Up up and away!

While the summer is slowly creeping in, my calendar is quickly beginning  to fill up with exciting adventures and opportunities! I returned from an inspiring weekend at the Orlando Premiere show late Monday night and hit the ground running. I have to take things one day at a time or I may just implode with anticipation of all that this season holds. Aside from the usual business of planning the next Open Chair Detroit, working behind the chair, and travelling to hair shows far and wide, I have some exciting plans to educate the masses, and continue to grow Open Chair Detroit through collaborations with local industry enthusiasts. In addition to these collaborations, I am working on getting our story of passion and hair culture published in the industry's leading professional magazine. Watch me work!

Updates

As Open Chair Detroit 4 gets closer, plans are in full swing. Flyers will go out on Monday at our performers meeting. As usual we have a diverse and excited group of artists ready to share their style with  other hair enthusiasts. There is nothing more fulfilling than to see these events develop a cult following the way that they have. They are getting attention on a local, as well as a national level and I am so proud to be a part of it. In recent meetings with  Michigan F.AS.H. Fest a plan was made. I will lead an official Scissor Candy Runway team to style a featured runway event at this September's F.A.S.H Fest. While this is an amazing opportunity for Scissor Candy to get local exposure, it is also an opportunity for our fans to join our team and share in the buzz. At Open Chair 4, on June 30th, our Open Chair styling stations will serve as a platform for a competition to chose our runway team. The theme is pinup, and the stylists will be judged on timing, skill, and overall look. Stylists, be sure to bring a model and all your tools to the Park Bar on June 30th at 5pm and show us what you've got! https://www.facebook.com/events/612475905432068/?fref=ts

Education

I am shooting my editorial styling dvd this coming week. This video will be a supplement to the class I will be teaching at the Bronner Brothers Show in August in Atlanta GA. It will cover the perfect blow out, hot iron work, braids, the proper tease, and creative pin work. This video will be a must have for anyone looking to step up their hairdressing skills as well as looking to build a solid portfolio. If you can't make it down to Atlanta, it will be available on my website. http://www.laurenmmoser.com/

In addition to Bronner I will also be working with my partner in crime, Rodrick Samuels, to offer monthly advanced education beginning in August. The venue is secured and we are working on the details, so stay tuned! You can finally look forward to quality non manufacturer based education right here in Detroit. With our combined experience of 30+ years we can help you take your career to the next level. 

Adding to the excitement!

As if all of this wasn't enough I still have the North American Hairstyling Awards to look forward to! On July 12th we will be heading to Las Vegas to attend the biggest night in hairdressing and I am so honored to be nominated in the texture category. Win or lose I already feel on top. To see my work featured in Modern Salon's coverage of the competition was the highlight of my week. Sign up to watch the NAHA webcast live on July 14th from the Mandalay Bay Las Vegas! http://www.modernsalon.com/salon-industry-events-calendar/hair-events-pba-naha/

I look forward to seeing you this summer at these exciting events and I'm ready to bring some inspiration and  advanced education  home to Detroit. Follow me at  https://twitter.com/lmmoser and follow me on my journey.

The Hairafter

Early last week I learned of the passing of one of my most adored regular clients. Her name was Olivia, and she was an amazing women. She was a mother, a grandmother, and a friend to many. Although this retired social worker was in her 70s, she had a spirit that was younger than some of my friends in their 30s. I always looked forward to her visits because, as a single mother and someone who spent her life working with the public, we could relate to each other and the conversation always had a significant impact on me. Olivia had been in my shoes, and always had sound advice and a positive outlook. Her passing came as a shock, and it was sad to know I wouldn't see her walk through the door again.

Losing Olivia had me thinking a lot about our roles in client's lives and, ultimately, the role they play in ours. Upon finding out about Olivia,  my immediate reaction was the funeral and the idea of being able to pay my respects. As the day went on I found my mind wandering back to past funerals of clients I have been to, and how awkward I always felt. If you had never met anyone else in their life, and you show up alone, everyone is looking to figure out how their loved one had come to be close enough to you to warrant your  presence at this very private time. Not that anyone would dare say anything, but it always feels strange to mourn a client's passing along side family and friends. The most interesting part, and the part that I believe makes it so emotional for us stylists, is that we probably knew this person better than their friends and family. Clients divulge everything to us because we are safe. We know if they are happy or sad, and  who they like and dislike. The trials and tribulations of their lives are laid out every 4-6 weeks............ in great detail. Knowing what we know, it is impossible not to experience grief when they leave us, and we have earned that right.
As sad as it is losing a dear client, it is an amazing opportunity that we have as stylists to touch so many lives. Too often we go to work to do our "job", and miss the benefits of our chosen career. It's the little things........

This weekend is Memorial weekend, the unofficial start of summer, at least in Detroit. Pools will open, kids will soon be out of school, and being behind the chair can be tough will all the perfect weather going on outside! Use this weekend to regroup and recharge, and come back feeling inspired and ready to focus.

Haute Hair 2.0

I'm back! These last few months have been full of excitement and  a bit of madness, and for those of you that know me understand that this is when I'm at my happiest. March was full of meetings and planning as I prepared for Scissor Candy's Open Chair Detroit 3. As the Detroit Liaison, for this Philadelphia based company, it is my responsibility to scout the venue, performers, models, djs, photographers, and any other support we may need  for these unique industry events. As you can imagine, all of this takes a great deal of research and organization, the latter of which is not my specialty! Knowing April was full of travel and work, I decided to dedicate the month to planning and organizing.......and it worked! I was able to ease into April and enjoy what life had to offer.

April was an interesting month. It went by so fast it seemed like a moment, but  was full of so many milestones, that  I came out of it a different person; which gave it the significance of an era. For the first 8 days of April, I embarked on a journey with my 2 kids that took us 1900 miles in 8 days.......in a Jetta. While on my vacation, I was constantly connected to home,  keeping up with my model search. Even on vacation, the show must go on!  Less than week after returning from vacation, I traveled down, and taught an Editorial Styling Class at Profile Barber Institute in Summerville, South Carolina. Rodrick Samuels, Profile's founder, graciously opened his doors to stylists and students to further their education and find inspiration in creating beautiful hair. I enjoyed every second of witnessing the impact that this education had on these young stylists. It is a very fulfilling experience to be able to give back to an industry that has given me so much. I returned to Detroit happy and inspired. Two short weeks later, metro Detroit's most passionate stylists joined me at the Park Bar Detroit to celebrate local talent at Open Chair Detroit 3! What an inspiring evening!

Two days after Open Chair Detroit 3 PBA announced the finalists for the 2013 North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA), and my work earned me a nomination as one of five finalists in the texture category. For those of you that may not be familiar with this award, it is considered to be the "Oscars" of the beauty world. When I saw my name and my photo submission come up on the video I was speechless. As a first time entrant, I was honored to see my name being recognized alongside icons in our industry. Within days the media requests came in for bios, head shots, video reactions, and interview questions for various publications. As all of these requests had deadlines, and I had just set the date for Open Chair Detroit 4 for the end of June, my plate was very full and  I had to get to work. Between having full books. being a single mom,  my position with Scissor Candy, and all the excitement surrounding NAHA, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. I made a "to-do" list in order of priority and started knocking things off one by one, and soon enough I felt in control again! I'm a gladiator with shears, a laptop, and sometimes a broom (if time permits)! This summer is filled with education, video shoots, class preparation, Open Chair events, NAHA, and of course the salon life. Let the frenzy begin!

In light of all of the recent changes in my routine I have decided to change the platform of Haute Hair Detroit. While I lack the free time to be out and about finding the hottest looks around the city, I am embarking on many new adventures, and will use this blog to share them with my readers. Join me on my journeys  in organizing Detroit's favorite underground platform shows,  and as I travel across the U.S. sharing my craft  representing the city I call home. Welcome to the new Haute Hair Detroit!

Thank you for your support.
Lauren Moser
https://twitter.com/lmmoser


2013 North American Hairstyling Award finalists announcement:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFX2qYAhU88

Walk on the Wild Side

This blog was created out of love for hair and the city of Detroit. As a hair stylist we are trained to know trends. Up and coming trends become our guides and clients always want "what's in"....or do they?  As I was studying trends for 2013 I found myself processing the images I was seeing on the runways into salon friendly styles that my clients would be confident walking around wearing. Passionate stylists allover the country will find themselves doing the same, but here's the interesting part.....the interpretations will all be very different depending on region. Whether you are East coast or West coast, Midwest or Southeast the perspective on trends will be unique. This blog is about Detroit. With a quirky blend of conservative business people, expressionistic artists, and everything in between there is no shortage of style. I invite you to follow my journey to defining style in Detroit. Get a peek into what inspires people when choosing hairstyles and what stylists are making a name around town. Look for me around the city, I'll be the girl with the camera and notebook asking people about all their personal hair routines.

