BLOG SPOT with Sam James, 2024 AHIA Creative Hairdresser of the Year

Australia Vs The World...

Hi, my name is Sami J, and I’m a raging hairaholic - My last colour was 2 hours ago! Surprise, I’m here with some thoughts and maybe advice for the next 6 months of the incredible Mocha Hair Magazine.

So as some of you will know, I have been living on planes the last 12 months. Was it balanced? was it planned? Was it perfect? Nooooooo, but I loved every bloody second of it! I have had the opportunity to see and watch and take note of how other countries all around the globe, are doing HAIR! Cutting, colouring, styling, extensions, awards collections, competitions, shows, you name it I’ve been a part of it. So, I have some thoughts on it….

Firstly, for those who know me, know I’m pretty honest, so I intend to keep that trait whilst I share my thoughts and stories with you this year.

So, INDIA …. Another level Right! You all saw that competition I was judging there? – if not go stalk my insta. AUSTRALIA, we need to tap into their PASSION! They make it feel like it used to in the 80’s – line ups round the block for apprenticeships! (so I’m told ... I’m not that old lol) but they are die- hards, love new techniques and love making people feel amazing!

This is the angle for us as an industry to welcome the next generation … not come be a Rockstar hairdresser, but come be someone who can change people’s lives, feel heard, love themselves again because they didn’t think it was possible after 2 years of letting themselves go –till they saw you! The next generation want to help people, because they’re so aware of mental and physical challenges now, and talk about them openly.

AMERICA …. setting my word count now, lol... Truth be told, I love and hate hair in the US. There are a lot of bad habits, and yes, I work for Americans now, and they agree with me at times.

The people... My people, are just amazing! Full of fun, pazazz, passion and opportunity – like launches in famous peoples mansions!

The most used peroxide in the US ????

40 VOL!!!!! LIKE WHAAAAAAAAT

Yeh, so we’ve had some discussions whilst being there, all very non-judgmental, just total shock and horror! “It’s just the norm,” is their response. I think in Australia, we focus heavily on the integrity of the hair first, explain things through consultation to our clients, and a lot of the time take more than one session to get there.

This doesn’t seem to be the case in America, why?? I think a lack of education, and because extensions are on steroids over there, maybe it hides a little more of what’s going on with peoples natural hair. They also spend like no other place in the world on the beauty industry, to look good, feel confident and they won’t go without it.

Education there, has moved almost completely online for most areas. They are definitely hungry for new things to see, but I find them to be very habitual in their approach. Very creative with their shows, and styling I think is at the top of their strengths list.

LONDON … oh I’ll always have a soft spot for London! For those who don’t know, I’m English and immigrated in 2004 at 17 years old, after having been in a salon in London, working for 3 years.

I have met some truly incredible hairy friends there, talented, smart business owners and passionate people. I see a lot of similarities between our hair worlds, but also, they’re a little stuck. I chatted (yes drank) with a few very reputable stylists and business owners and found that they are all in awe of our awards work. Which to be honest I’m a researcher, I see all of their finalists work, and I feel like I agree, we definitely raise the bar for the rest of the world when it comes to our collections.

Being there on the night for the awards, was amazing especially as a finalist just wow. However, I think their culture as an industry needs a little work. Watching the announcements unfold on the night, it was a little shocking to see the lack of support and encouragement from the industry, for those winning.

Education, again no brand is offering what a lot do here, with regular hands-on sessions. Truly, I felt like there was a lot of blondes on the streets that needed their colourists to have better education. Their online education channels though, are so vast and accessible, but I feel like they’ve leant on that for too long maybe.

To sum it up…. AUSTRALIA! … WE WIN!!

I always had this feeling, but they confirmed it, a lot of them agree we are killing it, with our level of awards work, and our education focus. So, yay! Go us, let’s continue to raise the bar, not just as incredible stylists, colourists, Directors, but as an industry as a whole.

@samij_hair