LFW SS12: Q&A WITH JASPER CONRAN HAIR STYLIST PETER GRAY

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

What was your brief for the Jasper Conran SS12 show?

I looked at the collection and saw Jasper had reduced everything for this season, so I was aiming for something that was simple and pared down. Jasper liked the idea of straight hair and working with hair bands. Many of the dresses were suspended at the top and then floaty, I wanted to replicate this with the hair. I am always excited to work with Jasper, he knows quality and understands that hair can make or break an outfit.

How did you create the look?

We started off by blow drying the hair, section-by-section, using just a little serum. We then flat ironed the hair and used almost nothing in terms of product, apart from mousse. We used fabric on some of the girls own hair to create the hair bands.

How important is your team in the process?

I work like a designer, rather than a hair stylist. I work with a team, rather than instruct them and I utilize the people within that team. I have worked with my team for so long now they’re like an extension of my thought process, it’s so important to have a good design team around you.

What do you love about collaborating with designers, such as Jasper?

Every collaboration I do is exciting in terms of hair, but it’s not about the hair style it’s about how that hair style marries with the collection. You need to put your ego aside as a hair stylist. I look at the collection and then listen to what the designer has to say, often what he doesn’t say as well. I don’t come with any pre-conceived notions. What makes a great designer like Jasper is the spontaneity and I have to be adaptable to that. Last season it was complex, this season it is pared down. I need to fit in with that vision.

What are your top three hair tips?

• Find a hairdresser who you feel comfortable with; you need one that will not dictate to you. It is not necessary to have a haircut every six weeks, I encourage my clients not to come back too regularly - every four months is fine.

• Find products that improve and preserve the condition of your hair. It is a case of trial and error, work with your hair dresser to establish what’s right for you. For example, do you like to shampoo every day or once a week?

• Don’t be a slave to fashion – be yourself