Walk on the Wild Side

While many Detroiters spent this last weekend trying to stay out of the the cold, I took Haute Hair Detroit  to Atlanta and  attended the Bronner Brothers International Hair Show. This show was jam packed with exhibitors, educators and exciting eye candy for every kind of industry professional. Between running the Rodrick Samuels  #staysharp booth, being a model for on stage cutting presentation at the Andis exhibit and also for Rodrick's inspiring class Professionals and Amateurs, being on a panel of industry professionals for Devette Green's Business Rehab: A 12 Step Program, and trying to take in all of my surroundings, I had a lot to do in 3 short days! Since my Haute Hair reconnaissance time was limited I was sure to have my camera on me at all times. Not to worry, in my travels from point A to point B, I was able to capture enough material  to share with you what this show is all about. Because my creative side craves the extreme I will begin my Bronner recap with the avant garde. With any hair show or convention, it is the wild that grabs your attention and opens your mind to the endless possibilities that this artistic medium can offer. Hair is pliable, buildable, and can be painted any color your creative heart desires. This wearable medium allows you to model your art, and can transform you from ordinary to extraordinary. In this edition we will enjoy the ingenuity that makes this show such an inspiring place to see and be seen. 

The Art of Color and Design

Color trends are now crossing gender lines like we have never seen before. Not only are men coloring their hair, they aren't afraid to add masculine flair to colors that were once mostly seen on their feminine counterparts. This show goer combined a strong profile, creative design, and new age color techniques to create a picture perfect look.

Lights, Camera, Action

This style had it all, tight fade, lots of color, and flashing lights! With all that was going on in this coiffe, its no wonder it took first place in the Andis Total Look Competition.Congratulations to Lindon West for his masterpiece which he titled "Black to the Future"

Hats off!

Stage presentations at many hair shows allow platform artists to take a concept from fantasy to  reality.This show did not disappoint. While rushing through the crowd I spotted these 3 beauties near the front stages. In my haste I didn't have an opportunity to investigate their origin, but I got them to stop long enough to capture their shining moment to share with my favorite Haute Hair Detroit fans. 

As I leave you all to digest this visual feast, rest assured there is more to come! While I am working on the next edition of Haute Hair Detroit, I am also planning for the next Open Chair Detroit. For those of you that don't know, I am also the Detroit Event Liaison for a company called Scissor Candy that is based out of Philadelphia. Open Chair events are a place where stylists can let loose and express their creative freedom on a model that we provide, in a social setting, without the confines of the salon. Our next Open Chair will be held at the Park Bar in Detroit on April 28th. This is an event that welcomes industry professionals, as well as those that appreciate the art of hair design. Follow the link below and see what we are all about. Don't forget to check out the gallery section to see photos and video from past Open Chair Events. 

http://scissorcandy.com/

Rock City

This blog was created out of love for hair and the city of Detroit. As a hair stylist we are trained to know trends. Up and coming trends become our guides and clients always want "what's in"....or do they?  As I was studying trends for 2013 I found myself processing the images I was seeing on the runways into salon friendly styles that my clients would be confident walking around wearing. Passionate stylists allover the country will find themselves doing the same, but here's the interesting part.....the interpretations will all be very different depending on region. Whether you are East coast or West coast, Midwest or Southeast the perspective on trends will be unique. This blog is about Detroit. With a quirky blend of conservative business people, expressionistic artists, and everything in between there is no shortage of style. I invite you to follow my journey to defining style in Detroit. Get a peek into what inspires people when choosing hairstyles and what stylists are making a name around town. Look for me around the city, I'll be the girl with the camera and notebook asking people about all their personal hair routines.

Rock City

Wherever you may find yourself in Detroit, you will never be far from a unique establishment to quench you thirst or satisfy your hunger. Whether you are looking to have a few cocktails and take in some live music, or sip on some coffee and get lost in your laptop, you will find it here.  I thoroughly enjoy getting out and  people watching in these various establishments as each place draws its own exclusive mix of city goers.  As Detroit continues to flourish with new business all over the city I began to realize that the staff tends to have styles that are just as intriguing as their patrons. It makes sense, really....men and women in the service industry are generally hired based on a charming personality and appealing styles. 

Cye Pie Student/Songwriter/Lead singer of Atoms and Ease

This ultra busy girl on fire captured my attention while she was running around Bert's serving up ribs and cocktails to a very lively karaoke crowd one freezing cold Saturday afternoon. The deep freeze that crept across the state did not keep people home, but did leave them craving warm comfort food and plenty of drinks. I knew getting Cye to stop long enough to take a picture and ask some questions was going to be a challenge. I hate to be annoying while people are trying to work, but I'm certainly not above it, within reason of course. Waiting for a break in the action I lost her. After scanning the crowd to no avail my attention went back to enjoying the music. As I turned my head toward the stage, I realized that the girl that had the crowd on their feet was my missing waitress!!! Not once did I think to look for her on stage! Shortly after she finished her stellar performance, I noticed she had stopped for literally once second. I moved fast and snapped my pic. I found out that this artistic being colors, and styles, her own hair. She has been known to change it as often as once a week, depending on her mood. When craving change, Cye likes to keep it fresh and not repeat the same look twice. As the lead singer of Atoms and Ease, this musical trendsetter likes to keep her fans guessing. Her favorite attribute when it comes to her hair is the texture and how it feels in a big fluffy afro. I couldn't agree more. Love this look. See Cye live when Atoms and Ease performs on February 23rd at Northern Lights Lounge at 9pm. $5 cover.

Mikael Beverage Artist

On one balmy zero degree Tuesday morning I stopped into The Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company to grab some coffee and quiet time to work after an early morning meeting. I was greeted with a warm smile and a head of hair worth photographing. Not sure my bashful barista was in love with my picture snapping and question asking but he hesitantly obliged......sort of. As far as who maintains his look, he laughed at my silly question and informed me he handles that himself. I got the impression that hair isn't Mikael's number one priority so I left it at that, and he got back to work.. He was a great sport and had graciously allowed me to fuss over him long enough with my picture taking and my request to divulge his hair secrets.. 

Haute Hair Detroit On Location

Next weekend I will be travelling to Atlanta for the Bronner Bros International Hair Show, and Haute Hair Detroit is coming with me. I will be covering my trip through pictures, and letting you all in to get a peak at what goes on behind the scenes in your stylist's creative mind as seen at one of the biggest shows of the year. If you happen to be there I will be at booth 939, stop by and say hi, maybe you will be featured in the next edition of Haute Hair Detroit!!

It's so cold in the D!

This blog was created out of love for hair and the city of Detroit. As a hair stylist we are trained to know trends. Up and coming trends become our guides and clients always want "what's in"....or do they?  As I was studying trends for 2013 I found myself processing the images I was seeing on the runways into salon friendly styles that my clients would be confident walking around wearing. Passionate stylists allover the country will find themselves doing the same, but here's the interesting part.....the interpretations will all be very different depending on region. Whether you are East coast or West coast, Midwest or Southeast the perspective on trends will be unique. This blog is about Detroit. With a quirky blend of conservative business people, expressionistic artists, and everything in between there is no shortage of style. I invite you to follow my journey to defining style in Detroit. Get a peek into what inspires people when choosing hairstyles and what stylists are making a name around town. Look for me around the city, I'll be the girl with the camera and notebook asking people about all their personal hair routines.

Its so cold in the D!

Despite subzero temperatures, the city is still a buzz with people taking full advantage of what the city has to offer in these icy winter months. Being the adventurous woman that I am, I have also bundled up and hit  some of my favorite spots that offer both entertainment and prime people watching opportunities. The balance of function and fashion was present as spirited Detroiters all over the city braced themselves for the cold and still show us what Haute Hair Detroit is all about!

Chanel O. Closing Preparation Specialist/Model

I found Chanel skating around Campus Martius on a random Saturday night, and had to grab her for Haute Hair Detroit. Her style shows that she isn't afraid to make a statement with her personal style. While Chanel normally does her hair herself, and changes it only about once a year, her latest look was given to her when she modeled in local hair show. I love the use of bold color that brightens up her already glowing face, but Chanel's favorite aspect of her hair is the convenience of her cropped look. With texture and bold color stealing the show in 2013, this look has it all!

