Benjamin James—Advanced Stylist

How do you come up with new ideas for your work?

BJ I'll see something that I want to put my iteration on and develop the idea in my head until its ready for the real world.

So how would you describe hair fashion at the moment?

BJ Hair fashion right now is everywhere; everything is acceptable. Shows are doing anything from tight constricted hair to enormous over the top french rolls and both are amazing. Consumer style at the moment is very much the same; long floaty locks to very controlled bobs and again, both are beautiful.

Do you spend a lot of time researching ideas and where do they come from?

BJ I spend time online or in magazines searching for things I like, from there I will start a process of working out what is possible and how to achieve it.

What is the one tool in your kit that you couldn’t live without and why?

BJ I think the blow dryer is my most valuable tool, it helps animate hair into spaces that natural drying can't.

Is perfection possible with hair?

BJ I think there is perfection in imperfection—Wabi sabi. (as long as intent has been applied.)

Do you think of hair like it is a fabric?

BJ I see hair more as an extension of a character.

What is “good hair”?

BJ Firstly, “Good hair” is super subjective. Hair that makes its owner feel great about themselves is good hair. Secondly I believe there are elements that make “Good hair” stand out. Skills, taste and intention help make hair look good.