The best hair stylists inspire the rest of us

Hairdressers have a job that allows them to touch peoples lives in a number of unique ways. If they are good at what they do, they become good listeners, sometimes good joke tellers and sometimes they become someone who can physically make people feel better about themselves. That’s where this best hairdresser found his life’s calling, to make others feel good about who they are and therefore better equipped to fit into society.

I ran across this story in People magazine’s, “Hero’s Among Us,” piece and thought I’d share it here. All of us have opportunities to ‘give back’ and this is just one way a stylist found to do that.

Robert Cradle opened the first African-American barbershop in the small town of Odenton, Maryland in 1991. He must have had some notion of what was to come because in his spare time he began taking classes on financial planning, fundraising and non-profit management.

A woman walked into his shop with her two foster sons, who Cradle realized had little money and he offered to wave his normal $12.00 haircut fee. He immediately felt the joy of giving, not just a free haircut, but a better feeling about themselves. As he watched them admire their new look, he says, “I felt that I was giving them care and security.” It was just a matter of months before he would start “Rob’s Community Barbershop Foundation.” He visited homeless shelters and gave free haircuts.

Cradle sold his shop in 2003 and has raised a reported $500,000 and contributions from individuals and foundations. With the money he can pay backup hair stylists and he has installed 7 chairs at two city shelters and a children’s home.

The foundation currently sponsors 3 in-house salons at local shelters. He approached the shelters and encouraged them to fill out an application for sponsorship. Then he sought out organizations interested in underwriting them for a year for the cost of equipment and construction, reported Adriane Watson, staff writer for, West County Gazette.
Mr. Cradle is a “fabulous resource,” say Ms. Zeitler development associate at St. Vincent’s Center, a therapeutic residential facility for emotionally and behaviorally-challenged children. “Children at the center often feel like they’re not good kids, but when they get to get their hair done they really feel special,” says Zeitler.

Thanks Rob Cradle for what you do as best hairdresser in my ledger.

Barb Quinn on Google+  

Got a question, war story or comment about this topic? Click on the "Leave Your Comments" link at the very bottom of this article. Some of my best ideas for future articles come from reading reader comments. I'd love to hear from you!

• Hair Talk How-To
• How to Get the Most from a Hair Stylist Appointment
• Hair Salon Etiquette
• How to Talk to Your Hairdresser
• How To Get the Most from a Hair Salon Appointment
• Getting the Best From a Hair Stylist
• Hair Stylist is Not Your Mother’s Hairdresser

Easy Hair Updo

.

Sebastian Professional gives up cool and easy hair updos.

I like this easy hair updo for a number of reasons but mostly because it’s got an edgy feel to it. This shape artfully combines a smooth, sleek, shiny, soft look, with a curly, voluminous, matte textured look.

“Easy Hair Updos”

Apply into damp hair, a strong holding styling product that will leave your hair full of body like, Gel Forte, by Sebastian. Blow dry for body. Take a section from crown to behind the ear to the nape. Use a strong holding spray, like Re-Shaper, by Sebastian and set sections with hot rollers.  Leave the rest of the hair in front of ears straight or smooth out with a flat iron. Release set. Tease hair to create a cushion and pin into shape. Use straight hair at the front to “cover” and blend the two textures. Place and hold using Re-Shaper.

Gel Forte can also be used in dry hair for a stronger hold and separation.

Re-Shaper is a humidity resistant, brush able spray and can be used on damp or dry hair. It also works as a root lifter or a finishing spray for all hair types.

Barb Quinn on Google+  

Got a question, war story or comment about this topic? Click on the "Leave Your Comments" link at the very bottom of this article. Some of my best ideas for future articles come from reading reader comments. I'd love to hear from you!

• Easy Updos for the Holidays
• Hair Updos for Fall Are Soft and Sweet
• Prom Updos
• Long Hair Updos
• Long Prom Hair Styles: So Pretty, So Easy
• Wedding Hair Series – Bridesmaid Hairstyles
• Short Hair Updo’s

Agyness Deyn’s “Aggy” Hair Style

Trend Alert! – The Aggy Hair Style is Hot in New York 

New York hairdressers are reporting that the Aggy hairstyle is one of the most requested hair styles these days. Celebrities such as Selma Blair and Mena Susvari have been seen wearing this hot new hair style recently.

“The Aggy Hair Style”The Aggy hair style was created by New York hairdresser Sam McKnight, for Agyness Deyn for a Mario Testino photo shoot a couple of years ago. Vogue noted the stunning platinum pixie and dubbed it the “The Aggy Hair Style” and called it the hair style of the decade.

I love this look and those of you who like to be on the trendy edge might want to give it a try.

Got a question, war story or comment about this topic? Click on the "Leave Your Comments" link at the very bottom of this article. Some of my best ideas for future articles come from reading reader comments. I'd love to hear from you!

• Crop Hairstyles, the Hottest New Short Hair Styles
• Short Cute Hairstyles of Agyness Deyn