Stories of a Hair Artist: Creative Eccentricity

by Kristan Frei

Kristan's artistic background provides a strong foundation for her work in this industry.
It is her unique ability to fuse science and art that makes her one of the most sought after educators and colorists in the world today.
Kristan has used her ten very successful years as a lab for her career in education.
Her strong belief that change in the industry starts with education is what fuels the fire behind her progressive approach to teaching color. Her career has been a combinationof educating for companies such as a Schwarzkopf as well as creating a curriculum for Dikson USA. She is also able to exercise her passion for art in many hair and fashion shows as well as being a part of a new art form that combines living models representing art on a canvas.

You are the Head of the North American Education and Artistic Team at Dikson USA. Can you describe your typical day?
My days usually vary greatly. Today, for example, I am getting ready for a photo shoot that we are doing this weekend. This morning consisted of confirming last minute details like wardrobe, models, and make up. Later this afternoon I will meet with the team to go over our storyboards. Something that I love about our industry is that you don't have to play in just one arena.

You have an artistic background that bene. fits you in your work today. What is your background in the arts?
I started oil painting when I was twelve years old. I continued to study fine arts in both high school and col. lege. I've participated in a number of hair shows and fashion shows where my primary goal has always been to fuse both worlds of art and hair.

When you hear the word “art”, what first comes to your mind?
Freedom.

You feel that change in the industry starts with education. How do you go about devel. oping your curriculum with this in mind?
The classes I have developed for Dikson have a strong focus on color theory. I am most interested in teach. ing stylists how color works, not just hair color, color in general. By under. standing the basics you create limit. less artistic possibilities.

What do you feel are the issues that the salon industry is facing today?
Our standards need to be changed. From the way we are testing to when students enter a learning track, and it goes to government regulations of the industry as well. Students should leave school with a better understanding of what you actually need to know to work in a salon.

What do you feel makes a good teacher?
An ability to connect with your audience. I also believe that in order to be a good teacher you have to be a good student.

What advice would you give an individual starting out in the beauty industry today?
Your career is in your own hands. You determine how far you go and how successful you are.

What artists do you most admire?
Picasso, VanGogh, Warholl and any artist that was brave enough to push the envelope and who had the vision to see beyond their time.

You are part of a new art form that combines living models representing art on a canvas. Could you give us more information about this?
About a year ago, a local gallery was having an opening and they asked me to put together a few models that represented an artist's work. He was making a statement about the lengths we go to in the name of fash. ion and some of the ironies that exist within the industry. My job was to create living models that conveyed this message as well. I took high fash. ion models and made their wardrobe out of raw meat and razor blades, thus changing it all! Since then I've been asked to do the same thing using another artist's work. Is this not a way to fuse our two industries?

How would your friends describe you?
I hope they see me as someone inven. tive, independent, wildly creative, and maybe a little eccentric, but most importantly, I hope they see me as a good friend.

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