Mahogany Hair Masterclass at Salon International 2024

Led by International Creative Director Colin Greaney, UK Creative Director Antony Licata, and Senior Creative Director Neil Atkinson, the team showcased their distinctive expertise in cutting and colouring, leaving attendees inspired and captivated.

Antony Licata introduced "New Boho," the Mahogany Artistic Team's latest collection, inspired by the fashion house Chloé and its Creative Director, Chemena Kamali. Drawing inspiration from the sheer, fluid freedom of the 70s, the seminar commenced with a captivating presentation featuring three models showcasing looks from the new collection.

Antony then welcomed Josh Carron, Tara Watts, and Colin Greaney to share the team's creative process. He invited the audience to discover how the team develops inspiration for their collections using mood boards, emphasising the collaborative nature of their approach.

"Erratic" was the key word used by the team to describe the cutting techniques employed, as well as their diverse approaches. Neil explained his preference for working on dry hair to visually assess the cutting process. Creating a three-panelled cut with a fringe, he carefully removed internal length while preserving external length through lifting and bevelling techniques. Colin cut his model's hair, flattening it at the widest part of the head and maintaining fine sections. Sara added rounded graduation using scissor over comb, elevating the horseshoe shape to open up the cut through the top and creating an overhang at the back around the crown. She incorporated texture through the top to showcase the colour.

Oliver added erratic texture over softer, shorter sections and a square layer on top for softness through the outline. Antony employed a classic round layering cutting technique, working across wet hair to remove weight and create a more fitted shape throughout the outline. He explained that the models' cuts could be adapted for a more commercial or couture look by adjusting specific elements like a strong fringe.

Colourist Josh explained his icy blonde model's colour placement, featuring a harmonious blend of blues, pinks, and peaches in triangular sections. Tara discussed her model's pre-lightened hair, toned to a buttery blonde using IGORA Vibrance from Schwarzkopf Professional. She created three triangular sections at the crown, incorporating rustier tones and a deeper brunette in these sections to alternate between root, mid-lengths, and ends.

Josh highlighted the importance of taking time when employing a global lightening technique, starting with a lower volume developer and gradually building up to preserve hair integrity. "We want to keep the hair as healthy as possible and not go in all guns blazing," he advised.

The seminars remained true to the Mahogany Hairdressing ethos, showcasing groundbreaking cutting and colouring techniques and inspiring the audience. As Colin stated, "My Creative Team has a clear understanding of the amalgamation of art, fashion, beauty, and architecture, most importantly a visionary blend of groundbreaking techniques that can be adapted for commercial applications."