Shoplifter, Artist
It takes a bit of time to settle in. All my shows either got postponed or cancelled, workshops moved to 2021. This has however given me a long awaited break from travelling and allowed for more studio time to develop new work. During times like this, creativity is what keeps us sane. Considering what the world is going through, our lives are enhanced and improved by all things beautiful, humorous and creative. I believe in the therapeutic effect that bright colours have on our mental health – even just a colourful blanket will do. We would be forever miserable without music, movies, books and art.

Tina Outen, Hairstylist
Here in New York it still feels like we are in the middle of it all, and I have good days and bad days. This last month I’ve been going back to my days as an educator, brainstorming, getting out the foam boards and researching imagery, then printing it all out and making moodboards. I’ve also been going back through my phone and rediscovering all the magic moments captured behind the scenes, something that you tend to overlook when you’re busy working. I’m happy, if for nothing else, to have had this time to appreciate all the work I’ve done and experiences I’ve had. My fear for the future of the industry? Hairdressers are such uniquely motivated individuals, our industry will find its way.

Giuseppe Bulzis, Artist and Hairdresser
Right now is probably one of the best times ever to kickstart something new. It could be creating an interesting image of hair or art, or anything really. Anything where you’ve thought, ”when I get the time I would love to try that out”, but for one reason or another it never happened. With so much engaging online material, from tutorials to talks, this could also be a good starting point in the process of discovering new things. It could be something you do to pass the time in lockdown, or if you’re enjoying it, it could become part of your new way forward when we all get back to the so called ‘normal’.

In the beginning of lockdown I found it pretty difficult to find my flow with work, I kind of lost my bearings.  Finally I went into the studio and literally just took everything out. I looked at what I’d made and lined up heads that needed to be worked on. Actually it was something I’d never really done before, as I would normally have quite a few heads on the go, and day-to-day I’d be busy cutting hair. It was good to sit down and reflect on the project as a whole.

Pol Kurucz, Photographer
To keep busy I’ve been getting around to the things that were piling up: fixing my bike, throwing away ugly rugs, and finishing retouching 60 pictures that galleries and agencies have been waiting on. During times like this creativity is the best escape possible, a pill against reality. I’ve started working on projects which merge 2D and 3D, which has always been a dream. During ‘Coronatimes’ it’s important for me to develop techniques like this as they allow for virtual shoots. When this is all over, my fear is that people, companies and governments will deprioritize art.

Caroline Schmitt, Hairstylist
I wanted to use this time to practice and challenge myself. Usually I’m on the road, travelling between fashion shows, and barely have time to put my ideas into practice. I decided to create some looks with the little equipment I have at my parents’ house, where I’m isolating with my family. One of my friends is staying with me, which is great as it allowed me to try some ideas out on her hair, and then take the photos using my phone.