Beauty appears to transcend borders—and the combination of talented artists traveling to foreign countries to educate using professional tools is proving to be a win for professional tool brands and the beauty industry alike.
Recently, the Wahl Education and Artistic Team (W.E.A.T.) members Christina Goree, Rick Morin and Jose Barba traveled to Russia and China to lead educational classes and introduce attendees to Wahl Professional tools.
“There’s huge interest in American culture, such as barbering, skateboarding, coffee shops and fashion,” says Barba. “They’re hungry for what they call hip-hop style barbershops.”
Christina Goree, barber and Emmy Award-winning artist, attended InterCHARM, Russia’s biggest beauty show in Moscow, last October. As a guest artist, she met with educators, barbers and stylists, and presented a master class. “I demonstrated fading, blending and advanced texturizing and bulk removal, utilizing the All-in-One blade,” says Goree. Her three decades of experience as a master barber and stylist resulted in attendees producing amazing before and after transformations, from long to shaved sides.
W.E.A.T.’s Rick Morin, recognized as one of the top 50 barbers in the United States, took his skills to China to demonstrate basic fading and blending techniques, with a heavy focus on his Wahl clippers. “They were amazed at how I was able to complete entire haircuts using only Wahl clippers. Most of them use shears for all their haircuts,” says Morin.
Jose Barba led hands-on demonstrations using his favorite tools. “I brought a range of my favorite clippers, and after the attendees examined them, they loved them,” says Barba. “The most popular ones include the Detailer and Magic Clip, but I predict the Icon clipper will soon surge in popularity.” The tools were all well-received and routinely sold out.
“We are proud to spread our message of American barbering to all corners of the world,” says Lance Wahl, global vice president of professional products for Wahl Clipper Corp. “We are finding that many international professionals appreciate what Wahl has to offer from both a product and education standpoint.”
W.E.A.T. members found that the fusion of international and local trends and techniques unified the educators and attendees. Goree, in particular, recognized fresh trends during her visit to Moscow. “One trend I’d like to see evolve in the United States is a cool twist on conservative cuts.”
Wahl will go a step further with education this month as it hosts the inaugural Global Education Leadership Summit at its global headquarters in Sterling, Illinois. "Along with our continually growing global artistic teams, Wahl Professional is staying true to its reputation as the leader and go-to resource for clippers and education in the professional industry,” says Laura VanderMoere, director of education for Wahl Professional.
[Top image: Christina Goree; courtesy of Wahl Professional]
