Splitting Hairs with Izra Tradese

TQ:

What is the biggest mistake most men make when getting their haircuts?

Iz:

Going to a place because the girl is “hot”. This is not a qualifier for a good stylist. I would also say going on the cheap, too generic, or going to people who lack the ability to give you what you want. Spending a little more on a haircut is the difference between having hair that needs to be cut again in three weeks, and having a doo that you can grow into for a couple months. In the end, it's worth it to spend a little bit more to have someone accomplished cut your hair.

TQ:

What is the most popular cut you see on males these days?

Iz:

Something that has really come back into style the last six months is the prohibition cut. Otherwise known as the rockabilly. It's cropped on the sides and has good length on the top. It's the cut that Johnny Depp had in Cry Baby and you'll also see it on HBO’s Boardwalk Empire. You definitely have to have a little bit of charisma to pull it off and you have to put in the time to style it everyday.

TQ:

What advice do you give to men looking to maintain luscious flowing locks without having to buy all the girly products?

Iz:

MENSDEPT (Men’s Department) makes the best products on the market right now. The guys who founded and created American Crew had a no compete clause in place when they sold the company years ago and it expired just recently. They started MENSDEPT and are absolutely killing it. They push the envelope in every way possible with all their products. They have taken a very innovative yet masculine approach to hair care.

TQ:

Explain.

Iz:

They maxed out the amount of lime, peppermint and winter green oils the FDA would approve in their shampoo and conditioner. You know that tingling sensation you get when you use tea tree oil? Multiply that by 10. They have all the products you would possibly need to style your hair: two types of grooming cream, gel, clay, paste, and MICROTECH, which is incredible. The amount of volume and texture of your hair is proportionally controlled by the amount of MICROTECH you use. For most other products, the more you use, the more it will weigh your hair down and make it look flat.

TQ:

I’m the type of guy who is not going to style my hair the same when I’m in a board meeting, out on the town, or at church. Do you recommended a type of cut for guys looking for that diverse doo?

Iz:

I wouldn't say there is one specific cut, but for starters keeping a graduated front with texture and cropped sides will allow you to wear your hair however you want. Messy, parted, down, or even pomped if you want to get crazy.

TQ:

A lot of guys style their hair in the morning and are active all day, whether it be cruising around the office or at the gym. Do you recommend a product that will stay in your hair and not seep onto your face?

Iz:

My advice, use less product. This is also dependant on whether you are conditioning and shampooing properly. If you’re not, your hair won’t “take” the product. (Tip: try Bed Head Matte Seperation Wax)

TQ:

That leads into my next question. I’ve heard that washing your hair too much can damage it. How many times should a dude wash and condition his hair a week?

Iz:

Every other day or every two days. Shampoo naturally dries your hair out so you don't want to overdo it. Most guys shampoo everyday because they use product everyday and feel they have to wash it out. This damages your hair leaving it dry and unmalleable. The simple fix is rinsing the product out with warm water and then waiting to shampoo it the next day. If you feel you just HAVE to wash it everyday, substitute shampoo for conditioner on odd days. (Tip: use conditioner with sunflower seed oil once a week, it's 10 times stronger than other conditioners and will seal your hair from dirt and grease)

TQ:

Which cut do you see trending in the next 6 months to a year?

Iz:

You will see a lot less surfer/hockey hair and more classic looks. Mad Men is a perfect example. I fully expect that trend to continue. I’m going out on a limb here, but the more edgy style that I think will come back is the “Gumby ” (think Will.I.Am). Also, the 80’s hair styles in general will make their way back sooner than later.

TQ:

And finally, how do all the men reading this get that GQ hairstyle aka flow, salad, lettuce, etc?

Iz:

If you see a dude with a dope haircut ask him where he got it. It’s the same thing as asking a guy where he got his kicks or watch. It’s the best way to find a good haircut, hands down. Try something out of your comfort zone, you won't regret it.

*Izra Tradese is hair stylist for New York Fashion Week and is based out of Denver, CO. To book an appointment call 303.572.1133.