We are thrilled to partner with the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) to promote all the amazing artists who are finalists for the 2015 NAHAs (North American Hairstyling Awards), the most prestigious hair and beauty award in the country. Bangstyle had the pleasure of getting to know Christina Franklin, one of this year’s finalists in the “Men's Hairstylist of the Year” category. Check out our exclusive interview with Christina to learn more about her collection and what fuels her passion for hair.
Tell us a bit about your nominated collection this year. What was the inspiration behind the looks? How did the creative process unfold?
One day, while teaching my men's grooming class at EFA, Eric came into the classroom and said "Christina, I have something for you." He handed me a DVD from The Scumbag Barbers of Rotterdam. After watching it, I was completely blown away! These barbers were badass! Their clipper cutting skills were amazing! It intrigued me so much. I knew I wanted to do a shoot for NAHA and that's when the light bulb in my head lit up and inspired me to do my collection. It's taking classic haircuts and putting a modern twist on them!
Were there collections in other categories that you found inspiring or particularly appealing?
I remember looking through a magazine and seeing Andrew Carruthers' 2013 collection. It completely caught my attention. The rugged masculine appearance, is what I think of a real man rocking. Absolutely loved it!
What area of hair would you like to explore more?
I am absolutely intrigued with precision cutting. I hope to one day master it!
What’s your favorite hair texture to style?
Curly hair! The texture you get is always slightly different, but to me, that's the beauty in it! Building shapes in textured hair is so much fun! It's kind of ironic, I have naturally curly hair, and growing up, I hated it! I always wanted the silky smooth hair of all the other girls around me.. Once I learned to respect hair and appreciate the texture, I then realized how foolish my thinking had been!
Who are your idols in the hair industry? Have you met any of them?
Eric Fisher is by far an inspiration to me. I was privileged enough to get to learn from the best! He taught me to master the basics and showed me the road to advance cutting and styling. His "Prosper You" business program is what helped mold my thinking of how to have a successful career in the best industry there is. I was fortunate to work for him!
Vidal Sassoon was also very inspiring to me. Although I never got to meet him, I have been able to take numerous haircutting classes from his stylist! They are incredible!
What is the one tool and/or product you can't live without?
I can not imagine doing a men's haircut with out my Andis clipper comb! I use it on almost any fade I do.
Which non-hair related areas do you constantly find yourself being inspired by?
Music is very inspiring to me. When music comes on, I can just feel the energy from it. It helps to open up creative outlets for me - very therapeutic.
What is your recipe for a successful shoot?
Being able to shoot at the Eric Fisher Academy, is in itself, perfect! The creative energy that flows within that building is almost unreal. Eric has an amazing studio. It's top of the line! All the models with their fresh haircuts and styles lined up with anticipation, music pumping in the back ground, Eric ready with camera in hand. All the weeks of planning and sleepless nights from brain storming suddenly come together and the magic happens....nothing makes finishing up a shoot more rewarding then to hear Eric tell you how proud of you he is :)
If you could have anyone in your chair with no restrictions, who it would be and what would what you do?
I recently moved from Derby Kansas to Pooler Georgia. My biggest fan and a very special person to me, my mother, still lives in Kansas. I would def make sure she was treated like a queen! I have a feeling it would be a makeover day! She is always up for fun new haircuts and fresh styles, she always tells me to do whatever I want! I can not put into words how much I love her.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Green mint chocolate chip ice cream! I workout regularly and try to eat healthy, which leaves small room for my favorite treat!
Be sure to Stalk Christina Franklin to see more of her amazing hair art and wish her luck at the upcoming awards!
