Iles Formula Hair Talk Featuring Robert Sugden of West Hollywood.

This week our Iles Formula Hair Talk Features  Robert Sugden. Read what Robert has to share about hairdressing  today and his favorite products and tools right now.   Robert began his career with Andy LeCompte Salon and is at present Colorist at Brighton Salon in Beverly Hills and also assists Celebrity colorist Steven Tapp at Salon Benjamin.




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

The biggest challenge that I have come across is social media presence within the hair industry. Nowadays a lot of people find their hairdresser through social media, they tend to check out how many followers, photos, and bloggers/celebs you have done before deciding to book with you.




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

Interacting with clients. I love sharing my favorite products and tool with my clients.

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

I have always been fascinated with beauty and glamour even as a child. It has so far been a great transition for me within this industry. I am blessed that I get to work with some of the best hairdressers in the world.  




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

I probably would have been a makeup artist or wardrobe stylist. Haha!  

IF:  What is your greatest strength?

My greatest strength is the gift of interacting and connecting with people.




IF:  Your favorite hairdressing tools?

I love the Parlux blow dryer, Harry Josh hot tools, and cricket combs. Oh, and my Sheila brush. All major life savers!




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

I discovered Iles Formula when I was assisting at Andy Lecompte. Wendy came in to talk about her product and gave a wonderful class. I found her passion for her line so incredible that I started to use it. I started getting clients asking me questions like “What did you use on my hair last time?”, “My hair felt amazing when I was here last.” I was so happy that clients noticed an actual change in their hair and that so many clients loved this product. My favorite product within in this line is the Finishing Serum and the Haute Performance Hair Mask.




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

I had to style a client for a wedding, I was so nervous and couldn’t seem to get rid of her frizz no matter what I put in her hair. Oh how I wish I had Iles Formula  Finishing Serum then.

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

I once mixed the wrong formula when I was assisting. I was so nervous and had to immediately rise our client. I thought for sure I was going to be fired. You live and you learn and I’m just living…..and learning!




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

Raquel Welch. I love glamour and elegance and she has both!




IF:  Where do you pull hair inspiration from?

I tend to look at old shoots from the 70’s and 80’s. I loved those eras.

IF:  Your advice to young hairdressers starting out?

Keep going! Not matter what, you’ll have amazing days and horrific days but it’s all worth it. If you’re working with a big client and they seem brutal towards you, wipe it off and have thick skin and remember it’s not always you. Lastly, in the words of one of my favorite PR moguls Kelly Cutrone, “If you have to cry go outside.”  




IF:  Thank you for sharing with us!