Iles Formula Hair Talk with Capriece Batchelor

Capriece Batchelor is the visionary behind The COH Salon and a Master Stylist. He is at his best when he is taking care of people. Throughout his 28 year career, he has developed the perfect intersection of service, artistry and attention to detail. TONY&GUY trained, Capriece's clients seek him out for his ability to fearlessly execute even the most creative cuts and styles with confidence.

See more of Capriece's works at @caprieceb
The COH Salon @thecohsalon

 

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

I think that one of the main challenges we’re facing is the role social media plays in the industry. The influence technology has on us blurs the lines between reality and fiction. This sets a lot of people up for disappointment or unmet expectations. Part of our job is to stay educated and be in the know so that we can keep them informed and maintain their trust and loyalty to us and our expertise.

 

 

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

Honestly, just doing something that I’m good at while being surrounded by amazing and interesting people every single day. It never gets old.

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

I’d say hairdressing chose me. Being unable to afford a proper haircut as a teen, I began experimenting with cutting my own hair as well as my little brother's hair. After a few failed attempts, it began to click and within a year I had clients making appointments to see me in my basement studio at my house. I printed up business cards and began promoting myself at school and 28 years later I’m still at it.

 

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

 

I would have been a chef because I love to cook and entertain guests and love to do it often. Or a musician, I played trumpet for 8 years then got into DJing and music production for years when I wasn’t behind the chair. Those are my other passions and would have definitely gone down one of those paths had hair not worked out.

IF: What is your greatest strength?

I would say that my greatest strength is my ability to listen and really understand where people are coming from which informs me of where there willing to go. I think that being a good listener can be the greatest strength in any situation, career and relationships included.

 

IF: Your favorite hairdressing tools?

My Mizutani ACRO TYPE Z1 and PUFFIN shears, YS Park cutting combs and YS Park boar bristle styling brushes.

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

I fell in love with Iles Formula the first time I saw it on Instagram. What they stand for and being a small, independent boutique line with ethical business practices were key in my decision to carry them in my salon. When we all got to work with Wendy she made us all passionate believers in her product. Now I can’t get enough of the Finishing Serum for all my blowout styles!

 

 

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

I’d say taking on the role of salon owner while simultaneously keeping up with the demands of being a fully booked stylist. I had to strike a balance so I made some modifications to my schedule and cut down on the amount of hours I’m behind the chair. I want to keep the integrity in all that I do so striking a balance has been beneficial to me as well as my work.

 

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

My worst hair moment was getting asked to work fashion week LA and the lead artist was super controlling and ended up taking down everyone's hairstyles that she didn’t approve of and redoing them while criticizing us all. We were essentially just standing around and being talked at and belittled because she couldn’t get over herself and most of us were not able to express ourselves on our models, which is why we were asked to work the event in the first place.

 

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

Zendaya! She is a rising star out of Oakland and is trailblazing an incredible career in film and the fashion industry. She has a very versatile look and can pull off any style effortlessly.

IF: Where do you pull hair inspiration from?

My creative process is pretty intuitive and I’m constantly taking style notes from art school students, creatives, older people who have great expressive style as well as everyday people. I’m constantly absorbing information via education, Instagram, magazines, music and through that exposure, I develop ideas and get inspired and that’s what informs my work.

 

IF: Your advice to young hairdressers starting out?

Respect the artistry and be humble because you are a student as well as a teacher. Our work is collaborative and isn’t about your ego. Many stylists can do a killer hairstyle but being able to listen, maintain a solid relationship all while executing amazing work is what will set you apart and take you further in your career.