Listening is the unsung hairdressing superpower, transforming client relationships, while fostering intuition and awareness in the hair artistry.
Authentic Beauty Concept’s Replenish Relaunch recently brought together renowned hairstylists Anna Cofone and Samantha Cusick. They engaged in a deeply insightful conversation about listening’s vital role within hair, creativity, and client relationships. Their dialogue explored the nuanced, often unspoken language of hair artistry, offering a thoughtful exploration into how presence, intuition, and awareness can truly transform creative outcomes. Ultimately, both stylists asserted that listening is The Unsung Hairdressing Superpower.
The Power of Listening
At the core of Sam and Anna’s discussion was the assertion that listening is the leading skill in their work. This involves more than just hearing what clients say; it means tuning into everything they do not say:
- Noticing body language, personal style, and emotional cues
- Interpreting subtle details: the client’s music preferences, wardrobe, and mannerisms
- Understanding when to honour the brief – and when to gently introduce something new, but always informed by what you have heard about your client
Creative Interpretation and Trust
Anna drew on her extensive career as a high-profile hair stylist for actresses, fashion designers, celebrities, and music stars. She emphasised the art of active, silent observation as a fundamental basis for building trust. Whether prepping for a high-stakes shoot, a client event, or an everyday look, it involves more than just technical execution; it means truly seeing the person in the chair. Samantha Cusick invited Anna to recount her experience crafting a Met Gala look for Margaret Qualley in just 45 minutes. This example demonstrates how deep listening and intuitive creativity can meet high-pressure moments. Anna stated, “Listening, and not just to spoken words, is how I know what to do.” This quote highlights emotional intelligence’s importance in fast-paced settings, especially when time is limited and impact must be immediate. Both artists agreed that learning to step back, pause, and create space is key. Consequently, this allows a client’s vision, lifestyle, and experiences to influence the hair created and answer their brief. Often, the best ideas emerge when patience replaces the pressure to act.
Key Takeaways:
- Listening is an active skill. It involves interpreting non-verbal cues, energy, and intention – not just words (and spoiler, it’s hair stylists unsung superpower).
- Unspoken details matter. A client’s music taste, fashion choices, confidence, life experiences and demeanour can reveal their vision more than they sometimes articulate.
- Trust is built in the quiet moments. Creating a sense of safety allows clients to open up – leading to more meaningful, collaborative work.
- Knowing when to pivot. The ability to read the room and gently introduce new ideas is as crucial as following the brief.
- Creativity requires space. Pausing and reflecting can be just as productive as action.
This session embodied the Authentic Beauty Concept ethos: slowing down, tuning in, and working with authenticity. In a fast-paced industry, Samantha Cusick and Anna Cofone reminded us that active listening remains the most powerful tool in any hair professional’s kit.