Iles Formula Hair Talk

We welcome hair artist Rory Calasse from Sydney, Australia to this month's Hair Talk.

Social Media: @rory_studiomusehair

Website:  studiomuse.com.au

Rory Calasse: I started my career in 2001 in Western Australia before moving to Sydney in 2014. This move was to further pursue a multifaceted career in both salon, editorial work, as well as in an educational role. Extending my portfolio, I joined a freelance team working in both press and screen as well as creating beautiful hair in a new salon space.

1. What would you term as your specialty within your trade?

I focus on keeping the integrity of the hair with gentle lifted brunettes and naturalized blondes. I love to stay relevant with trends while also staying true to myself by forging my own path. I love all things luxe, beautiful and glowing while being fashion-minded.

2. What’s the most enjoyable part of your job?

My approach to hairstyling is deeply rooted in the belief that healthy hair is the ultimate expression of beauty. I am committed to crafting hairstyles that not only enhance, but bring out the unique beauty within each of my guests.

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

To be honest, it was never something on my radar. I studied dance for 14 years but decided after all that time, I didn’t what to pursue dance any further. At a crossroad, it was suggested to me to that I would be good at hairdressing. I was fortunate enough to secure an apprenticeship at one of the most reputable, but controversial, salons in Western Australia at the time. The salon pushed us creatively and really focused on the nuances of what being a great hairdresser means.

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

Well as I said, I studied to be a dancer but I also wanted to be a chef. I guess something creative was always in my future. I would have loved to have owned a cafe that plays live music. Who knows what the future holds.

5. What is your greatest strength? 

I lead with honesty and integrity. I respect the person in my chair and really take my time and listen to their needs. My wealth of knowledge I believe helps to guide them in the right path and they gain my trust.

6. Your favorite hairdressing tools?

I picked up my first YS Park brush in 2012 and the brand became my whole personality. I’m completely kitted out with all their tools and have now become an Australian Brand Ambassador.

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

Iles Formula really stood out to me from their packaging and the size of the collection. I thought ok, this brand clearly takes its time in perfecting what it has and delivers premium, conscious products. I love the clean minimalist packaging and design while what inside is so complex and well thought out. The smell really reflects all the thought placed into Iles Formula.

8.  What was the most challenging job you ever made?

Trying to stay motivated online!! Social Media is a whole other side of hairdressing that is ever evolving and keeping up with it is a real commitment. I get content fatigue but have to remind myself that as in life, you have to put out what you want to get back. The same applies with my chair. If I want to focus on the hair I want to create, I need to show the hair I want to create.

9. What was your worst hair moment and why, privately or on set/stage or in the salon?

A guest wasn’t taking my advice and in the stress of it all after a very lengthy consultation I went against my better judgment and just did the color she was pressuring me to do. Subsequently, there was excessive breakage, I was devastated and knew I should have trusted my gut. Never again. I would rather have a guest disappointed in not having their hair done than be disappointed in their hair.

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

This is the hardest question!! I would love to style Charli XCX. I love her natural texture but also how beautiful it looks all smooth and polished. Her fashion is always incredible and really resonates with me. Plus, I’ll always be a BRAT.

11. Where do you pull hair inspiration from?

I love seeing what artists in the music industry are doing. I think their music, fashion and hairstyles, all come together to create what is uniquely them. It’s funny though because what inspires me isn’t essentially what I create but it does fuel my creativity.

12. Your advice to young hairdressers starting out?

Take the time to put in the work. Being a successful hairdresser is a long game. Absorb everything, say yes but also remember your worth.