Craig of That Dapper Chap visits Jamie Stevens; Hairdresser of the Year and X-Factor hair stylist for a chat and a bit of a make over
That Dapper Chap meets Jamie Stevens
When I received an email from the people at Jamie Stevens of course I jumped at the chance to meet him, and as I was in desperate need of some follicle formulation, I also hoped that he'd give me a bit of a chop.
I often don't know what to do with my hair, what would really suit me and just how short looks good, getting advice from a man who is continually recognised by the industry with awards and nominations was probably not an opportunity to be missed!
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| Inside the London salon. Image courtesy of 1883 Magazine |
Jamie's rise to the top
Jamie had his first salon at the age of 18. 'Silver spoon?' I hear you ask. No. There is no silver spoon, no inheritance, no country pile or relations in oil.
You see, Jamie's Mother owned a salon in Somerset and from the age of ten Jamie could be found there doing odd jobs and learning the trade. However this wasn't his initial passion and he was carving a career as a professional footballer. One day it all came to an end when Jamie suffered an injury which saw the end to that particular path in his life.
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| Jamie's awards proudly displayed in the London salon |
After thirty years in hairdressing Jamie's Mother was suffering with back problems and was considering closing the salon. That's when Jamie stepped in. From here he immersed himself in hairdressing and made a decision that if this was what he was now going to do, he would be the best in the business. Why aim low right!
Speaking to Jamie it is clear that he is one of those people that whatever he turned his hand to would turn to gold. He has a determination that knows no bounds and the willingness to work as hard as possible to make whatever he turns his hand to work. Second best is not where it's at for Jamie.
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| Jamie on the UK X-Factor tending to Fleur East during the grand final |
That Dapper Chap Meets Jamie Stevens
Arriving in Kensington a little early we made our way to a cool little cafe near Jamie's salon for a quick coffee with my unkempt and curly hair hidden under a black pork pie hat. I was well over due for a haircut.
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| Enjoying a coffee pre haircut |
On entering the salon we were greeted warmly and a smiley Jamie bestowed handshakes and kisses before leading us downstairs where he was about to work his magic on my unruly barnet.
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| in the chair and in need of a good haircut |
Jamie started by assessing what I was wearing, what kind of person I was and what shape face I had. While I enjoyed a coffee, he asked me about my best ever haircut, but just as importantly, what my least favorite haircut was like. This really put me at ease as it was clear that Jamie wanted to give the the best cut for me, not the cut he wanted to give me, not the cut that I thought would work but the cut that would best suit my hair type, my face shape and my style. He looked at my hair and to check what type I had and began to discuss what options he thought would be good for me.
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| My consultation with Jamie discussing various options |
Once we'd agreed on a style I was ushered upstairs for a wash in one of their massaging chairs. James washed my hair twice before conditioning it using MR. Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner, Jamie's new range, which I'll tell you all about in a future article.
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| Time for a wash and a massage from James |
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| Jamie takes to the clippers creating a graduated look |
Back downstairs with another coffee and Jamie asks "Are you okay with clippers?", "sure" I say, and ask why. Jamie explains that that there is a stigma attached to clipper use, as people assume that the user cannot 'scissor over comb' correctly. He continues to explain that "clipper cuts don't generally grow out as well as a scissor cut" which is something I never knew.
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| Clipper cuts, sometimes frowned upon in the industry |
Jamie continued with the clippers and tapered my hair from long to short going from a grade 4 to 3.5, to 3 and so on until 0.5 at the very hairline. Instantly my face looked slimmer and I dropped a couple of years.
It was then on to the trusty scissors and he trimmed my locks into shape adding depth and texture, embracing my natural curl, and creating my final look.
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| Jamie takes to his trusty scissors to create shape and texture |
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| The master at work, taking off a few inches and a few years |
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| Blow drying in the MR. Salt Spray |
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| Using the MR. Paste to style the final look |
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| Jamie finishes with the MR. Fixing Spray |
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| The finished look. I may look miserable but I'm really happy with it |
This cut, by Jamie would set you back £150. That's what you can expect to pay for that level of skill and talent. Having said that there is a price to suit all budgets at Jamie Stevens salons, and prices start at just £20. Okay, you won't get Jamie at that price but you will get a hairdresser who has been fully trained by the man himself.
What's next for jamie Stevens?
"What happens when you reach where you want to be?" I asked "Is anything ever going to be enough?" Luckily Jamie has a good Business Manager who has helped him look to the future and plan ahead.
Jamie's ongoing success includes plans for expansion. He has a few ideas up his sleeve, some of which I'm not allowed to share, but are very exciting! I just hope that when he opens any new stores or additional ventures that I get an invite to the grand opening.
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| Myself and Jamie outside the London Salon in Kensington |
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| A HUGE thank you to Jamie and his crew |
Next Time
Do you suffer with male pattern baldness? Jamie is a fountain of knowledge in this area and next time I'll share some great tips and secrets with you on how to manage and disguise those thin patches and that receding hairline. I'll show you my before and after pictures which you won't believe! So, be sure to check back soon!
Find Jamie Stevens
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