A hairy art form

Is cutting hair a craft or an art form?

I began wondering about this after I received a haircut the other day. My regular barber was out and I had to use a different person. This was a younger gentleman and he took his time and really put a lot of effort into my haircut. He even used a razor on my hair at some point. For what exact purpose I'm not sure.

When he was done he whisked off the barber cape and said "Voila." He seemed to be very proud of his work. I paid him and thanked him. As I was walking out of the shop he said, "Enjoy my creation." I asked him to repeat himself since I thought I might have misunderstood him.

He said, "Enjoy the artwork I created with your hair."

I said I would handle it with care. We both chuckled and I went on my way.

Upon getting into my car I took a look in the mirror to check out the amazing "hairloom." Much to my chagrin I couldn't tell the difference from the regular haircut I get.

When I got home my wife did ask me if I got a haircut and I said yes expecting her to possibly comment on the amazing renaissance my head had undergone but she just moved on to talking about her day. So I guess she is not any more in tune with the art world than I am.

According to the Mitsu Sato Hair Academy in Overland Park, Kansas "Many elements in hairdressing follow the same elements of art. Line, shape/form, color, value, texture, and shape/perspective, are all taken into consideration when approaching a haircut or color. The elements of art are taught from early adolescence, all the way to grad school programs. If you find yourself already well versed in how to apply each element to create a beautiful and functioning work of art, you may just hit the ground running when you choose to become a hair stylist."

Inside Edition recently did a story about Stylist JR D'Angeles of California. Mr. D'Angeles covers his clients' hair with an accelerant before lighting it on fire.

D'Angeles lets the hair burn for a couple of seconds before brushing through and letting the lit strands fall to the floor. He said it keeps the hair moist and stops split ends. The hairdresser of 30 years said he first learned the technique in the Philippines and hopes the unique art form will take hold.

So I guess it is an art form of sorts. I mean I don't think anyone could say setting someone's hair on fire would be anything that Floyd the Barber would ever consider doing. But I do remember Michael Jackson setting his hair on fire once and there is no doubt that Michael was a true artist.

So the next time you get a haircut take a minute and enjoy the Michelangelo in the mirror. Remember when your coiffeur is rubbing gel into your hair they are actually creating a hair product Picasso. As your stylist is shampooing your hair just think my head is going to be the Salvador Dali of dandruff.

Art is all around us. You simply have to look for it.

"As my artist's statement explains, my work is utterly incomprehensible and is therefore full of deep significance." Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes.