A cut above the rest ABSOLUTE MEETS SIMON WEBSTER HAIR's
Javier Encina With over 21 years’ experience in transforming tresses across the world, super-stylist Javier Encina has worked on catwalk shows, had his work published in fashion magazines and even broken a world record. Our feature writer Shelley Welti spoke to one of Simon Webster Hair’s most in demand senior stylists and colourists to talk inspiration, this season’s musthave sleek and chic ‘do and giving his client’s head-turning hair.
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tyling in Argentina, Spain and since 2014; Brighton, Javier Encina is a hairstylist who has both experience and creativity firmly under his (hairdressing tool) belt. “My many years as a stylist have afforded me with a broad spectrum of experiences, working with a variety of products, tools and techniques and have trained with three of the biggest colour brands in L'Oréal, Wella and Aveda,” Javier explains.
“I worked with L'Oréal throughout my time in Argentina, Wella in Spain and then after my move to the UK, I joined the Aveda Creative Team where I worked on catwalk shows and editorial shoots. I pride myself in understanding my clients’ needs and creating wearable styles that suit their personalities and lifestyle, however natural or dramatic it may be.” It’s these confidence boosting cuts, colours and blow-dries that award-winning stylist Javier is renowned for. “I love to create something individual which suits my clients’ personalities and I get a buzz when I catch them checking out their reflection in the salon window when they leave,” the Regional Finalist in L'Oréal Men’s Image Award (2016) and L'Oréal Colour Trophy Regional Finalist (2015) says. “I love working with colour as it can have such a dramatic effect on a client’s look.”
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One technique that the senior stylist and colourist specialises in to revamp hair is balayage. This style has been so popular over the last few years – and looks set to continue – for good reason too; the highlighting technique creates that oh-so-effortlesslyfashionable, graduated and natural look (think relaxed, beach hair!) that so many of us ladies lust after. As well as being the go-to-guy for balayage, Javier enjoys taming unruly curls and creating BIG hair blow-dries.
“I work a lot with curly hair types, which need to be cut in a very particular way to ensure that the individual curls hold their shape and bounce while maintaining a beautiful overall shape to the style,” he explains. “I also specialise in voluminous blow-dries and relaxing treatments.”
Along with the aforementioned awards and transforming his clients’ tresses, Javier has had many other career highlights in the three years that he has been working at the prestigious Simon Webster Hair salon, located in the heart of the North Laine. These include taking part in an Italian hair show, styling backstage at the Sussex-based Love Supreme Jazz Festival, working his magic on photo shoots and even styling The Guardian’s beauty editor’s hair. He’s also won the Fierce Colour Award at Hair Club Live 2016 and holds a
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Guinness World Record for the most number of topknots completed in a day!
“I’m blessed to be a part of the Simon Webster Hair team,” the Latino stylist says. “My time here has given me so much experience and inspiration and am excited to be continuing my career as part of a highlyskilled and artistic styling team.” Before we part ways, I have to ask Javier to spill his style secrets for SS17. “It’s all about being super sleek – time to get those straighteners out girls!” he laughs. “I think one of the biggest things we’ll see this year is the centre-parted, shiny and sleek style. Also I’ve been experimenting with takes on the high ponytail and I think this will be another one we’ll see a lot of this year too.” Treat and tame your tresses with Javier at Simon Webster Hair, 16 Gardner St, Brighton www.simonwebsterhair.com
Follow him on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ hairbyjavierbrighton) and Instagram (@javier_encina_hair) for further hair inspiration, tips and style tricks.