Andrew B Cooper
Andy was born and raised in the south, his grandmother was a hair dresser and he spent a lot of time with her in her shop. He moved to New Jersey when he was 16 and immediately started working in a salon. He worked in Manhattan as well as New Jersey, educated for multiple companies and now, 18 years later, he’s travelled the world, did hair for fashion weeks, took in as much education that he possibly could and has reached the stage in life that he is now opening his first salon. “I’m extremely blessed and stressed but can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Do you remember your first day of beauty school? What was going through your head?
My first day of beauty school I was READY…I had already been working in a salon for most of my life and wanted to soak up as much knowledge that I could. I got there and realized…education on the state level…NOT so great. I was really disappointed. I felt that I had over paid for 12 months of my life to pass a test. That being said…I made friends that have lasted almost two decades but the education was lack luster. We have so many possibilities when it comes to education in the beauty industry. I’ve since donated a lot of my time going back and teaching beauty students what I’ve learned out in the real world. Its a blessing to know that I can show what I’ve learned in 18 years and share it with the young beauty professionals just starting their careers.
A product you would pay (gasp) retail for…
Oh god…I don’t think I’ve ever paid retail for a product…but tools….I’m addicted to Dyson Hair Dryers….and have 3….They are SOOOOOO expensive but I love them. And then shears….I use a 7 inch shear…on the market they are usually pretty basic…so if I find one that is matte black…or gold…I HAVE to have it…I think I’m up to about 15 or 16 pairs at this point. And of course the best brush in the WORLD…Mason Pearson….urghhhh…fabulous. Have to have a new one every year.
You went through the Wella Master Colorist Program… tell us what that experience was like.
Wella has truly made their education stand out far past other companies. I loved every minute of the Master Program. Lynette Tatum was my educator throughout most of the program and taught me things I would have NEVER figured out on my own or learned in salon by trial and error. I love science and it amazes me that we can change someone drastically in a few hours. I graduated the program with a love and passion for this industry that no other education program has given me. I still almost a year later after graduating ask myself…ok…what would Lynette do? If anyone is looking for an amazing learning experience…do the master programs at Wella Studio. You will not regret it.
What do you think the biggest struggle stylists are experiencing in the industry today?
There are so many…between youtube and amazon…lets face it…we have to do cart wheels..and jump through fire for new clients to listen to us and buy what we prescribe them, and I’m a master level stylist/colorist…the poor newbies don’t get any trust at all. We are in a world right now where our industry has been unveiled to everyone and anyone. Beauty professionals are not the only people following our Instagrams and twitters. Our clients are too… and they seem to think watching it multiple times on youtube and then ordering all they need on amazon will suddenly make them a hair stylist/Colorist. WRONG!!! So many people start in our industry because its a passion for them, an art. Most of the things we create can not be repeated…no two stylists are the exact same. My grandmother always told me..in this industry you need a mix of 80% talent and 20% personality…you can’t expect to nail it every time and you can’t expect everyone to fall in love with you…you are going to lose clients…you are going to fuck up…but know this…you’re human, not a robot. Trust your gut and don’t be afraid to ask for help. No one is better than you and you aren’t better than anyone else.
Who is your Hair-Hero?
Oh I have quite a few. Jo Blackwell, Jason Backe, of course Vidal Sassoon. But my ultimate…is Ted Gibson…Literally have met him twice and both times…died. DONE. Fan-girled out and couldn’t speak.
Something most people don’t know about you.
I am pretty open to a lot of my clients, friends, and family…I guess what I get asked a lot is about my tattoos…about two years ago I lost count of how many I have…so anytime someone asks me I say a different number. 65,79,22…ha. I guess I should count and start keeping a tally.
What traumatic hairstyle have you been guilty of rocking?
I have been every color of the rainbow…I have had a rat tail, mullet…even a perm once…and ALL of the pictures have been DESTROYED!!!
3 shows or education events you won’t be missing this next year?
I will not be missing the IBS event here in NYC this year. I haven’t been in years and this is the first year I can go as a salon owner and really soak up all the management and owner materials and classes. So excited. I am also planning on going to my Master Cutting Program at the Wella Studio and will be returning to Vidal Sassoon in Mayfair, London for some knowledge and a much needed vacation.
Best advice you’ve ever been given.
Best advice I was ever given was two things from my Beauty School Teacher…
First… never look at what someone hands you as a tip…just put it in your pocket and average your tips at the end of the day. You’ll find that the amazing tippers make up for the not so great tippers and you won’t know which is which and won’t judge them or treat them differently.
Second… there are practical hairstylists and there are artistic hair stylists…know it all so you can be both. Know how to rock a rainbow mohawk…or tease a beehive for Aunt Ester.
I knew I was a Hair Nerd when…
I knew I was a Hair Nerd when I looked at your social media…I love everything about hair…its my passion, my art, and pays my bills. Not everyone can say that about their jobs/careers.
Where can people stalk you?
Find him on all social networks at: