Beauty Story: Vogue Italia January 2013 by Tom Munro

Before and After, Hairstyle by Rachael Beauty.

The before photo is just after I had crimped the model's weave. The after photo is the final look.

Here is a better view of what I had to work with. I made it work!

Time to get creative!

This hair did take me a long time. I am not going to lie. I think it took me around 6 hours or so. I wasn't rushing though. When doing an avant garde hairstyle it is all about trial and error.

At least for me. I played around with a few different looks the whole time. I also asked for input from the stylist, photographer and makeup artist. I think I used a whole bottle of hairspray on her! 

I molded the hair the direction I wanted it to go and made sure it dried. I used synthetic extensions to stuff the hair to make it appear full and with lots of volume. The only part of her real hair that is showing are the bangs of about 1 inch. I made sure those stayed down nice and tight.

I used a pomade to get a shiny look. I had fun on this photoshoot. I was able to create something I didn't even know existed nor knew it was something I could do. I just went for it. 

Sometimes you just have to let your creative juices flow.

If you are a beginning hairstylist, don't give up! Practice. Practice. Practice.

Watch youtube tutorials. Practice on a doll head or anyone that will let you.

You won't regret it. 

I started out not knowing a thing, absolutely nothing about hair! I was able to create this after countless hours practicing at cosmetology school and at home. Lots of people made fun of me for trying out different hairstyles on my dollheads at school. But you are there to learn! And I knew I had a lot to learn if I wanted to create interesting hairstyles for editorials. 

I also get very inspired by Antoinette Beenders who is Global Style Director for Aveda. 

I encourage you to follow people that inspire you in your field or even in any other field that interests you. You will learn a lot. 

Don't let anyone talk you down from your dreams or accomplishments. You can do it.