniques we take for granted: texturising, slide cutting and freehand colour. Flint also introduced the concept of cubism – how the placement of colour can create an optical illusion of movement, something that is interestingly being re-examined now.
How has your time there influenced your work today?
That was almost 10 years of my life, of course it has influenced me. It set my foundation and expectations of hairdressers and hairdressing.
How do you think Vidal has influenced the industry?
He created our industry as a craft whilst never losing site of the importance of the individual.
You were the first hairdresser to broadcast hairdressing live on the internet in 1999. How important do you think it is to be a progressive hairdresser, embracing new technology?
Whatever I do has a creative heartbeat. Whatever comes along you have got to consider it, reinterpret it, and make it your own.
And what are you most looking forward to about being on stage at On The Edge?
Girls with beautiful hair. I have a style, a way I like people to look, and I try to present it each season in a fresh way.
Catch Andrew on stage at On The Edge this April. Tickets are available HERE:
Hint: £50 tickets are proving particularly popular! For limited edition Band B tickets, click HERE:
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