BTC Profile: NAHA Hairstylist of the Year Nominee Allen Ruiz

Scoring a NAHA nomination isn’t easy. It takes time, money, will, determination, inspiration, sleepless nights…the list goes on. Earning a nomination for Hairstylist of the Year is particularly daunting. In this article series, we’ll take an in-depth look at the process each Hairstylist of the Year nominee went through to get where they are today. Only one will take home the coveted award at the North American Hairstyling Awards on July 22 in Las Vegas. Who will it be? Here’s a look at what Allen Ruiz brings to the table…

Q: What was your overall concept/inspiration for your nominated collection?
A: The collection is called Lazur. For this collection, I was inspired by the textures I see in ocean waters and the colors of a blue stone called lapiz lazuli.

Q: Can you give us an idea of the process you went through to produce your collection—from concept through to the finished result?
A: I started with the concept: the photography style and mood. From there, I developed hair ideas, followed by makeup looks and wardrobe choices. Once I settled on that, I set a meeting with photographer and makeup artist, wardrobe stylist and discussed my concept. At that point it becomes a collaboration between the team to bring to life the concept.

Q: What were some of your go-to products and why?
A: Aveda Control force, Aveda Retexturing Gel, Aveda Be Culy Curl Enhancer, Aveda
Pure Abundance Potion and Aveda Smoothing Fluid. All are great for delivering a wide range of textures, which was essential for my collection.

Q: What do you look for in a model? Photographer?A: I like working with experienced models, although it's not a dealbreaker to work with newer models. It's the same with photographers. You want a photographer who listens to you and understands how to light hair. Having said that, you are the creative director of your shoot, and you have the final say on creative decisions.

Q: Why is it important for stylists to enter their work in hair competitions like NAHA? What have you learned from the process?A: I find it very important to enter competitions like NAHA. After all, the more work you do, the better you become. NAHA is a way to challenge yourself to do something different and
better than you did the previous year. Challenge yourself to work with new photographers as well as makeup artists. Find people who enhance your work and ideas.

Q: What are a few important things to remember when creating/submitting work for NAHA?A: First, you're a winner when you enter. Becoming a finalist or winning a category is the icing on the cake. Second, you don't have to have a major budget to enter—just make it look like you do. Remember: Steven Meisel was not born a famous fashion photographer. Also, be sure to do test runs with photographers as well as makeup and clothing stylists. Remember: you get to choose who you work with.

Q: Can you technically “deconstruct” the above look for us?
A: Hair was braided and and sewn together and pinned to models own hair that had already been blow dryed with volumizing tonic and finished with Aveda Texture cream.

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