Within the specific skillset of hair styling, session styling encompasses its own specific niche, away from the salon, with an editorial basis that inspires hairdressers and clients alike.
We spoke to prolific salon owner and session stylist Anthony Nader of RAW Anthony Nader, who has been in session styling for 38 years and is currently a finalist for AHIA Session Stylist of the Year, about his session styling secrets, giving you a peek behind the lens of this unique hairdressing vocation.
Read on!
How does session styling work differ from salon work?
I understand that the majority of salons will always have a strong foundation of ‘salon hairdressers’, which is what every salon owner needs.
In comparison, a session stylist’s signature style is when the hair is never over worked, more organic and not stretched out of shape so it looks completely different. Think aspirational French fashion brands like Chloe, Isabel Marant, A.P.C. and CELINE – it’s always a loose and soft approach in hair styling. The hair is ‘touchable’.
This method can work on the salon floor but, what I’ve found over the years, is it really depends on each client that takes a seat in your chair. Some clients may feel like they’ve been totally ripped off by the ‘session touch’ that you’ve done even though you poured your heart and soul into the haircut and the finishing. You need to remember this client most likely has been going to a salon hairdresser for years where they have had that power root lift blow-dry then a touch of tong work and of course three different styling products layered in for good measure and hitting your weekly product targets.
If your brand is strong with session styling, your client community can see your strengths and your aspirations in your hair work. In saying this also, I, along with many session stylists, have salon clients in their chair who expect a salon haircut and blow-dry and finish, so we have to have the ability to seamlessly adapt.
What do you love about session styling?
The freedom of being in a creative space with other like-minded humans! Editorial shoots are my playground compared to being on an advertising shoot.
What have been your biggest accomplishments in session styling?
Spending ten years living in New York and just working on editorials and Fashion Weeks in Milan, Paris, and New York. I feel like I could write a book about this chapter of my career in New York with such deep passion for what I learnt.
Back in 2008 I received the AHJ Editorial Session Stylist of The Year award, which was a wonderful surprise. Back then you didn’t enter this category, it was voted by the Australian fashion and beauty publications, which was such an honour.
Why should salon stylists explore session styling?
I think at some stage a salon hairdresser will most likely want to dip their toes into the session world as it’s another avenue that’s open to explore in our fabulous industry. Just thinking about the past 28 years I’ve had my salon, I’ve employed hairdressers who have seen what I do and they’ve dabbled and enjoyed the process immensely.
However, there is a downside and that is, clients will get sick of you postponing their appointment – they just want a hairdresser that’s stable at the end of the day.
The hair industry has changed completely, especially since COVID. Many hairdressers are renting chairs now and work the days and hours they want. If you’re one of these hairdressers, you’ll find that working on photoshoots is going to work out far better for you as you are your own boss. I know so many session hairdressers who work in a salon renting a chair. They are religiously on the salon floor every Saturday because that’s the busiest day for them, even the very well-known session stylists who you see pop up in magazine credits.
What is your top session styling tip?
Don’t overwork the hair!
Also, be prepared for the hustle and countless non-paid jobs along the way. It’s all a part of self-development and fiercely competitive.
For me, being a session stylist is the most rewarding, pushes my creativity and has always led to future business opportunities.
For more information visit www.rawhair.com.au
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