The Hairdresser Rock Star

Can a hairdresser change the world? It sounds like a stretch to suggest it, but the idea is the central premise in Vidal Sassoon: The Movie. I watched the documentary and can almost co-sign on Sassoon’s behalf. He was the Kobe Bryant of his profession, the greatest, most determined of his time.

I didn’t know who the man was before this movie and I think that is why the opening sequence was such a turn off for me. There he is, legendary Vidal Sassoon, looking like a baller at 80 years old, strutting across a bridge fashionable with his skinny trousers, leather jacket and scarf. He is shot in slow motion and in black and white while anonymous voices make hyperbolic statements about his career and legacy.

I wanted to hate on him right there, but I never got a chance. It turns out that Vidal Sassoon is the truth, a self-made man who worked hard to develop his own style and revolutionize his profession in the process. Basically, he changed the hairdressing game. He created new styles and methods, then he created the modern salon, then he created a salon school, then he created a visionary product line, and he hasn’t stopped since.

Along the way, he was also a brilliant spokesperson for his salons, products and industry. Vidal Sassoon: The Movie was actually produced by the head of a hair products company and former hair dresser, Michael Gordon. Gordon also produced a book about his hero to go with the movie. This might explain the obvious effort by the film to push Sassoon’s legend.

Still, the documentary has a lot of evidence to back up their boy, utilizing archival footage, period magazine spreads and newspaper articles, and present-day interviews. I especially liked watching footage from when Sassoon was at his creative peak in the 1960’s. Before him, women’s hair was always big and stiff from heavy product use. After him, it was short, free from product and shaped and angled asymmetrically to fit the face.

It was impressive to see Sassoon in action, selling his revolutionary ideas to the girls in his chair and chopping their long hair off. I am trying to sell my girlfriend on getting one of his creations right now, the five point cut, but I don’t know if that’s going to happen. The short hair styles look retro cool and European, and were featured in cool movies and magazines. I can understand the film’s assertion that his ideas influenced the culture of the day.

It was also nice that Sassoon himself took the time to share his story. Unlike greats in other professions, he is generous with the credit and secrets to his success. His voice sounds especially rich through the Living Room Theaters speakers. Sassoon has lived an epic life, from poor boy living in an orphanage, to serving as a messenger during World War II and as an enlisted soldier during the foundation of the state of Israel, to hairdresser rock star and business mogul.

Vidal Sassoon: The Movie is a great story and I give it a B+. It is a little biased, but produced very seriously and professionally.

The filmmakers were able to craft a complex story of Vidal Sassoon the man, provide historical context, and finally convince the viewer of his far-reaching impact. The photographs and footage were very strong. You can’t argue with the evidence in a closing segment, as the filmmakers provide photographs of models from Paris fashion week 2010 walking down a runway. They are rocking Sassoon’s five point cut, fresh and exciting as ever.