Iles Formula Hair Talk Featuring Gene Edwards

Iles Formula Hair Talk Featuring Gene Edwards, is this weeks spotlight.   Gene has been in the hairdressing Industry in Auckland, New Zealand for 22 years, spending the last 3 years working at OSCAR&CO as a Creative Stylist/Art Director. Before then he owned and manager his own salon. Working with the team at OSCAR&CO, he has been re-inspired into the Industry. In his short time working there, he has been nominated as part of the Salon Team of the Year, Editorial Stylist of the Year, as well as having the opportunity to work alongside many other stylists in New York Fashion Week last September. Gene says he thoroughly enjoys branching out into editorial work, inspiring other stylists and entering as many competitions as possible.

IF:  Tell us what you think is the biggest challenge in hairdressing today?

I think that we need more new aspiring leaders to inspire others in the industry.


IF:  What’s the most enjoyable part of your job?

Being creative and getting to do something new and different every day.

IF:  Why did you choose the path of hairdressing and was it easy to fall into this work?

I got into Hairdressing by accident, it wasn’t until I started that I realized what an exciting industry this was and how fulfilling it could be. It couldn’t have been easier to fall into this work, being creative and working with a diverse range of people.


IF:  If you had not made the decision to be a hairdresser what would you have been?

I wanted to be a Jeweler before I became a Hairdresser for the 3 dimensional art form.  

IF: What is your greatest strength as a man and as a hairdresser?

Getting to make people look and feel great about themselves.

IF:  Your favorite hairdressing tools?

My Brushes and Blow Dryer because they are the foundation of any every style.

IF:  Tell us  about your relationship with Iles Formula. How you discovered us and which formula is your favorite?

Iles Formula was introduced to me by Julie Fausett, who gave me some #3 Finishing Serum to sample and I fell in love with it, I had to get Iles Formula in the salon as soon as possible and #3 is still my favorite product.  

IF:  What was the most challenging job you ever made?

My most challenging job involved a fire alarm going off, 9 models and an hour and a half left to get them ready for catwalk. It wasn’t easy but I found out I work incredibly well under pressure.

IF:  What was your worst hair moment and why….privately or on set or in the salon?  

Discussing with a client who was under stress and losing her hair, that she may have stress related alopecia.

IF:  If you could style anyone's hair, who would it be and why?

I don’t have anyone in particular I want to style. I just like styling hair, who it is isn’t so important to me.

IF:  Where do you pull  hair inspiration from?

I get the most inspiration from my colleagues, from young apprentices right through to working with the Cutler team at NYFW.

IF:  Your advice to young hairdressers starting out?

Listen, the most powerful tool a hairdresser has is to really listen to clients, colleagues, educators and our inspirational industry leaders. Every bit of knowledge you can get will mold you into a great hairdresser. Learn the art of a good consultation.

IF:  Thank you Gene for sharing with all of us!