What do you love most about what you do?
CAM: To me, it’s not just hair—it’s never just hair. It’s a form of expression and something that makes someone feel good about themselves. Ultimately, if your hair doesn’t look good, you don’t feel good.
What’s your favorite men’s hairstyle?
CAM: I like a standard clean-cut—a 0 or 2. I specialize in flat tops, but I’m a motocross mom and love a good mullet.
How long should someone go between haircuts?
CAM: It usually depends on the length and cut of the hair. Typically, 3 to 3 1/2 weeks is the standard but I have some clients who will wait as long as five and as short as 2 weeks!
What styling advice do you have for someone who doesn’t have time to style?
CAM: “Small Talk” from TIGI is the perfect styling product to control frizz and shine. Just run it through your hair and fingerstyle. It has memory, so at the end of the work day just put water in your hands to change the style. It’s an easy desk-to-drinks product.
Are there any styling tips to feel younger?
CAM: Gray blending keeps the hair shorter so the grays don’t come out as much. Always try different products, too. Fine hair loss is something many of my clients face and the one mistake a lot of men make is using shiny products. This can reflect off the skin and make thinning hair more obvious, so I highly recommend matte products like a dry or texture paste to give the illusion of fuller hair. This also helps camouflage hair loss. I like Reuzel for texture and dry shampoo by Mitch is a great product.
What new trends or classic styles are making a comeback?
CAM: Mullets and perms. The ’80s & ’90s are coming back with a vengeance and I’m here for it! But the classic 1920s side part is always a safe style that is here to stay. I have yet to do a flat-top mullet though, so if anyone is interested in experimenting…
What inspired you to become a hairstylist?
RAUL: I remember going to get haircuts and always asking the barber how to do things. At the age of 14, I started to cut my friends’ hair and started to get really good at it which helped me turn it into a career.
How do you determine the right style for your clients?
RAUL: It depends on their daily life and what they like…I’m here for you!
What’s your favorite men’s hairstyle?
RAUL: My personal style for men’s haircuts is a low fade with some length on top. It’s something clean and universal; you can style it in any way.
What new trends or classic styles are making a comeback?
RAUL: I get a lot of requests for gentlemen’s cuts, fades, tapers…a clean cut. I’m definitely seeing the mullet come back. With a little mix to it for sure—a nice tight blend.
What advice would you give for styling straight hair, wavy hair, or curly hair?
RAUL: For straight hair, I would recommend a shorter fade and short top.
For someone with wavy hair, something like a messy look but clean.
With curly hair, a taper is ideal so we can leave some of those nice natural curls.
How about for someone that doesn’t have a lot of time?
RAUL: If you don’t have time or want to get up and go without doing anything or do the bare minimum to hair, go with a high and tight fade with 2-4 on top.
Any recommendations on styling products that you really like and typically use?
RAUL: I really like Suavacito Pomade for men’s hair.
Any suggestions for someone looking to make a good impression: an important business meeting or interview, a first date, etc.
RAUL: I would say for any good first impression, look clean and presentable and do what makes you feel good.
What do you love most about what you do?
RAUL: For me, it’s the relationships I build with my clients as a barber. We create great bonds that turn into strong friendships and I love that a lot.
Cam and Raul can be found at Image Studios Thornton near Grant and 136th.
Visit: imagestudios360.com/thornton to book an appointment.
