This week on Iles Components Hair Speak we function Mike Martinez from Salon Benjamin in NYC. Learn what he has to say about hairdressing right now and the nice recommendation he has to supply. To see extra of Mike’s refined and sensible work try his Instagram: @mike____martinez and Web site: mikesmartinez.com
IF: Inform us what you assume is the largest problem in hairdressing right now?
For me these days it this query of how will we evolve previous Instagram and the everyday ‘Instagram hair’. How will we cease it from homogenizing and com-modifying our work.
Don’t get me unsuitable Instagram has turn out to be an unimaginable software for visibility and has finished wonders for some individuals’s careers. However are we letting it turn out to be a crutch for us to cease pushing ourselves and our shoppers? What number of adjectives and hyperbole can we hold utilizing to explain sub-par work? So I assume our job is to determine learn how to rise above with our work with out falling in stride with the established order.
IF: What’s probably the most gratifying a part of your job?
I feel journey is an enormous perk and one thing that may also be overwhelming at occasions. However I do actually get pleasure from being on the highway. On the flip facet, I am primarily based in New York and it’s such a dense and layered place and I’ve such great shoppers so once I’m house simply listening to their tales is a pleasure for me.
IF: Why did you select the trail of hairdressing and was it straightforward to fall into this work?
My Aunt Mary is a hairdresser and has been my total life. Most significantly (and with all the lady in my household) she is somebody who has an unimaginable present to attach with individuals. I feel subconsciously that was all the time an enormous inspiration for me. I even have this attraction to the autonomy that hairdressers have.
IF: In case you had not made the choice to be a hairdresser what would you will have been?
That is a superb query, and I’m not likely sure I’ve a superb reply for that. I do spend a lot of my free time touring the backroads interviewing individuals from the fringes for an ongoing documentary mission. So in all probability one thing alongside these traces.
IF: What’s your best energy?
Having a way of urgency and being resourceful.
IF: Your favourite hairdressing instruments?
How does the saying go.. “a poor craftsman blames his instruments.” Properly, I assume the alternative is true as properly. Crucial software is the one in your hand. Nevertheless, I do love how a straight razor can remodel a haircut.
IF: Inform us about your relationship with Iles Components. The way you found us and which system is your favourite?
After 12 years of working in NYC, I simply jumped ship and began working on the new and fist Salon Benjamin location in NYC. Iles has been a staple at Benjamin and I dove proper in and began utilizing the merchandise. Personally, I actually dig the serum, it’s light-weight, extremely nourishing and fortifying for the hair however most significantly it is a great styling product that serves as a base coat to layer with different merchandise. Can’t say sufficient good issues about it.
IF: What was probably the most difficult job you ever made?
I work with a non Revenue known as Fearless Magnificence and we spearheaded the first-ever vocational program for incarcerated girls on Riker’s Island. The work itself wasn’t difficult per-se… and we quickly realized that it wasn’t a lot about hair because it was about restoring dignity for these girls. Logistically it was an excellent problem to have the ability to not solely get the instruments but additionally run an efficient program whereas nonetheless complying with all the foundations and laws of jail on an island.
IF: What was your worst hair second and why…. privately or on set/stage or within the salon?
Properly, simply final week I used to be styling a shoppers hair and there was a free razor in my clip bag. I slammed my hand in there and properly you already know what occurs subsequent. Fortunately a superb consumer was capable of sew me up without spending a dime. It’s now in all probability the strangest factor I’ve bartered haircuts for.
IF: In case you may type anybody’s hair, who would it not be and why?
Alice Coltrane for positive. The music she made post-John’s demise and the spirit she captured with these songs will eternally resonate with me. And c’mon have you ever seen how lovely her hair was?
IF: The place do you pull hair inspiration from?
All over the place I can. I learn as a lot as I’ve the time to and music and movie are each such part of my ethos.
Inspiration is such a private factor nevertheless it may also be ever so fleeting. Nobody can let you know what to be impressed or learn how to be impressed however I feel additionally it is simply as vital to acknowledge the issues (each good and dangerous) that affect and drive your creativity.
IF: Your recommendation to younger hairdressers beginning out?
Help everybody you’ll be able to and take in as a lot data as you’ll be able to. Do your analysis discover references outdoors of hair and style. Discover the locations the place these references come from. It’s a drained trope however an vital one, don’t be afraid to make errors typically the best ingenuity is born out of our failures.
IF:
Thanks, Mike, for sharing with us. We beloved your interview.
