Hair Today, Gordon Tomorrow

Take Gordon Nelson, for example. As senior vice president for fashion, education, and marketing at Regis Corporation, he’s responsible for a team of 150 artistic directors who continually train the company’s 53,600-plus stylists, helping them stay current with the latest styles, cuts, and techniques. Founded in 1922 as Kunin Beauty Salon and renamed in 1958, Regis is the world’s largest company in the salon business with more than 11,000 salons, representing more than twenty-five brands, including Regis Salons, Trade Secret, Cost Cutters, Master Cuts, and Vidal Sassoon.

Nelson, who hails from London, met a team from Regis that came to see one of his demonstrations at the Vidal Sassoon school in 1974. Next thing he knew, he had jumped the pond and helped the company transition from the “shampoo and set” era to our current “cut and blow dry” culture. OK, so this guy obviously knows what he’s doing, so we just had to get his opinion on a few things.

What role does hair play in our overall look? Hair is an accessory—it’s a part of you, helps portray you. You don’t want to be the stand that carries the hair.

Let’s talk color. Definitely the biggest change in our industry in the past ten years. Color should be seasonal. Now that it’s winter, color should be more muted in tones. Hair should be at its lightest in summer.

What about “product”? We started seeing it in the 1980s and by the mid ’90s we were in full stride. Inside every jar is a different look. And stylists know what’s in the jar. Don’t be afraid to talk to your stylist. Ask questions. Ask them to show you how.

Hollywood. It isn’t real. The photos don’t just happen. In reality, we don’t want to spend the time. When it comes to your own hair, ask yourself, “When did I feel most comfortable?”

Holiday hair. It’s like weddings—nothing too extreme. You want to look and feel like yourself. If you’re looking for a change, then do it at least three days before the party to get comfortable so you’ll radiate. Don’t be too radical.

The total package. It’s tone I’m after when the hair, color, shape, and makeup all come together. Whether it’s long or short, it’s in the finish. Keep your hair maintained. And don’t look too deliberate.