This week on Iles Components Hair Speak we function Mike Martinez from Salon Benjamin in NYC. Learn what he has to say about hairdressing at present and the good recommendation he has to supply. To see extra of Mike’s refined and good work take a look at his Instagram: @mike____martinez and Web site: mikesmartinez.com
IF: Inform us what you assume is the most important problem in hairdressing at present?
For me currently it this query of how can we evolve previous Instagram and the everyday ‘Instagram hair’. How can we cease it from homogenizing and com-modifying our work.
Don’t get me improper Instagram has turn into an unbelievable software for visibility and has accomplished wonders for some individuals’s careers. However are we letting it turn into a crutch for us to cease pushing ourselves and our purchasers? What number of adjectives and hyperbole can we preserve utilizing to explain sub-par work? So I suppose our job is to determine how one can rise above with our work with out falling in stride with the established order.
IF: What’s probably the most fulfilling a part of your job?
I feel journey is a giant perk and one thing that will also be overwhelming at instances. However I do actually get pleasure from being on the highway. On the flip facet, I am based mostly in New York and it’s such a dense and layered place and I’ve such fantastic purchasers so once I’m residence simply listening to their tales is a pleasure for me.
IF: Why did you select the trail of hairdressing and was it straightforward to fall into this work?
My Aunt Mary is a hairdresser and has been my complete life. Most significantly (and with all the lady in my household) she is somebody who has an unbelievable reward to attach with individuals. I feel subconsciously that was at all times a giant inspiration for me. I even have this attraction to the autonomy that hairdressers have.
IF: In the event you had not made the choice to be a hairdresser what would you might have been?
That is a very good query, and I’m not likely sure I’ve a very good reply for that. I do spend a lot of my free time touring the backroads interviewing individuals from the fringes for an ongoing documentary mission. So in all probability one thing alongside these strains.
IF: What’s your biggest power?
Having a way of urgency and being resourceful.
IF: Your favourite hairdressing instruments?
How does the saying go.. “a poor craftsman blames his instruments.” Nicely, I suppose the other is true as nicely. An important software is the one in your hand. Nevertheless, I do love how a straight razor can rework a haircut.
IF: Inform us about your relationship with Iles Components. The way you found us and which method is your favourite?
After 12 years of working in NYC, I simply jumped ship and began working on the new and fist Salon Benjamin location in NYC. Iles has been a staple at Benjamin and I dove proper in and began utilizing the merchandise. Personally, I actually dig the serum, it’s light-weight, extremely nourishing and fortifying for the hair however most significantly it is a fantastic styling product that serves as a base coat to layer with different merchandise. Can’t say sufficient good issues about it.
IF: What was probably the most difficult job you ever made?
I work with a non Revenue known as Fearless Magnificence and we spearheaded the first-ever vocational program for incarcerated ladies on Riker’s Island. The work itself wasn’t difficult per-se… and we quickly realized that it wasn’t a lot about hair because it was about restoring dignity for these ladies. Logistically it was a terrific problem to have the ability to not solely get the instruments but additionally run an efficient program whereas nonetheless complying with all the principles and laws of jail on an island.
IF: What was your worst hair second and why…. privately or on set/stage or within the salon?
Nicely, simply final week I used to be styling a purchasers hair and there was a unfastened razor in my clip bag. I slammed my hand in there and nicely you understand what occurs subsequent. Fortunately a very good consumer was in a position to sew me up free of charge. It’s now in all probability the strangest factor I’ve bartered haircuts for.
IF: In the event you may model anybody’s hair, who wouldn’t it be and why?
Alice Coltrane for positive. The music she made post-John’s loss of life and the spirit she captured with these songs will ceaselessly resonate with me. And c’mon have you ever seen how stunning her hair was?
IF: The place do you pull hair inspiration from?
All over the place I can. I learn as a lot as I’ve the time to and music and movie are each such part of my ethos.
Inspiration is such a private factor but it surely will also be ever so fleeting. Nobody can inform you what to be impressed or how one can be impressed however I feel it is usually simply as essential to acknowledge the issues (each good and dangerous) that affect and drive your creativity.
IF: Your recommendation to younger hairdressers beginning out?
Help everybody you’ll be able to and take up as a lot info as you’ll be able to. Do your analysis discover references outdoors of hair and style. Discover the locations the place these references come from. It’s a drained trope however an essential one, don’t be afraid to make errors typically the best ingenuity is born out of our failures.
IF:
Thanks, Mike, for sharing with us. We liked your interview.