In beauty circles, the name "Sam Villa" is synonymous with education. The co-founder and chief creative officer of the Sam Villa brand of professional tools and trainings, and global artistic ambassador for Redken, Villa stands firm that education is the key to success in the beauty industry.
In the lead-up to headlining the all-star education lineup at the International Beauty Show in New York this March 3-5, the industry icon and North American Hairstyling Awards' 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award honoree shares his perspective on how to stay relevant in an ever-changing world.
What inspires you?
I love common creative environments — such as museums, galleries, cultures, streets, music, and fashion — yet a big source of motivation for me is human interaction. Just having conversations with friends or colleagues can trigger new ideas, challenge my perception, and ignite a creative flame. Listening to different opinions, experiences, and perspectives drives me to explore new ideas … places, platforms.
I enjoy networking and collaborating with other hair professionals as a source of inspiration, as they push my boundaries. I believe the pursuit of knowledge leads to inspiration. Another huge source is social media platforms.
Keep an open eye and mind and remain receptive and open to everything around you, as inspiration is found in unexpected and surprising ways.
Can you share a moment where you knew you made an impact on a student’s learning?
Understanding the impact I have on hairdressers was felt deeply when I was honored to be the recipient of the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award.
Awards represent achievement, and to an extent they show more about who you are as a person because they show desire, ambitions, goals, and accomplishment. For an industry that has given me life in my career, it was an honor for that same industry to give tribute to my achievements. It was a very impactful and meaningful moment in my life.
Whenever a student or colleague comes up and thanks me for teaching them something, it’s the biggest compliment. Over the years people have asked why I do what I do, and the answer is, I’m proud to be a teacher focused on growing hairdressers.
What’s unique about your teaching style?
I’m kind of like the hairdresser’s hairdresser. It’s been said that stylists can go to a class of mine and always walk away with a learning experience and info immediately applicable for behind the chair.
My teaching style is learner focused. I listen to what the learner needs, keeping it interactive and understanding that voice and body speak louder than words.
Simplicity is today’s brilliance. I love taking complex concepts and breaking them down into understandable actionable steps.
I do love taking an innovative approach. I just simplify the concept so it can be understood. If the learner understands the “why,” it makes the “how” so much easier.
What is your educational focus for the next couple of months?
I want to awaken the fundamentals of hybrid cutting.
Hybrid cutting is incorporating discipline with compressed cutting — working smaller sections in some areas and larger sections in others. We’ve had a lot of focus on texture; we’re now heading in the direction of precision, yet not letting go of innovative ways of layering hair.
We’re discovering new ways of cutting layers from short to long. Layers are getting longer and growing out, so maintaining shape will be important in months to come.
I’m looking forward to heading the International Beauty Show - New York to expand on the below signature tips:
- Detaching the crown area from the underneath will enhance volume in the crown.
- Undercutting the side area and back area will narrow a shape.
- Cutting short to long layers to maintain length, yet with volume and movement.
If you were stranded on a deserted island (where beauty and fashion reigned supreme), what one tool you would bring?
A pair of shears would be very useful for grooming and any crafting tasks. I could make accessories or carve other survival tools. Imagine an island with a sense of self-care and style with just a pair of scissors!
Tell us something about yourself we don’t already know.
After graduating beauty school, I started to work in a salon, yet I discovered I wanted to go back to college and take fashion design courses.
I’ve always had a passion for fashion and a love for the art of design. This was another career that fascinated me, as a fashion designer is also able to bring their ideas to life. Having the ability to influence and impact the way people dress and present themselves, to contribute to their self-expression, was interesting to me.
But when I got to the sewing part, I lost interest — yet walked away understanding how to cut fabric on the bias. And guess what? Years later I’m standing on a stage, talking about how to cut layers on the bias!
Share a moment where another educator made an impact on you.
So many educators have impacted my career in numerous ways.
I remember attending a show in San Francisco and watching a team by the name of Toni and Guy and a specific artist, Anthony Mascolo, caught my attention. He was using hair as the fabric to weave stunning hats. That moment fostered a sense of enthusiasm and dedication as Anthony inspired me to see how hairdressers can uplift and empower each other and shape the creativity and the experiences of students — and an audience — in profound ways.
Sam Villa will be at the International Beauty Show in New York March 3-5 to teach the techniques and foundations driving 2024 haircutting trends, as well as a master cutting class teaching several haircuts of all lengths. Register for IBS-NY 2024 here.