By definition, ‘avant garde’ means “experimental, innovative in respect to the arts, culture and politics”. By my definition, it means to push oneself outside of their box. As a hair enthusiast, this means to push hairstyles to the limit. You may think that avant garde hair is something that you could never do yourself, but while you don’t have to take your hair to the limit, you can take a bit of this and a bit of that to create a new style that you’re comfortable with.
What can you do to bring some ‘avant garde’ to your personal style? How about trying a new hair colour? Or taking a leap and chopping your hair like all those photos you’ve pinned a thousand times on Pinterest?
Hair stylists are constantly trying new avant garde approaches to colour and cutting. It’s what sets trends and sets Instagram a-flutter. Balayage, flamboyage, ombre, mermaid hair, unicorn hair…it’s all avant garde! Braids layered over braids, twisted textured curls, teased waves…you get the point. I’m not saying that you should go to the salon demanding something edgy and avant garde- but maybe let yourself be open to new ideas, let your stylist bring some avant garde to you.
We are seeing a new breed of short hair washing over the Internet. It’s short, it’s edgy, and it’s undercut. Fades, undercuts, and nape shaves are rampant in women’s hair. What is more avant garde than that?!
Big braids and layers of them in long hair adds a soft but edgy look to your locks. Dutch braids melting into fishtail braids with rough, teased ends are quickly taking over ponytails and funbuns.
Last month, our Hair Art Design class #264 had an avant garde styling day. They got the chance to push their upstyling limits for this 4-hour makeover and photo shoot day. With prepping, planning, and a little push from their instructors, they got their looks finished and shot photos for their portfolios. Everyone had the chance to experience the feeling of being on a photo shoot and can now use these photos to enter competitions. Clink on the link above to watch Class #264 in action on their avant garde day in the salon. You might get inspired to push your limits for your next salon appointment.
Blog contributor: Elissa Wolfe, JCI HAD Instructor
Hair Stylists and Colour Technicians are sought out in some of the most exciting and fast-paced industries in the world including film, fashion, TV and photography. The Hair Art Design Program at JCI is the only accredited hair school in BC approved for a 520-hour curriculum. The program is 20 hours per week and offers the option of morning, afternoon, evening or weekend classes so that students can work at their current jobs while retraining for a new career. Our faculty is comprised of top working professionals and guest instructors whose focus is on the future of hair. This is a modern program providing a strong foundation of cutting and colouring techniques.