Karon W. AKA The Man of Soul  Patient Transportaion/Performer

I met Karon at Bert's, in Eastern Market, while enjoying their famous Saturday afternoon karaoke. Anyone who is a regular will recognize Karon as one of Bert's most favored performers (or at least mine!). Over a few cocktails, Karon and I talked about hair, fashion, and individuality.  First question I asked was who he trusted to keep him looking his best? Not only did I get an answer, he called his barber right there and let me talk to him! Gotta love this in depth interview.....on the other end of the line I met Chauncey Beard from Fade Away in Highland Park. After the call, our conversation led to change. The Man of Soul has been known to change his look constantly to avoid fashion boredom and keep everyone on their toes. Don't let this tame look fool you; this man and his fashion, quite often, take a walk on the wild side. Stay tuned for future blog appearances by this Eastern Market "hautie".

Duncan L. Student

While I didn't run into Duncan by accident, his hair and it's story is worth sharing. In May, Duncan asked me if I would be able to recreate a style of one of his favorite characters, Tessai, from the show Bleach for the Youmacon Detroit 2012 Convention that was to be held in November. Always up for a challenge, I agreed and Dancan began growing out his short cut for something I could work with.  The day of the event he came into the salon with picture in hand an we got to work. As you can see from the before and after shot, the transformation was dramatic. While his hair and overall look was a big hit at the convention he said he did get quite a few stares while running errands all day! 

Artist and the City

This blog was created out of love for hair and the city of Detroit. As a hair stylist we are trained to know trends. Up and coming trends become our guides and clients always want "what's in"....or do they?  As I was studying trends for 2013 I found myself processing the images I was seeing on the runways into salon friendly styles that my clients would be confident walking around wearing. Passionate stylists allover the country will find themselves doing the same, but here's the interesting part.....the interpretations will all be very different depending on region. Whether you are East coast or West coast, Midwest or Southeast the perspective on trends will be unique. This blog is about Detroit. With a quirky blend of conservative business people, expressionistic artists, and everything in between there is no shortage of style. I invite you to follow my journey to defining style in Detroit. Get a peek into what inspires people when choosing hairstyles and what stylists are making a name around town. Look for me around the city, I'll be the girl with the camera and notebook asking people about all their personal hair routines.

Artist and the City 

While at the Russel Industrial building for a collaborative photo shoot, I met some interesting local artists with a style all their own. These 3 women had free spirits, a passion for their craft, and self expression that leaked from their pores. Here are their hair stories. 

 

Abigail R. Fashion Stylist/Makeup Artist

Abigail will proudly tell you that she is her own stylist, and with good reason. This girl has managed to cut herself a pretty amazing asymmetrical bob that is ever so stacked in the back, and has the accent of a lovely lilac hue that did not go unnoticed. With a blow dryer and just 3 products, her look is complete  Her hair mood seems to change with the seasons and is usually a result of boredom with her look. In just a few weeks she will switch it up a bit when she refreshes her locks and goes for a purple that is a shade or two darker than her current pastel. This fashion stylist/makeup artists is a true style expert and really knows how to put a look together from head to toe!

                                 Amber L. Local Artist

Amber, a friend of Abigail, wandered in halfway through our shoot and I couldn't help but notice her hair. While she also is her own hair artist, her look is vastly different than her dear friend. Her latest style came as most of her others do, through the study and passion for other cultures combined with her desire to push the envelope of acceptance in society. To maintain this look she must cut her hair once a week and she uses one product to keep her locks nourished. While Amber has no immediate plans to change her latest trend, she did tell me that when a new inspiration comes the change will be sudden and without warning. This cultured Detroiter illustrates that hair does not have to be traditionally glamorous to be striking and beautiful, it's all in how you wear it.

                 Samantha H. Photographer/Student/Sales Rep

This uber busy city girl has a lot on her plate and yet still manages to conquer it all with style. With the help of her hairstylist, Melanie Radtke at Ulta Beauty, Samantha modifies her look about 4 times a year. Her makeovers are usually driven by a craving self expression. Its about that time for Samantha to switch things up, I can't wait to see what she has in mind! With the use of only one product Samantha flaunts glossy locks and an artistic flair that keep  heads turning.