Interview w/ Angus Mitchell! & Red Cross Relief for Joplin

I was given the unique opportunity to interview some serious hair royalty this past weekend. And what's better than picking the brain of a man who was born and bred to just know good hair? Being a part of something truly important in the process.

The Angus Mitchell Salon in Beverly Hills hosted a ‘Tornado Relief Cut-A-Thon’ where all proceeds from every hair cut, all day long, went to The American Red Cross' relief efforts for Joplin, Missouri and the recent tornadoes that devastated so many.

I was so honored to be there. Sometimes we forget to take a look around us, and realize just how lucky we are.  And as much as Fashion, Beauty, and Art are at the core of what inspires me... (Dress I'm wearing? 1960's Vintage Redesign. Belt? A $3 beaut I grabbed on the way to the event!) I'm most fulfilled when I'm a part of something that makes a difference.

And a difference, indeed, is what Angus Mitchell is all about. The fundraiser itself was taking place because an employee at his salon informed him that his family's home was destroyed this past May by the deadliest tornado in American History.

So off to work he went! Leave it to Angus to make this an opportunity to change lives. I can't say enough good things about this man and this organization.

And how cool was it that Angus and the gang let me peek in on all of the fun?

It was a massive success and so much fun and I was at once inspired and reassured by the goodness in others and using your God-given talents for the greater good.

The salon is sleek and fun and fabulously stylish, just like the First Lady of Angus Mitchell hair.

I couldn't get over how absolutely smitten Angus was by his wife. (Well, she's a stunner, truth be told.) And when he was presented with a Proclamation from the City of Beverly Hills for charitable work, he couldn't hold tightly enough to his biggest supporter.

 And now.... a little Q & A from Mr. Mitchell himself...

Five Fast Facts about Angus Mitchell: 

1. He's the only son of the late Paul Mitchell and co owner of Paul Mitchell Systems.
2. As a kid he would hang out in his father's salon and used to race radio controlled cars between the chairs of some of Hollywood's elite, while the stylists tried to shoo him away. 
3. Like his father, who used to educate haircutters all over the world (with baby Angus in tow!) Angus hosts international seminars that inspire creativity through multi-media projects including photography, music, hair and fashion.
   
4. He initially moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting. 
5. He holds residency in Hawaii, California and New York. 

TD You are a true believer in not taking yourself too seriously, being quoted as saying "It's only hair!" ~ do you think that translates into what makes a beautiful hair cut and style? 
Mitchell No its quite the contrary. I believe the aloofness that "It is only hair" removes the uncertainty of when someone doesn't like their look. But through my meticulous mind as a hairdresser and educator, understanding hair texture and bone structure is only part of making a beautiful cut and style.  I also gain an understanding of the client's energy and personality before applying a look.  This is what I train the stylists at the Angus Mitchell Salon, and it is a true testament to professionalism. I value building confidence in my staff and team members in teaching them what I know: learn who the client is, what their lifestyle is, and what they are looking for. Is it relevant to them and their lives? We are always here to please our clients and create a look that is unique to the individual.


TD Do you have any embarrassing hair moments? (C'mon, you must! You're hair royalty, but we all have at least one!)

Mitchell When my wife made me get a Brazilian.

TD Do you think it's true that women over 30 shouldn't have hair past their shoulders?
Mitchell I strongly believe in individuality and that is what makes a person sexy. So no, I do not thing there is any set way as to how your hair should look at any age.  It is what best builds your confidence and makes you feel sexy and beautiful.  Nothing makes me feel more self satisfied in making a woman feel confidant and fulfilled with who they are by adding my signature with whatever style I create that makes it my own and unique.

TD What is your absolute favorite haircut or style on a woman?
Mitchell One that make them smile. If it doesn't make their feet come off the ground, I have not done my job.

TD Celebrity hair crush of the moment?
Mitchell My wife is a celebrity in my mind. My mom told me the secret to a successful marriage is not to cut your wife's hair. She wanted to chop 12 inches of her her hair off so I cut the ponytale that was donated to Locks of Love,  but then I insisted  and I allowed my art director at the Angus Mitchell salon, Julian Perlingiero, to finish the look.  He transformed her into a recognizable Victoria Beckham/Posh Spice so  I quickly asked him to make me look like David Beckham. Its often that we get stopped in the streets with people asking for autographs. Only kidding!

To learn more about how to help the victims of Joplin and other natural
disasters, please contact a local American Red Cross or visit www.RedCross.org.

For full story (& more pix!) on my vintage redesigned dress, visit Secondhand Star.com