The island nation of Barbados has a
population of just above a quarter of a million very industrious and highly
cultured people that are very much into fashion. They are a people who are
extremely sophisticated and well informed on world matters and with a high
tolerance of contemporary concepts that are readily accepted when they
represent some beneficial influence on their own social order.
Their skills in natural hair and commercial hair are a fascinating
projection of the overall exotique that pervades every aspect of the country.
About half of the
women and men wear dredlocks, braids or some form of natural hairstyles and the
other half wear the commercial hair designs that are commonly seen in the
cities and rural areas of the United States. Bright color combinations abound
in both the clothing and hair. The usual close cut, near bald looks that are
currently popular in men's hair fashions are frequently worn by females. Often
these looks have decorative lines cut in with astonishing precision. Some of
them are filled in with bright colors that reflect artistic modern art designs
or actual images of rare or common-place items. Often there are fashion symbols
like the Nike sign or the Jorache horse. It is just as normal for the males to
wear corn Braids, Twists of various type, Dreadlocks and long, loose individual
braids.
Another often seen look is the various head ties that can be
worn as an elaborate turban, a head band of different lengths or simply a
Bandana tied in Pirate fashion. My assignment was to teach a class
of practicing professionals that were enthusiastic participants in learning the
Fusion hair extension methods. The event was held at a very modern building
that was a civic center in the center of downtown Bridgetown (the capitol city).
The facility was an architectural masterpiece that provided numerous large
rooms for everything from Plays, social gatherings and seminars of the nature
that I conducted.
Each participant bought their own mannequin and left over
pieces of hair, which they utilized to work along with me as I demonstrated the
technique on a live model. The major portion of the class was dedicated to the
Fusion hair extension methods, however we covered a variety of other topics
that included hair cutting, Twist styling, colors and general styling
techniques. Most of the attendees were highly skilled professional stylists
that contributed their own ideas that they have learned from each other and
those that they have developed themselves. The use of commercial hair is a
careful application that is done with the high value of the hair in mind.
Naturally an island in the Caribbean is a place all the hair must be imported
from either the United States or directly from China.
Only a very few pieces of Indian hair is available because
of the exorbitant price asked for it. For the most part it is something that is
not even considered. Every piece of hair is carefully measured to maximize the
value of each piece. As expert Braiders they are adept at attaching the wefts
neatly, securely and very flat to the head. To be a hairdresser in this
country one must be truly talented in the art of hair additions. These people
are experts in the profession and there is virtually no tolerance of sloppy or
any kind of poor work. One must be very capable at every aspect of doing hair
additions or it would be impossible to make a living. Neither they, nor their
clients will accept shoddy work.
Competency in it is the general practice of the hairdressers
of Barbados. It is almost a requirement to attend all classes that are offered
in the art of hairstyling. Each one of the attending hair designers possessed a
reputation for doing exquisite, individualized work. The artistry of the beauty
industry is alive and a vibrant reality in Barbados. This is a place where
creativity and superb execution of hair design is showing leadership of a
quality that will benefit the craft throughout the entire world.
There is a movement underway by the energetic lady, who was
the promoter of my class (Madame Phillipa Aimee) to bring to Barbados a number
of well-known teachers of Beauty Culture from the United States, particularly
those that have gained a reputation for being internationally famous cosmetologists
who have been responsible for many of the contemporary trends of the present
day.
On the following day I had the distinct privilege of
conducting a class at the government sponsored training facility for the young
people called the Polytechinical Vocational institute. This rather massive
place, where any of the high school graduates of Barbados can receive training
in any of the many professions that will allow them to seek employment in the
industries of any modern society. Among the subjects that can be pursued by the
young people are things like Electronics, Auto mechanics, Welding, Healthcare
workers, Office skills and of course Cosmetology. Each section has a specific
Uniform. All of the young students are neatly dressed in clean, well ironed uniforms
that designates what field they are pursuing. Naturally the cosmetology
uniforms were white and offered a number of different options like lab coats,
pants or skirts to permit the students some measure of variety to their daily
dress.
Most of the people of this tranquil society are very well
mannered, cultured and soft spoken, with a gentle mien that is most refreshing.
All of these qualities were present in the youthful students that were in my
cosmetology class. There was also the gracious good manners and studied
attentiveness that I had experienced in the professional class. They were also
quite skilled in the arts of natural hair and commercial hair additions with a
definite penchant for the meticulous manner that was evident in all the
workmanship of the professionals.
It was a tremendous pleasure to conduct the class for these
very gracious people of Barbados.
The enthusiasm and quick witted understanding made teaching
a breeze.
I am looking forward to returning in January of 2014 to
participate in the upcoming seminar to which a number of prominent American
stylist have been invited.
Persons desirous of participating in the seminar can contact
Madame Phillippa Aimee at Global Events Planning.
http//.globaleventsllc.com
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