International Precision Cutting Championships Judge, Cole Thompson
Cole is originally from Manchester England and has been active in the hair industry since the year 2000.
Cole started his career in independent salons around the Manchester area before beginning work for Vidal Sassoon in 2003, where he quickly became one of Vidal Sassoon’s youngest “Creative Directors”. During his 12 years at Vidal Sassoon, Cole gained tremendous respect in the industry while working closely with many schools in their “School Connection” program. He has traveled the world to educate professionals at all levels on hair cutting technique in both seminar and classroom settings. He also became an expert consultant as he developed programs to help clients grow and improve school curriculums, business and salon management and structure, client growth, assistant training programs, and more.
What does precision haircutting mean to you?
Great question, Precision cutting to me is being able to precisely execute an idea and bring it to life. We are in the business of making people look good. So for example if working on a client and we decide on the look. Precision cutting to me is have we been able to precisely create what we wanted to do and told the client we would. Knowing exactly what will happen before you do it is precision to me. Clean sections and hard lines don't mean anything if the client doesn't like it cant style it or it isn't suitable and not what we wanted.
Why is the International Precision Cutting Championship so important in today's Professional Beauty environment?
The IPCC is a global competition and it gives people the opportunity to share there work, love and talent to the world. Yes it is a competition but its more of a global celebration of amazing work. I love that some of the worlds most talented stylists will be giving education thought the year to help the contestants. It important for our industry because cutting is strips it all back right down to the technique, your ability and understanding with no real styling or colouring to alter the cut its so pure and i love that. Plus we have some AMAZING PRIZES FOR THE WINNER.
Do you remember when you first attempted a precision haircut? Tell us all about it!
The first few years of my career i had no idea really what i was doing i thought i was good and my cuts looked ok. But when i went to work at Sassoon I went into the training program and someone teaching me who really understood how everything you do has an exact reaction. It blew me away. I remember leaving work that night going straight home to tell my mum i wasn't going back there was no way i could ever cut like that haha. She talked me into going back we decided to give it a week and if i still felt the same i would quit. A week later i was hooked and knew if i showed up everyday and practiced over and over i could do it. I wanted to see how far i could push myself. It certainly wasn't easy but professionally one of the best thing ive done.
Where would you suggest Hair Nerds get education for precision cutting?
There are so many amazing educators and companies. For sure my company Elevation H. We specialise in training Apprenticeship programs for salons and technical training programs for schools. I think DJ Muldoon is an amazing educator so him for sure. Dove Palmer is out of the UK he is amazing. Also i work with Hattori Hanzo they do hundreds of cutting classes nationwide that is for sure worth checking out plus Hanzo's education team is full of amazing talent. (your education info + someone else's education you love)
Precision haircuts... trendy or timeless?
Love this question. I think its everything its trendy its classic its timeless it just is. I guess if we are thinking about the traditional look with heavy strong shapes and more structured looks then id say its not necessarily on trend right now but again for me if you are creating something soft or looser, even using texturising shear or dry cutting if the result is exactly what we intended thats precise. (and why)
What advice would you give someone that isn't feeling confident enough to learn precision cutting?
If its something you want to learn or get better at find an educator that suits the way you learn or matches your personality. We have access to so much content and so many ways to connect with people all over the world. Thats another reason why the IPCC Is so great it could introduce you to your new favourite educator.
In a world of long layers and balayage, where do precision cuts fit in?
I for sure think cutting is on ice a little in the salon because colouring and extensions are so popular. Even if you are just trimming the hair make it the best trim, offer new ideas to every client. To be able to do that it comes from confidence and confidence comes from understanding. As for trends it always comes back around so being confident with stronger looks or shorter hair will give you an advantage when the trend changes.
Where can people stalk you?
@_cole_thompson on instagram or @elevationH